American thoughts

Around a month before departure, while operating in my normal, corn-fed Ohioan lifestyle- I noticed a delusion in myself. 

Driving around, watching around, I found myself in the thought: “that’s so American”. 

Islands of mulch, personal car garages, collectible charm bracelets. 

I’d think again: “compared to what?”. I’ve never been out of the country, so what’s the point of reference here?

While walking around my neighborhood, as I have multiple hundreds of times, I see evidence of people and their professions: their family food truck, their lawn or painting service, their children's toys, their various flags. While I've spent close to a lifetime around these houses, I've also become aware that I do not know nearly any of these people. 

As I pass by, they are mowing their lawn or walking their dog, and we may or may not exchange a wave or a gentle smile. But there is also a competing sense of obligation towards giving the other person privacy in order to maintain a stasis. There is something so weird about not acknowledging someone else's existence in the name of politeness. "That's so American". 

Maybe calling it delusion is a bit of a gimme- it’s probably more of an effect of anticipation or ingesting all of the information Peace Corps throws our way that has made me feel as though a part of me has already left. 

Soon, in about 8 days, I’ll bridge the gap between these realities. 

So, join me. I’ve surrendered four teeth and my car for it, you ought to come along. And be a part of Peace Corp Ecuador's Unibus 128- doing what *exactly*?

Let’s find out.

Nos vemos.

May 8th, 2023