The Value of a Dollar

Sometimes I think about home in San Francisco and reflect on my old spending habits. I might pick up a new hardback book for $24.95 or a CD for $16.95, and not give it much thought beyond that I really wanted it, or convinced myself, I just had to have it.

My perspective on the value of a dollar has changed greatly since then. I am a long way from Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Nordstrom's, Gump's, and anything remotely resembling a nice dining establishment. It is available in the capital, and I look forward to the occasional trips to the city to get my fix.

For the most part, I do not miss it. In fact, I rather enjoy the challenge of finding my way around the unavailability of consumer goods. The bamboo beds are good example. There is not much to pick from in the local markets except ugly aluminum framed beds with ghastly paint designs. The traditional wooden beds are overly ornate with red velvet headboards or carved hearts. The process of taking materials from the finca and creating a bed was almost as enjoyable as the bed itself. I do love the bed. It is a queen four-poster with netting draped from all sides and over the top. The bamboo is 5" in girth and so far, has held up during the many earthquakes.

Today, we harvested coconuts again. There are nearly 50 trees all bursting with fruit right now. They have to be picked and it is hard work. Evers spent half the day climbing trees and lowering coconuts down to Don Beto. They loaded 100 coconuts in the truck and headed off to the, "Coconut Man" in Santiago de Maria who sells them at the open market. When they came back, Don Beto handed me $25. Later this evening, Evers asked me for some topical cream for his chest. When I asked what was troubling him, he lifted his shirt and it was covered in a red blotchy rash. One of the hazards of climbing coconut trees.

I felt terrible. I almost wanted to rush and give him the $25. It seemed ridiculous to put so much effort into something for so little money. Of course, he wouldn't understand this. $25 is a weeks pay for him. And if I gave him the money, it would start all sorts of havoc with the other men. I just fussed over him instead. Made sure he put the cream on his chest, gave him some soup, and offered him his favorite drink, a can of Fresca. He had a big smile on his face and started talking about what he going to work on tomorrow.

This morning, I met up with Will Fenten, our local Peace Corp Volunteer. He has committed to teaching English at the small school here in Tecapan and enlisted me to come along today. I have agreed to fill in on the occasion that he is unable. The school has about 700 children and it is very crowded. All children in El Salvador wear school uniforms and the colors vary from town to town.

Will was a natural and had the kids riveted as we went through the alphabet. He combined learning with comical showmanship. At one point, a teacher came by to say we were making too much noise. Will speaks perfect Spanish, and I doubt that I will be able to do as good a job if the need arises. I suppose my class will resemble a total immersion of English and more laughter when the children hear my Spanish. But I am good sport, and laughter always brings people together.

The day before my son left, we stopped by a roadside market where a woman was selling birds. I fell in love with a small green parrot. Adam feeling the weight of my gloom over his leaving the next day, decided I needed something else to direct my affection at. He bought the bird. It did the trick. We name it Gracie and she has been a good little companion for me.

So far, I have taught her to say "hello." I heard Vigil trying to expand her vocabulary with less than acceptable Spanish. So far, she is not cooperating with him. Like my first rabbit, Winston, it is good to have my own pet that is not a part of the many animals roaming outside. Last night, Vigil walked into my room holding a newspaper with two dead baby rabbits. At first, I didn't know what I was looking at. He told me they had drowned in the trough. They had fallen in and could not climb out. I was upset and asked him why they filled it with so much water. I told him to go out and empty it so there was only a few inches of water and then place some boulders inside for steps. He thought it a good idea. I only shook my head and wondered why they didn't think of it in the first place.

This Sunday, the country will have a new president. I have been told it is dangerous for me to stay on the finca and I should spend the night away at friends. I have mulled it over for weeks and have decided to stay. I know I am stubborn, but I will not be scared away. I will have four men on duty that day instead of two, and I have invited the police department for morning coffee and pastries, and then again for a late lunch. It seems a simple concept that if you offer food, they will come. In return, I will have all the protection I need and everyone in town will know about it. Juana and I will shop on Saturday. She owes me a day, so I will have her come on Sunday morning to get things set up. For the $40 I will spend, it will give me peace of mind and most likely be a memorable day.

It has taken me many months to cultivate a good relationship with the chief of police. He is a serious looking man. I made a habit of waving to him for the past year every time I saw him regardless whether he acknowledged me or not.

 

A few weeks ago, I was finally rewarded with a surprise visit by him. He spent two hours on the finca walking around asking questions. I whispered to Juana to make some coffee and then presented him with two bags of the finca's coffee. He brightened up and then asked about the price of my rabbits. Evers told him they cost $6 each. He balked, and I quickly told him that for him, they were $4. With that, I received a big smile and a bone-crushing handshake. We are now good friends and always wave to each other.

Comments

[sumeet]

what do u need protection from?

- sumeet

[school_dubl]

Hi Merry Christmas and Happy New Year