Pranks from Afar. Muahaha.

8/August/2010

Last week I connected with home in a way I never even dreamt about. I just happened to be sitting at my favorite internet café all day last Thursday (never happens) between working out and teaching my nutrition class. I was chatting via skype with Jenn while she was at work. She had to go do a radio interview, so our conversation didn’t last long. I asked her if there was some way I could listen in, and she sent me the link so I could listen to it streaming live online. It was surprising that it even worked, because most video type sites aren’t available if you’re located outside the US. I listened in and it was so cool to hear her voice, her usual quick wit, and her slightly nervous laugh. I was looking at the radio schedule while I listened and came upon the phone number to call in. I thought nothing of it until I heard someone calling the program to stump Jenn (she was “Green Diva” answering questions about recycling on behalf of Earth 911, a recycling and product stewardship company (did you know you can donate hair clippings to be used to clean up oil spills?!)). So I thought to myself….and wondered if it would be crossing that personal/work line if I called in. Sometimes I forget what’s appropriate in the States and I cringe at having to relearn some social norms when I get back (it’s totally cool to spit inside someone’s house here, so when I get back, if I let that slip…sorry in advance). Anyways, I decided on a whim to call in. They picked up on the second ring! The lady that screened my call listened to my question. I didn’t know how long I’d have to wait for them to actually put me through (the clock way ticking away on my skype account). Then I heard “Green Diva” clarify my question to answer it. I was LIVE!! What? Who doesn’t screen radio calls from crazy people calling in to prank their friend from another country?! We talked like I was any other caller. They asked the callers name, and thereafter Jenn talked to “Julie” thinking nothing of it. Then they asked where “Julie” was calling from…”ummm…Nicaragua”. Commence the longest 3 seconds of dead air ever. Then everyone started laughing. Jenn played it totally cool and explained who I was and we talked a little bit about the troubles of attempting to recycle in Nicaragua. But really I know we both wanted to be like “Ohhh my gosh, we’re on the radio together, YAY!” I really did have a legit question…how do you recycle (#7) plastic like Nalgene bottles? The answer is you pretty much just have to repurpose them for something else. This call really made Jenn and my’s day. Completely random and hilarious.

This week some Americans are coming to my site to shake things up a little bit. An old high school friend of mine is coming down with some college age kids for a cultural exchange/service project here to Nicaragua. The last time I knew someone that just happened to be passing through Nicaragua was…..never. They motivated me to get my butt in gear and get my World Map project going asap so that they could participate when they come through this week. Some of the members of the group also have a partnership with an NGO called W.E.L.D. the World. This NGO wants to support me and my project, and also be involved in future projects in Nicaragua. I really, really enjoy when surprise opportunities just slap you in the face. This has given me new motivation, and it’s always exciting when I can supplement my schedule with something other than teaching English.