Cultural Training and Virginia Adventures

As many of you know, I have spent the past month doing cultural training in Virginia. There are many people here who are preparing to go to many different countries, so I have had diverse "cultural experiences," not just having to do with Asia (and I guess the earthquake today could count as one!).

First of all, this state is beautiful! Here is a view right outside where I'm staying:

Gorgeous, right? Virginia is so green! I'm hoping that some of the rain will make its way to Texas too. Also, I'm really enjoying the wild "Christmas trees" everywhere. I wish I could be here during Christmas time so I could decorate them.

In addition, there are TONS of cicadas here. Cicadas are sometimes called "locusts" in the south, but real locusts are in fact nasty giant grasshoppers. What we often call a locust (a big bug that sheds its shell) is actually a cicada. We've been finding shells all over the place, and when they emerge they're a really bright green! It's fascinating to watch them turn brown again within a matter of minutes once they emerge. Here's a nasty close-up picture for you:

This fella was trying to get into the door one night. He didn't succeed, but it was crazy watching him try. He was making so much noise banging against the windows, I seriously thought someone was knocking outside! I've also seen a giant moth the size of my fist. THAT was disgusting. Can you imagine squishing him? He had a big hairy body in between inches-long brown wings. *shudder*

In addition to some of nature's less desirable creatures, I have also seen some really cute ones! There are lots of chipmunks here, and it's fun to watch them scamper around. I also saw a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, the other day, but alas, he dove into his hole before I could get a good look at him. Here is a picture of his abode though:

And did I mention that in addition to all this lovely scenery, I have actually been broadening my global perspective? Why yes indeed! So far, I have learned songs in Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Ilocano, Burmese, Bahasa, and Hindi, and I have a lot more learning ahead. This week I am learning about Africa. In addition, I have eaten borscht for the first time (which was delicious!! I could eat it a lot more often), and also some food with meatballs and this salsa-like stuff that you use bread to pick up (not sure which region of the world it was from), and yesterday I had some really authentic-tasting Indian food! I also had to eat it with naan as opposed to a fork, and when that was gone I had to use my right hand to eat the rest! I think my hand still smells a bit like Indian spices even after multiple washings, but it's okay because it was so good.

And now, for the final cultural experience. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there is a squatty potty here:

The water pressure is a little too high, so I have to run away immediately after I flush it so the water doesn't shoot out at me! But you know, I have to get used to all different kinds of toilet experiences. I remember when I was in Tokyo, they had western-style toilets that if you hit a wrong button would shoot a jet of water...um..."upwards."

I think it really says something about the types of people who are here that every time I'm in the bathroom, the squatty is the first one to be occupied! People really want to broaden their horizons and are very open to new (maybe even uncomfortable to a western mind) experiences. 

I've also gone rock climbing! It was only my second time, so I'm not very good at it yet, but it was really fun! I will leave you with a couple of epic pictures that my friend Sara took, to give you the illusion that I am actually an awesome rock climber: