I COS’ed – Peace Corps parlance for successfully completing your two years of service. As of today I am no longer a United States Peace Corps Volunteer. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (although I am still out of the country until next Sunday).
My bedroom yesterday as I started packing
Wednesday was my last day in León as a Volunteer. I spent the day packing, because the new Volunteer, Coco, will be visiting and staying in my room starting on Sunday. In the evening I went to El Fortín of León with my site-mates, and then we had dinner together.
Site-mates (Hailee was busy but made it for dinner)
El Fortín was originally built as a defensive fort on a hill in the southern portion of León, but it was quickly converted into a prison. It remained a prison until July, 1979, when the Sandinistas took the fort to seize León. Many atrocities were committed here, and the victims as well as the victory are celebrated every year with a march up to the fort. In addition, the area is known for having the large public garbage dump, and many children and families leave nearby and pick through the trash for a living. However, the views from the hill are the absolute best that you can get in all of the city.
León, so big, yet so small
After our site-mate farewell dinner I went back home and continued packing.
On Thursday morning I headed to Managua for the final administrative close-out of my service and the ceremonial ringing of the bell, a Peace Corps tradition marking the end of your service.
On Thursday six of us rang the bell. The other three are extending their service, for periods ranging from two months to a full year. And the other eight of the original 17, they didn’t make it the whole time. They all had their reasons, but I will say that the remaining nine are very remarkable people – two PhD candidates, even more futures masters students, and each of them wicked good teachers and consultants. Dave, the older guy, rang the bell for the second time. He was a Volunteer in the 90’s in Belize, and he extended for a third year there.
Friday brought me to Granada where I got to talk with Coco, my replacement in León. And today I got on a bus at 2 AM and I am headed to Copán, Honduras, to soak in some more Mayan ruins. On Thursday I will be back in León to get my bags, and on Saturday night I am taking the red eye to Florida, back to the United States for good (for now).
When I fly out I will post more on my feelings and reflections, but for now I wanted to share the news.
Pingback: Honduras | Incidents of Travel