Tag: take care of yourself

JULY 29, BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

My Cusqueño (Cusco) organization volunteer days also stood out in the difference that our volunteering constantly centered on being a good role model. While people in Pisco held us in high regard for our hard work, it was no profound secret that we down-timed thoroughly as well. At this school in Cusco, however, it seemed that every moment was a teachable one. We would not just reprimand the misbehavior of the many children in our classes for picking on others, talking over others or some other improper behavior, but we would also follow up with a proper explanation of why the right behavior was necessary. We then could follow up with how the proper behavior met with the ethical standards promoted by the school. At least, this is how my perspective developed as I was working to properly carry out my assignments. Again, I compare this to PSF. Though rules were present there, we were not always apt to follow them. On the contrary, adherence at this volunteer gig seemed mandatory. A look, a scolding and a certain type of energy from the organizers carried a lot of weight. My closest three friends (also newbies) could speak to this as well. We all happened to stay in the designated volunteer hostel. Two of us shared a room.

I took my regulated cue directly from the volunteer leadership. You can read a little more about them in my previous post, Initiation to a Discreet Organization. Now, I agree that promoting good behavior and ethics and laying them out clearly does make complete sense. However, I think the expected execution contributed to a different level of exhaustion – different from the rewarding physical labor I had completed in Pisco. This proved especially true since some of our noble repetition didn’t always land in the children’s ears. We were engaging in quite the energy burn.

The inevitable strain extended past teaching to the way we followed guidelines such as classroom setup and outside activities – guidelines that were actually preferential etiquette rather than a set standard of ethics. I again was more accustomed to the grass roots stylings of PSF in which a variety of plans would still get us to the same successful outcomes.

We tried not to break with arbitrary protocols in Cusco – arbitrary protocols such as the way our smocks should be put away or the way we were expected to address every moment of children’s side chatter during assembly time. But dear goodness! “To err is human;” * Consequently, as in most circumstances, you finally learn the best way is to simply do your best and absolutely don’t worry as you’re learning and growing. Easier said than done, I know, but the simplest solution can often be truth. When we are done overanalyzing, there are some basic thoughts left standing there.

I still wholeheartedly support the organization’s higher mission. I just also happen to support doing your noble best. Do right by others all you can while taking care of yourself and notice how much more life falls into place.

Unfortunately for us, the rigid overarching expectations continued to spill over into our home. The place was also open for rent to non-volunteers but a significant number of us newer ones thought staying there made sense. A couple of long timers did as well but we had our distinctiveness and a bit of separation from them (a circumstance more by their design than ours. The overall mix of the space’s residents made for some interesting interactions. 

Our place was one of those open-air kind of dwellings behind a larger enclosed walled structure, keeping us safe from crime. Walking on to the terrace from our rooms meant overlooking the main downstairs open area and the ability to see across the way to other people’s closed-door rooms. The bathrooms and showers were shared. I wasn’t there a terrifically long time (not as long as I had stayed in Pisco) but I was there long enough to have several roommates, beginning with one from Canada and ending with one from the States like me. By now, I knew travelers mostly from Europe, but my close-knit group (at this time) turned into 3 people from the States, (including myself) and a dear English friend. Being with other US residents had become rare, something I found neither good nor bad, but a unique (and pretty cool) circumstance I hadn’t even imagined.

Thank goodness for Cusco nights and having our own additional outside activities. Good times and bonding in our resting place, of course, had its limitations. The computer/media room closed at about 10:00 pm, so good luck starting a 2-hour movie or winding down with friends. Don’t begin relaxing at the wrong time. We had to schedule just right if we planned on spending some quality time indoors and we decided we wanted to avoid admonishment altogether.

It was far easier to unwind by exploring the city, dancing, mingling, walking, touring, trying restaurants and more. Cusco is, after all, a magical city. The only downside was exposing ourselves to potential crimes that centered on theft, including muggings (depending on which areas we traveled and how late it was). Consequently, I could make a real case for the hostel working on encouraging more indoor activities. Yet, the sense remained that the school structure should mirror where we laid our heads. Whenever we would happen to return, around 6 a.m., 5 a.m., 3 a.m., 11:00 p.m., etc., we might spend a little time chatting in each other’s room but the quiet falling over us more so led to us retiring to our respective beds. (Of course, we also went out and returned periodically throughout the day as well).

Good on the founder’s objective – everything was designed to help one act right and stay safe. I also take an aside to give him much credit for the incredible design of the place both aesthetically and ecologically. I note this as much as I note my appreciation for his dedication to changing the lives of street and other neglected children.

We simply had to find our place in this atmosphere, as we too were dedicated to the children. We did. It wasn’t all that challenging to do. We learned our volunteer roles rather quickly, finding our inner rhythm to a majorly conservative vibe. Our friends reflected the world. We met up with locals and foreigners like ourselves. Outside of teaching, we became accustomed to getting to know many others who were visiting (typically from Argentina or Chile). We became well acquainted with 3 indigenous gentlemen. They gave us our Quechua names and taught us some wondrous practices.

There was much to do and learn in our home-away-from-home environment. I look back and I’m grateful again that Cusco days and nights made up another part of my physical and mental journey. I appreciate how my sickness there was only a near chronic cough compared to the upsetting feeling of Pisco belly. I cannot say it was appreciated in the moment (not at all romantic to have a coughing fit in the middle of a club or bar, though our Argentinian and Chilean dance partners didn’t seem to mind). I additionally can’t claim I appreciated a coughing fit or three when that notorious quiet fell over the hostel. Oh dear. Oh well. The experience is laughable now and little inconveniences have a way of making a person more gracious when they are no longer present.

Interestingly, we would even find ourselves invited to the homes of the leadership from time to time since we occasionally dined and danced with them as well. Just the same, my core group and I had found our own place within a reserved space. Tour guide welcomed but not always needed. I know I discovered a lot about myself and I suspect my posse did as well, though I can’t ultimately speak or write for them.

One more chapter – etched in my heart and memories for all my life long. Thank you for taking the time to share another part of the journey with me.

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Cassandra Johnson of RiskySafeTravels®

Credit for Image– picture by ramboldheiner from Pixabay

*”to err is human;…” – English Poet, Alexander Pope