Yesterday, a muchacho from my softball team came meandering up my trail to my house holding a large, white posterboard and a plastic bag with a folded-up world map. He came in and casually handed me the items, explaining to me as if I already knew, here are the materials you've been expecting.
Apparently I was supposed to help some girl who works at the banca (betting/gambling station) in the next town over draw a world map for some assignment for her university. Actually, "help" isn't a strong enough word. I was supposed to do the entire assignment for her. I was reassuredly told that my project partner had told me ages ago that I was to do this. I confusedly accepted the materials on the condition that she come up the next morning and I could help her. He replied, "of course, you can just start on it tonight and finish up with her." Now I was annoyed. "the project is due Saturday so (since I was leaving before to go to the capital) you'll have to get started right away."
I sent him away.
This morning at 8:30, the girl, who I've never even spoken to, comes waddling up my trail. "Americano! Have you finished!?" I responded with "are you kidding me?" I handed her the materials and told it was a lack of respect to just send up her stuff and expect me to do it, especially since I've don't know her at all. She was so confused that I was offended by this.
Me: "This is your project, you should do it"
Her: "What do you mean? Let's trace it"
Me: I suggested she divide the posterboard into a grid and transfer the map over square by square.
Her: I think I'll trace it.
Me: Well that certainly is the easiest way, as long as you don't mind ruining your map. And that way, you really don't need my help.
Her: Ok. I'll trace it. I heard there was someone in Higüero (next town over) who could do it for me (referring to Scott, another volunteer who I told this story to incredulously) but it's due really soon so I'll just do it myself.
[she leaves]
Este país.
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