Another lovely day in Lima.
The morning went as usual, and we just practiced the various forms of the subjunctive during classes at El Sol. However, I finally said "ingenieria" correctly so that was a bonus.
After classes, a group of us headed over to Manolo's. I ordered a chicken, tomato and mozzarella sandwich (which was served more in pizza form as it was completely covered in cheese), and it was a delicious. The best part were the churros though. That's right, I had my first ever churro (and second and a half) and it was one of the best things I have ever tasted. It was filled with dulce de leech then drenched in warm chocolate; utterly wonderful.
Once the bill was paid (taxes here are ridiculous), we did a bit of souvenir shopping. There's one two foot alpaca that I really want to bring home (it's 100 US dollars - completely worth it), but I just do not think it would fit in my suitcase.. Que pena :( Don't worry, I picked up other Peruvian novelties, and am still trying to figure out a method of bringing the alpaca back to America.
After shopping, we all got our mani-pedis. Well, the boys only got the pedis, but I guess they win since they had fish eat the dead skin off of their feet.
Finally, it was time for salsa classes. That's right, I'm basically a professional now. Just kidding, unlike Shakira, my hips do not exist, therefore I struggled, but you know, I struggled and emerged. Regardless, it was a blast and I can't wait to practice soon.
I headed home, had the dinner Ana Maria left out for me, and now I am trying to finish my blog before going out (when in Peru, amirite?!). So, hasta la pasta amigos.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Day Eighteen
I'd like to start out by saying that personally, I think today was a free day well spent.
I started the day in the usual manner and headed to El Sol. As usual, we worked on the subjunctive, specifically the past subjunctive. I still struggled to pronounce "ingenieria" which is rough as I have to say it every time I talk about my plans for the future and engineering in general. Although school proved to be interesting, the real fun began after classes.
A group of us headed over to Cafe La Paz for lunch. It was amazing, especially the tequenos. The eggplant sandwich was good too, it was just an overall good meal.
Once we were fed, we all piled into an Uber van and headed down to the beach. Here, we all put our names down on a list and waited patiently to be called. Luckily, I brought my Rubix cube to help the time pass. Finally, my name was called and I did it; I went paragliding. It was breathtaking; there are no words to describe how mesmerizing the ocean,coast and city looked from floating hundreds of feet above it. The best part, however, was the tricks the pilot did at the end. We twisted and turned as we sped through the air, and it honestly felt as though we were flying.
Never in my life would I have imagined that I would be paragliding in Peru, but now I can officially write it on my bucket list and check it off. (Side note: Paragliding in Peru sounds like a great title to a Magic Tree House book).
When we all finished our turns, we headed back home to relax and relish in the day's activities.
Adios!
I started the day in the usual manner and headed to El Sol. As usual, we worked on the subjunctive, specifically the past subjunctive. I still struggled to pronounce "ingenieria" which is rough as I have to say it every time I talk about my plans for the future and engineering in general. Although school proved to be interesting, the real fun began after classes.
A group of us headed over to Cafe La Paz for lunch. It was amazing, especially the tequenos. The eggplant sandwich was good too, it was just an overall good meal.
Once we were fed, we all piled into an Uber van and headed down to the beach. Here, we all put our names down on a list and waited patiently to be called. Luckily, I brought my Rubix cube to help the time pass. Finally, my name was called and I did it; I went paragliding. It was breathtaking; there are no words to describe how mesmerizing the ocean,coast and city looked from floating hundreds of feet above it. The best part, however, was the tricks the pilot did at the end. We twisted and turned as we sped through the air, and it honestly felt as though we were flying.
Never in my life would I have imagined that I would be paragliding in Peru, but now I can officially write it on my bucket list and check it off. (Side note: Paragliding in Peru sounds like a great title to a Magic Tree House book).
When we all finished our turns, we headed back home to relax and relish in the day's activities.
Adios!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Day Seventeen
Wow, halfway done already?!
Today, I went through the same morning routine as usual. At El Sol, we changed professors so now I have JuanCarlos for grammar and Diana for conversation. They are both amazing and hilarious, and surprisingly enough, make learning the subjunctive tolerable.
After school, we had a glorious gift: a free afternoon. To celebrate, a group of us went to Enano, which is a sandwich shop about a half hour walk away, but well worth it. If you ever get the chance to go, be sure to try the orange and strawberry juice.
In attempt to explore the city, a smaller group of us headed to Barranco. It was very artsy and provided the opportunity for a lot of pictures. Also, we made friends with a band that was playing on the lookout who helped us practice our Spanish. They even sang "La Bamba" for us.
