Friday, August 8, 2008

Life in Slow Motion

I have been in Paraguay since July 31 visiting my parents, friends and family. I want to record some of my thoughts spinning through my head as I am here living the moment:
+ Time seems to go so much slower here at home. Life is different. Although people have places to go, and things to do, the concept of time is so different. People are not running from place to place, they have time to slow down during the day and enjoy. What a simple concept but let´s be honest...how many of us really do that in our hectic and busy life in the States? I can only speak for myself and would admit that I have to conciously make time to slow down, and breath.
+ I left South America 7 years ago and have forgotten the concept of "salad dressing" consist of oil, vinegar and salt. what a healthy life!
+ Fruit. Fruit. Fruit. everywhere. inexpensive. Fruit salad, fresh fruit juices everywhere. Fruit heaven.
+ Music is such a huge part of our lives. At the end of the day, on the weekends, you would hear music coming from every direction. Nobody complains. Music is loud but is beautiful. It seems to pleases everybody´s taste.
+ Driving here? prepare yourself. Nightmare. It is a fact. What can I say?
+ I notice that here the concept of "break" at work is a chance to go and buy something from the fruit stand, or snack corner.
+ Gotta run to catch the bus. It´s tradition.
+ People are so much happier with so little.

And I would like to end it with that final point. Most countries in South America are third world countries and people appreciate life in a different way. Many of the most amazing technology don´t get here that fast so people have to be creative to do what they want to do. And I think that is the bottom line. When you have the basics, you use that creative side of your brain to come up with things that you would like to do or play. It is amazing to watch kids play here. A lot of them do not know about play stations or video games. They play games with rocks, marbles or just a ball. At recess time, they are playing games, creative games that they invent for themselves. It was truly a blessing to watch my 5 year old nephew at school. Life is sure different here. Life is good.

3 comments:

Amanda Villagómez said...

I am glad that you got to go on vacation to Paraguay to see your family! All of your comments remind me so much of Mexico too, except the salad dressing one. Enjoy the rest of your time there.

Mary Lee said...

Thank you for this snapshot-in-words!

Katie Dicesare said...

I loved reading your thoughts about home. I have to say I would love to experience life on slower track. I know when I slow down is when I appreciate the simple gifts I have been given. Glad you spent time with your family.