Parcel Force

After a few weeks of extreme frustration, just when I was about to lose hope, I finally got notice that my packages from my mother and grandmother had arrived at the post office and were ready for me to collect them. The post system here is kind of ridiculous - I ended up dealing with this company called Parcel Force that seems to only deliver a package when it receives multiple messages inquiring about its whereabouts. This, of course, was after paying an enormous customs import tax on each parcel. My anger and frustration was compounded by the frequent texts, emails and phone calls from my mom expressing her own negative feelings about the situation. Alas, today I strolled down the road to the housing office and joyously lugged my two huge boxes back to my flat, up to my room, and tore them open like it was Christmas morning (or I imagine the feeling to be analogous). While I jumped around my room amidst my assorted imported items I reflected on how incredibly lucky I am to have such a loving and thoughtful family. I further reflected that I might have more shoes and purses here than I will ever need, but I am so incredibly happy about it.

I am also getting in touch with my inner tech geek and am really loving my IP and Technology class. It might even be my favorite? Who would have thought! We are learning all about internet regulation and amidst all the controversy about the US playing around with some new highly restrictive cyber legislation (see COICA) it is really interesting and relevant. I now have a decent idea of how the world wide web actually functions and the different ways governments can control a network's access to web content. I also had a long discussion after class with a girl from China that thinks the 'great firewall' of China is completely appropriate and that the government exists to control its populace in such ways. She says she doesn't mind having restricted access to information and that government censorship reflects Chinese values (i.e. that freedom is limited). I just can't get over how cool it is to be studying with individuals from all over the world and have the opportunity to casually discuss freedom of speech with students from Nigeria, China, Bangkok, Finland, France, Germany etc. all in one class taught by a professor from Peru.