When it was time to go back, we took the ambitious route and walked home along the beach. Although it turned out to be a lot longer than we anticipated, it was a beautiful journey with the waves crashing next to us. Ultimately, once we reached Parque Kennedy it was a unanimous decision that we all earned Pinkberry (banana froyo with brownies and chocolate sauce for me). Then, we shopped a bit, and even found Rubix cubes. As I was trying to teach Cati how to solve one, a woman asked to take our picture, and apparently her 15 year old son can solve one in 10 seconds. So not only is that interesting, but it provided us with another opportunity to practice Spanish.
To end our day, we headed home to eat and do homework, but returned to Barranco to celebrate the several birthdays within our group. All in all, it was quite an eventful, yet relaxing day.
Hasta la próxima vez!
Today, I went through the same morning routine as usual. At El Sol, we changed professors so now I have JuanCarlos for grammar and Diana for conversation. They are both amazing and hilarious, and surprisingly enough, make learning the subjunctive tolerable.
After school, we had a glorious gift: a free afternoon. To celebrate, a group of us went to Enano, which is a sandwich shop about a half hour walk away, but well worth it. If you ever get the chance to go, be sure to try the orange and strawberry juice.
In attempt to explore the city, a smaller group of us headed to Barranco. It was very artsy and provided the opportunity for a lot of pictures. Also, we made friends with a band that was playing on the lookout who helped us practice our Spanish. They even sang "La Bamba" for us.
When it was time to go back, we took the ambitious route and walked home along the beach. Although it turned out to be a lot longer than we anticipated, it was a beautiful journey with the waves crashing next to us. Ultimately, once we reached Parque Kennedy it was a unanimous decision that we all earned Pinkberry (banana froyo with brownies and chocolate sauce for me). Then, we shopped a bit, and even found Rubix cubes. As I was trying to teach Cati how to solve one, a woman asked to take our picture, and apparently her 15 year old son can solve one in 10 seconds. So not only is that interesting, but it provided us with another opportunity to practice Spanish.
To end our day, we headed home to eat and do homework, but returned to Barranco to celebrate the several birthdays within our group. All in all, it was quite an eventful, yet relaxing day.
Hasta la próxima vez!
Day Sixteen
I did not want to get up this morning, my bed was too warm and cozy. Nonetheless, I scraped myself up and tried to shower off the sleep, to no avail. I was running late so I quickly scarfed down my breakfast (a ham egg and cheese of course) while in the uber to Parque Kennedy.
Today, we took the Mirabus to Callo, which is the port area of Lima (just like Boston). In fact, it's the oldest port in South America. Call was a lot more cultured than Miraflores. Where Miraflores is very Americanized, Callo is arts with its brightly colored buildings and intricate murals, it was what I imagined Peru to look like. Overall, today's activities included the naval museum, a submarine tour and a tour of the military base. Unfortunately, the submarine was not yellow, but other than that, everything was great. Oh, and I even solved a Rubix's cube all on my own, so that was cool too!
At the end of the tour, I walked home from Parque Kennedy like always, but stopped at Viviendo first to get some snacks for the upcoming week. Although a few people are going out tonight, I am making the responsible decision to stay in and catch up on sleep so that I can be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for school tomorrow!
Hasta la próxima vez!
Today, we took the Mirabus to Callo, which is the port area of Lima (just like Boston). In fact, it's the oldest port in South America. Call was a lot more cultured than Miraflores. Where Miraflores is very Americanized, Callo is arts with its brightly colored buildings and intricate murals, it was what I imagined Peru to look like. Overall, today's activities included the naval museum, a submarine tour and a tour of the military base. Unfortunately, the submarine was not yellow, but other than that, everything was great. Oh, and I even solved a Rubix's cube all on my own, so that was cool too!
At the end of the tour, I walked home from Parque Kennedy like always, but stopped at Viviendo first to get some snacks for the upcoming week. Although a few people are going out tonight, I am making the responsible decision to stay in and catch up on sleep so that I can be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for school tomorrow!
Hasta la próxima vez!
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Day Fifteen
Today was just about the longest day yet. It started with a nice 4:15 am wake up call so I could do a bit of yoga before the 6 am bus ride. After getting all of my stuff together and uberring over to the bus, I got settled in and headed to Caral.
The trip to Caral was four hours, so I tried to sleep the best I could. When we got there, we had to walk twenty minutes to reach the site of the ruins, but it was worth it. To you, it may seem like we drove eight total hours in a car just to look at some sand, but it was so much more than that. Aside from Mesopotamia, Caral is one of the oldest civilizations, it is the oldest in South America. Knowing this made the ruins simply breathtaking, there are just no words to describe it.
We headed back on the bus and headed home, only stopping for lunch at a hotel (where we all dipped our feet in the pool). By the time we got back, it was already 8:30, but the night was just beginning. I had to go home, shower and change as the class was taking a field trip to a club in Barranco.
Before heading to Barranco, Natalie, Kelly and I went out for dinner and drinks, but don't worry, we made it on time for the 11:30 start time. The night started with a dance spectacular, and my personal favorite, the Marinela and Festejo (they actually lit each other on fire - it was wild). After the spectacular, we all got to dance, and I dazzled with the macarena.
Finally, it was time to leave so we could get up in time for Callo tomorrow.
Adios!
The trip to Caral was four hours, so I tried to sleep the best I could. When we got there, we had to walk twenty minutes to reach the site of the ruins, but it was worth it. To you, it may seem like we drove eight total hours in a car just to look at some sand, but it was so much more than that. Aside from Mesopotamia, Caral is one of the oldest civilizations, it is the oldest in South America. Knowing this made the ruins simply breathtaking, there are just no words to describe it.
We headed back on the bus and headed home, only stopping for lunch at a hotel (where we all dipped our feet in the pool). By the time we got back, it was already 8:30, but the night was just beginning. I had to go home, shower and change as the class was taking a field trip to a club in Barranco.
Before heading to Barranco, Natalie, Kelly and I went out for dinner and drinks, but don't worry, we made it on time for the 11:30 start time. The night started with a dance spectacular, and my personal favorite, the Marinela and Festejo (they actually lit each other on fire - it was wild). After the spectacular, we all got to dance, and I dazzled with the macarena.
Finally, it was time to leave so we could get up in time for Callo tomorrow.
Adios!
Friday, May 26, 2017
Day Fourteen
Two weeks already?!
Today was an early start at El Sol due to our weekly test, but I managed to get my Starbucks and arrive with five minutes to spare. The test was a review of the week's lessons on the subjunctive and imperative, so it was quite a breeze. Then, we continued to practice these topics in class, but we ended on the high note of learning the words to "Despacito."
We did not have conversation or history classes today, so during the break, a group of us went to the grocery store to pick up the finishing touches on our gifts. Then, we headed over to a vegan restaurant, the Jardin de Jasmine, where we ate some of the best food that we had in Peru so far. At 1:25, we headed over to the bus and took off to one of the poorer districts in Lima.
If I am being completely honest, I have never witnessed such poverty before. Trash lined the streets, dirty dogs scavenged for food amongst the litter and, it may just be the environmental engineer in me, but it seemed that all I could notice was the pollution. Regardless, when we arrived, all we could see were little, colorful shanties covering the mountains for miles. Nestled in to every crook and crannies, each of these wooded shacks housed a family and their abnormally large amount of pets. As were toured the town, we saw every thing from chickens to dogs to guinea pigs. Although these residents seemed to have next to nothing, the lovely woman who showed us around did not focus on what she lacked, but rather on what she had. She then proceeded to explain the strong sense of community housed in the town, and with that, how calm and relaxing it is to live there. I was left dumbfounded. Here I was, pondering how difficult it must be to raise a baby in such conditions, when I should have understood that in this case, the village is truly raising the child. This trip has opened my eyes to the true meaning of happiness and pride in one's culture, and I have realized it is often those who have the least material goods that have the most positive spirits.
After our tour, we were matched up with our buddies. Although I was anticipating and prepared for a three year old boy named Fedricio, I was matched with nine year old Isaac. I felt terrible handing Isaac his gift filled with baby toys, for which I know he had no desire, but he showed me the utmost respect and thanked me profusely. I wish I could have actually bought him stuff that he would have liked and wanted aside from the cookies and candy, I feel terrible as if I have let him down. however, he remained high in spirits and ran around with a soccer ball as his friends chased him. It was breathtaking to look around and see how much fun the kids were having, if only we could have stayed longer.
Eventually, we all did get on the bus and headed home where we all prepped for Caral tomorrow!
Today was an early start at El Sol due to our weekly test, but I managed to get my Starbucks and arrive with five minutes to spare. The test was a review of the week's lessons on the subjunctive and imperative, so it was quite a breeze. Then, we continued to practice these topics in class, but we ended on the high note of learning the words to "Despacito."
We did not have conversation or history classes today, so during the break, a group of us went to the grocery store to pick up the finishing touches on our gifts. Then, we headed over to a vegan restaurant, the Jardin de Jasmine, where we ate some of the best food that we had in Peru so far. At 1:25, we headed over to the bus and took off to one of the poorer districts in Lima.
If I am being completely honest, I have never witnessed such poverty before. Trash lined the streets, dirty dogs scavenged for food amongst the litter and, it may just be the environmental engineer in me, but it seemed that all I could notice was the pollution. Regardless, when we arrived, all we could see were little, colorful shanties covering the mountains for miles. Nestled in to every crook and crannies, each of these wooded shacks housed a family and their abnormally large amount of pets. As were toured the town, we saw every thing from chickens to dogs to guinea pigs. Although these residents seemed to have next to nothing, the lovely woman who showed us around did not focus on what she lacked, but rather on what she had. She then proceeded to explain the strong sense of community housed in the town, and with that, how calm and relaxing it is to live there. I was left dumbfounded. Here I was, pondering how difficult it must be to raise a baby in such conditions, when I should have understood that in this case, the village is truly raising the child. This trip has opened my eyes to the true meaning of happiness and pride in one's culture, and I have realized it is often those who have the least material goods that have the most positive spirits.
After our tour, we were matched up with our buddies. Although I was anticipating and prepared for a three year old boy named Fedricio, I was matched with nine year old Isaac. I felt terrible handing Isaac his gift filled with baby toys, for which I know he had no desire, but he showed me the utmost respect and thanked me profusely. I wish I could have actually bought him stuff that he would have liked and wanted aside from the cookies and candy, I feel terrible as if I have let him down. however, he remained high in spirits and ran around with a soccer ball as his friends chased him. It was breathtaking to look around and see how much fun the kids were having, if only we could have stayed longer.
Eventually, we all did get on the bus and headed home where we all prepped for Caral tomorrow!
Day Thirteen
Thirteen days gives me thirteen reasons why Peru is simply amazing, but right now I will just stick to why today was a great day.
I went through my usual morning routine, and even finished early enough to get Starbucks. At El Sol, we continued learning subjunctive and the imperative. In history, we finished up our unit about the Incas, then it was time for lunch.
Like we have all week, we headed to the Air Force school at one. The class I was assigned to today taught us about the various Peruvian traditions and important aspects of their culture. As always, their English was impressive, so much so that I made sure to accept the plethora of Facebook friend requests I received after meeting my group to ensure that we can stay in contact. We returned to the library and listened to a short presentation about Peruvian culture, then went to the auditorium for the final celebration.
It was honestly terribly sad to say goodbye to the students. They gave heartwarming speeches, and even though we knew them for a mere four days, it felt as though we have known them for years. Finally, we were treated to several performances, dances and songs, which were mesmerizing. The Air Force school should be proud to have such talented and wonderful students.
When we finally party ways with the school, we all headed to the Polvos Rosados in order to buy toys for the children tomorrow. I have a three year old boy so I bought bought a ball, a Pikachu stuffed animal and Lightning McQueen car.
All in all, it was a great day, which we celebrated in the most American of ways: with dinner at TGIFriday's on a Thursday night.
I went through my usual morning routine, and even finished early enough to get Starbucks. At El Sol, we continued learning subjunctive and the imperative. In history, we finished up our unit about the Incas, then it was time for lunch.
Like we have all week, we headed to the Air Force school at one. The class I was assigned to today taught us about the various Peruvian traditions and important aspects of their culture. As always, their English was impressive, so much so that I made sure to accept the plethora of Facebook friend requests I received after meeting my group to ensure that we can stay in contact. We returned to the library and listened to a short presentation about Peruvian culture, then went to the auditorium for the final celebration.
It was honestly terribly sad to say goodbye to the students. They gave heartwarming speeches, and even though we knew them for a mere four days, it felt as though we have known them for years. Finally, we were treated to several performances, dances and songs, which were mesmerizing. The Air Force school should be proud to have such talented and wonderful students.
When we finally party ways with the school, we all headed to the Polvos Rosados in order to buy toys for the children tomorrow. I have a three year old boy so I bought bought a ball, a Pikachu stuffed animal and Lightning McQueen car.
All in all, it was a great day, which we celebrated in the most American of ways: with dinner at TGIFriday's on a Thursday night.
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