a little taste of freedom

Before I even got here, I was told that I would not be allowed to go anywhere by myself. I didn't really think about it at the time, but once I got here I understood why - even if I didn't like it. I am "geographically challenged" (Mara is laughing right now as she reads this) so thinking I could get anywhere and back initially seemed impossible. It is also very easy to be taken advantage of as a (white female) foreigner.

As the weeks went on, I learned the main roads (it's a small town) and because I've always learned my way around with landmarks, I began recognizing things like the circle roundabout with the statue, the big hotel with the pool, the backside of the public market, Jollibee and of course Guysano. Halfway  into my time here, I did ride home by myself on a few occasions (and from school on the days I taught). I had also gone into a store by myself a few times when running errands with staff trying to make the best use of our time.

I had several errands to run today and due to some staffing issues, Teresa decided to let me go by myself. Woo hoo! I had to take several different trykes and the bank is not within walking distance to Guysano (mall). Well, god was smiling down on me today because I had honest drivers who did not try to trick me with location or fare, and I did not get lost! I even got in and out of the Kodak store without waiting in line and as never happened before, their quote of "ready in an hour" was correct. My photos were waiting for me when I got back to the store.

Maybe I've been here long enough that the "just got here clueless foreigner" look has (almost) been wiped away...