IT’S ALL GREY SKIES FROM HERE ON OUT

Waiting for our van to arrive to go to Lima, I had very few expectations. Unlike many others, I didn’t exactly do much…or any research on Perú and its highlights. I found out I was leaving for Peace Corps in the middle of April, with about two months to prepare, so I was more concerned with what to do with Alphonse, my beloved Siamese. So each adventure has been like a toddler in the kitchen without those cabinet locks.

Riding into Lima was much like arriving at a crowded club, only instead of people, we found vehicles. Each car, combi, and truck was trying to find its space, hugging up next to one another to try and get to the bar. With great skill, our drivers dropped off the mounds of trainees and we found ourself in the big city for the first time after almost a month. I like many others busted out my fresh and fly clothing to impress the Limanites, and I was ready to see the sites, even though I didn’t know them.

I was not suprised to see the heavy influence of American cooperations, although somewhat differenct than other countries I’ve visited. Lots of Dunkin Donuts, Payless Shoes, and KFC.  The architecture was beautiful and stoic, definitely influenced from the Spanish conquest. I got to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time, and I would highly recommend Miraflores for a great tourist area. You will find a Cat Park if you are not fond of felines, and I will admit that I succame to my urge for good coffee and got an Americano at Starbcuks (I apologize for my weakness). 

Other than trying to get part of our group lost on the way back, I quite enjoyed Lima.  The constant grey sky could grow on me, and I would love to spend time lounging in various parks and plazas.

Daily Dinámica: Ask a stranger! Our language class has had to do this for numerous activities, even in Lima. All of them have been extremely helpful and some are even inquisitive about who you are and why you are in Peru.

BAJABAJABAJA

Each day all the trainees commute to the local training center, most are within walking distance, but not all. There are a select few that have the opportunity of getting a little advanced lesson in Peruvian public transport. Each morning, seven of us descend from the fog of our little pueblo cerrano and wait for the Combi (local term for bus) which to be quite honest is more reliable than that of my home town, even though it may take a minute or 45 for our #26 to pass by, the only one that braves the trek to our home away from home.

Now that the time has passed, I am strating to enjoy the “SUBE SUBE SUBE” being repeated by each passing red, blue, or green van. At first I did not understand why they were so eager for your support of the local bus system, I soon realized that one Sol actually gets you quite the ride. The “cobredor” or “ticket guy” always knows where the gringos are going and have no qualms with telling you there is plenty of room even though you can already see faces plastered to the windows.

I have gotten over my awkward first crotch thrown in my face as well as my beginning attempts to squeeze a backpack the size and weight of an eight year old  past four Peruvians while my circulation was being cut off by a lovely young school girl that didn’t have enough room to maneuver between myself, the grandma sitting down, and the window where her cheek was resting. Of course this backpack was still attached to my friend, who was vaccuum sealed into the middle of the bus between a large group of unfazed, half-sleeping passengers.

Daily Dinámica: Combi Twister is a great game to play with friends, you don’t even need a little wheel to tell you where to put legs and arms. Materials: A driver that is not too sure of how to shift gears and a busy time of day for bus traffic.

BUENA PINTA BUENA MANDARINA

So I reneged on my solemn and serious notion that I would not have a Blog, but here I am typing my first entry. What can I say, I have been in Peru for about a month now, and I just can't help but find something to write about almost every day, so for the benefit of those I love and cherish, I will attempt to capture those moments for you and let you know what is going on in my Peace Corps life.

I have been quite enjoying my new life as a gringo, which is quite different from being a guiri (the Spain word for gringo). Being an American here in Yanacoto, Chosica, and Santa Eulalia (my regular hot spots) is somewhat like being in a zoo and also like being a celebrity. Yes, I'm literally talking about signing autographs, and also getting relentless stares from the locals, which don't stop once you start staring back. Not that I am complaining, I think anyone that knows me would say I am never tired of the Lime Light.

So far most of the Peruvians have been more than great, although sometimes confused by my Murcian accent and my over use of vosotros (which I have to this day not been able to explain what that is to a Peruvian), I can recommend that everyone should come visit this beautiful country.

I have all the confidence that this feeling will ebb and flow during my two years of service, but I am enjoying the Honey Moon phase of my culture shock at this point.

Daily Dinámica: No need to ask your local Peruvian where the fruit is, just listen for "Buena piña, buena mandarina" coming from any loud speaker!