Trying to describe a hot dog to someone who isn't from the US is probably one of the most difficult things ever. You can't really describe what's inside, you have a vague concept of what's on the outside, and you're haunted by visions that The Jungle gave you in high school. Telling those poor, unfamiliar people that you eat a strange piece of mysterious meat that is stuffed inside an intestine (theoretically) and that it really does taste good will just earn you strange looks. And no matter how much you insist that you like them and they're delicious, they will always be skeptical until they've tried one themselves. But not everyone is a hot dog person, I get that. They're not for everyone, but I'm a fan and others are too. Then add the fact that I'm from Rochester where we have white hot dogs and even people who are already aware of the wondrous hot dog still think I'm crazy. Because even though I know I like it and eating one is the right decision for me, anyone unfamiliar to the concept just can't understand. They might ask questions to try to understand, but words are inadequate.
A couple weeks ago when I was perusing (stalking) the page on the Snapshots that gives our bios, I came across one woman who had Newark, DE, listed as her hometown. Since that's where I am now for school, I sent her a message asking if she'd be interested in meeting up sometime because I'd love to have someone to talk to in person that understands. Don't get me wrong, my friends and family are great. They just don't fully get it. Explaining the process and trying to explain that there's so much I don't know about what Mongolia is going to be like is like trying to explain a hot dog. I know it's right and I really look forward to it (my first meal request every time I go home is a white hot - so good), but I just can't put it into words. Today Jenn and I met for coffee and it was so. nice. We had the same recruiter (James ♥) and it was nice to talk to someone who understands the magic of the pro discounts and that we really have no idea what's about to happen.
Really what it comes down to is that I'm really glad there's this whole Peace Corps community where I don't have to explain myself. We all have different backgrounds and bring different experiences in with us, but I'm glad I don't have to explain my feelings about "hot dogs" to you. Because I really like them.
That's why I'm so grateful for the Master's International program. I have 5 or 6 friends who are also all going through the same thing I am. Of course, then it's annoying when one of them gets an invitation and the rest of us are still waiiiitttinnngggg.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty jealous of that - if only I didn't have such nerdy specific interests because the programs I'd want aren't MI. Or Fellows.
ReplyDeleteWhen are you scheduled to leave? If you graduate this semester, I'd imagine a BBP is in your near future :)
I'm scheduled for July 2011 at the earliest. I was nominated in April 2009, so the BBP has been a long time coming.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that is a long time. Definitely a good thing you have all the other MI students to talk to (still jealous). I've seen some July invites trickling in, so there's a good chance you'll hear sometime soon :)
ReplyDeleteAshley, have you ever described a garbage plate to someone who has never been to Rochester? It's like explaining white hots, but you get the "ewww gross" response much more quickly. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter attempting white hots and getting a "wait, are they just moldy hot dogs?" I haven't even bothered with the deliciousness of garbage plates. Mainly because I like my garbage plate with white hots and a solid serving of Nick Tahoe's special sauce and ketchup on top and none of that makes sense outside of Rochester. mm mm good :)
ReplyDeleteIt was great to chat with you, too! I like the analogy (even though I'm a vegetarian...for now). I couldn't agree more that friends and family are wonderful, but I feel a greater sense of understanding and support from fellow invitees / nominees and RPCVs. I am still in awe that you are doing all of this a mere few days after graduating from college!! If you need help with anything (loading up your dorm room - whatever) let me know. I will definitely be in De that last week.
ReplyDeletePS - when I was a kid, I preferred my hot dogs cold - right out of the package, dipped in ketchup.