Sister Rose de Lima

To my school chums: Remember Sister Rose de Lima?  She taught the 5th grade at Mission and we called her "the sponge" because she cried all the time?  We must have terrorized the poor soul - although I have no memory of us angels doing such a thing.  Anyway, today is a national holiday in Peru because Saint Rose de Lima was born in Lima and is now the patron saint of Peru and South America.  The city and government of Lima is closed today so while the Peruvian's are celebrating once again, we have a day off.  Actually, half a day off.  We all worked at the orphanage this morning.  They have 600 orphans from a day old to 18.  Many are siblings who were sent there after their parents were killed by the Peruvian terrorists.  They are darling of course and actually well cared for.

Besides constant celebrating the Peruvians kiss all the time.  Every time they greet someone, anyone, it's with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  I kind of like it.  Of course, us Americanos want to shake hands.  They have a kissing park with an annual competition and celebration of the longest kiss.  This huge statue shows the position.  Another good idea.

I've also noticed dogs everywhere.  Every local seems to have a dog and they're constantly walking them.  The dogs are often wearing a sweater (it's winter) and usually without a leash.  It's very cute.  And of course the obligatory sign in the park.

The food here is delicious and so fresh.  We watch guys drop off bags of local fruits and vegetables every morning at our hotel.  I had the famous ceviche for the first time last night.  Sliver thin fish fillets and octopus marinated in lime juice and herbs.  I can't believe that I ate the octopus in all it's glory but it was outstanding.  Fish is big here since we're right on the coast.  The other big thing and the national drink of Peru is  a Pisco Sour.  It's made from some kind of potent grape, lime juice, and a froth from egg whites.  They drink it for every celebration and, as I mentioned, that is all the time.  Even during our first morning at the university we were welcomed by the president and staff with Pisco Sours all around.  Everyone was really tipsy after.  It made for some amusing teaching.

The pride of Peru is a coffee harvested by a single farmer in the Andean mountains.  It won the top world prize for 2010.  Of course, I had to take some home but after searching the city discovered that it is for export only.  They're probably serving now it at your local Starbucks.  Nothing is sacred.
Hasta luego!

Peru, here I come

Well, not so fast.  My American flight was cancelled at the last minute but I did get on a LAN (Peruvian) flight and arrived only four hours late.

Now that I'm here I love Peru.  The people are great and they have a wonderful life style.  I'm staying in Miraflores in a homey colonial called Hostal Torreblanca. That's our neighborhood bird to the left.   Miraflores is a section of Lima that is right on the ocean - very nice.  It's winter in Peru now and a little chilly.  No one has heat (or air conditioning) in their buildings and  I froze by butt off until I could find a space heater.  That little guy is on night and day.
The accommodations are doable and the hotel staff is great.  I have a huge bottle of water in my room which I refill so you know I'm happy about that.  Have to have my water.   I forgot my hairbrush and blew out my hairdryer so I've had some interesting hair days.  To make matters worse I got a haircut before I left from someone new (not John!) and it's a little iffy.  As soon as I can buy my hat with the long tails from the Andes I'll wear that all the time and look just fine.
There are fifteen of us here from Global Volunteers - families and people by themselves.  Most of them are working at the orphanage and four of us are teaching English at the University at La Molina.  La Molina is an hour away from the hotel and we take a wild ride every morning and evening.  The traffic in Lima is the worst I have ever seen.  They fit as many cars as possible between the curbs (the lines mean nothing) and drive bumper to bumper with their hands on the horn.  If you are a pedestrian you take your life in your hands - the cars stop for no one.  We were a little worried  (freaked) the first few days; now we just don't look.
I'm working at La Molina with three women.  Maryann is a retired teacher from Baltimore.  She's really sweet but never stops talking.  And Mary is a retired school psychologist who wants to put a sexual tone on every topic.  She doesn't hear well and speaks softly - all slightly annoying.  I team teach with Diane, a young accountant from Wisconsin.  We've had a rough start learning to work together but we called a truce and now make do.  So you can see we are a strange group.  Minor start up problems until I can be more accepting - need more meditating!