The Group

Updates!

- On Wednesday we piled 30 children and 5 adults into one small car, it was hilarious.  The kids laughed and sang songs-- really enjoyed being clumped into a trunk. It was a special field trip to visit another school,  where we watched a Spanish movie and  played soccer for a few hours.  On the way back we had to drive up a huge hill and the car was so loaded we just slid backwards down the hill, it was terrifying because to the left of us was an unrailed cliff. A few of us got out of the car and walked because it was never going to make it up with everyone in the vehicle. We made it back safe and sound-- no worries.  :)

- I got to teach a short English lesson-- the kids learned 1,2, and 3 in English and it was really cute to hear them try to pronounce the numbers.

- Yamperio, (a little rascal) head butted me because I stopped him from throwing yogurt at Melany. This kid is hilarious in the worst way. He'll be eating a crayon or garbage and he'll give you a look that says "I dare you. I dare you to tell me not to eat this".

- Living with 4 guys for a week has been....interesting! I'm glad that Lil is coming back tonight.

- I'm heading to Machu Picchu on Sunday for 3 days with a few buddies-- the trip includes mountain biking, zip lining and river rafting (in the jungle), so I'm super excited for some cool adventures! 

- Spanish class is going well and I am really learning a lot!

- I've been doing a lot of walking around Cusco and seeing different parts-- so many beautiful things to see. Yesterday we climbed a statue and it was a gorgeous view of the city! 

The School

Another Weekend

I am finally mostly recovered from my brief illness (which was just a bad cold!). Friday was a great day at the school and the kids were happy to see me again. One little boy,  Joseph, we nicknamed "little abuelo" (abuelo means grandfather) because he comes to school everyday with a colorful sweater vest, a white long sleeve shirt, and trousers with a belt. He walks around giggling and holding his belly (it's really hilarious) and pulls tissues out of his pockets when other kids are crying. He is the biggest sweetheart-- photos to come.

Friday we had a movie night and also went to a free salsa class at Mama Africa! That was really great, although salsa is hard work!

Saturday we went adventuring around town and for a hike! For lunch we went to one of Gabriella's political meetings which was interesting.

Yesterday there was a major thunder storm(first time since I've been here) and we went to cross keys to watch American football. American football is not exciting. 

Christo Blanco

Pizza Night

Lazy Days

Unfortunately for the last 3 days I've spent the majority of the day sleeping-- I'm pretty sick, which really isn't fun. I'm just glad that its just a bad cold when it could be so much worse. We went for a beautiful hike on Monday and it made me more sick and tired-- but the view was worth it!

Tomorrow I'll be going back to my placement-- finally! Nothing too exciting to talk about yet :)

The Plaza

Weekend!

This weekend has been quite eventful as I have switched houses (with a new family now). I'm now staying with Gabriella in a larger house with more people in it. This is because Sarah (my old roommate) is leaving soon, so they asked if I'd like to move somewhere else so I wouldn't be alone for 2 weeks. I'm also closer to my placement and with some of my other buddies.

On Saturday, Gabriella gave us a classic Peruvian BBQ experience! It was so delicious-- we had three different types of meat, a few types of potatoes and lots of other random Peruvian dishes. :)

We also went to some cool dance clubs and experienced Peruvian night life. It was loud and very busy. We ended up leaving pretty early because all of us were tired from a busy week. (The bars here stay open till 5am-- it's ridiculous! They never stop!) 

Today we went to the mall, which was odd because it felt like we were in America. (Lots of brand name stores and restaurants). There was a huge supermarket and I bought a few fresh mangoes. They were juicy and so sweet-- best mangoes I've ever had.

So now I've been here for a whole week and it feels like much longer than that! Everything has been great so far! Can't wait to tell you more later!

Love from,

Mel

Peru 101

Hola from Peru!

My first week has been an absolute blast!  I've already seen so many interesting things and met so many awesome people. Volunteering has been amazing and I love the kids.

I have learned:

1) Honking is the second language of Peru

2) How to get around successfully on the busses (they are sometimes packed so full that they leave the doors open so people can hang out of them)

3) To ignore the fact that they are staring at me-- yesterday on the bus, I was sitting down and a little girl just stood right in front of me staring straight at me, I said "hola" but she continued her blank expression for about 15 minutes.  (also, I haven't seen another red head since I left Edmonton)

4) Say yes to...mostly everything

5) Peruvians love soup-- this is an issue for me

6) Never ever ever try to have a shower on a cold day because it leaves you with wet cold hair all day (plus the showers here are like a repetitive ice bucket challenge)

7) Drink water all day, every day 

8) Peruvian food is delicious. I haven't spoken too much about the interesting food I've tried yet. So here are so some examples...

• Cauliflower encased in an egg covering
• Soup with who knows what in it 
• Avocado sandwiches (bread + a whole avocado) 
• Avocado omlette
• Hot cinnamon milk 
• Many different types of potatoes
• Alpaca 
• Empanadas of all kinds
• Creamy cinnamon rice
• Broccoli pancakes 
• Baked chicken
• Chocolate cake with something weird in it
• Peruvian donuts (they aren't your tim hortons that's for sure)
• Curried potatoes with cabbage

I must make a note of the fact that over half of the time I have no idea what it is I'm eating!  The soup was the only disgusting thing, but I ate it anyway as she made it just for me (It would be an insult to her if I didn't).

Hasta Luego!

Ketchup and Mustard Machine

Every morning I take the bus that tourists call the "ketchup and mustard machine" (aka C4M)
-- see photo below:

Bonita!

Lil and I wearing colorful clothes by force.  (the lady loved us and wanted us to take a picture in them)

Question Period

My lovely sister sent me a number of questions that I wanted to talk about here! If you have any, email me or leave them in the comments!

1- what is the temperature like? 

It is freezing in the early morning and at night. I wear a sweater in the evening when walking around, the sun sets very early! During the day it is usually quite hot and sunny, sometimes with a bit of rain (it's warm rain).

2 - what is in an empanada?

Picture a pizza pocket (yea, the gross ones you had in grade school). These ones are made from handmade fluffy pastry. The inside consists of either cheese, chicken, vegetables or beef--or a combination. They are pretty big and at a place right by my house they are 2 soles (less than a dollar)

3 - has duolingo helped you understand any spanish at all? or does it sound completely different? 

When I arrived it seemed like everything I learned before I left vanished. Now I'm really learning a lot, because of my spanish lessons which are great! Also I'm in a pre-school everyday and learning lots from the kids. They teach my words in spanish and I teach them in English.

4 - did you forget anything? 

I forgot to have Tim hortons before I left. I miss the bagels, the bagels here are nothing like Canadian bagels.

No major items were forgotten,  thankfully.

5 -  what is the pricing like there... say for a bottle of beer...or a banana...or a meal?

Last night we found an Indian restaurant and the buffet was 15 soles per person, which is about $6 Canadian. A meal ranges anywhere from $1 to $10.. but usually they are around $3 (depends where you go). Snacks and drinks(soda or water) range from 25 cents to $1.50. Two nights ago we went to a hostel pub and alcoholic drinks were cheap. They do not measure them anywhere so you don't really know how much they put in your margarita or other cocktail.  I ordered a shot of tequila with some of my buddies and it was a 2.5 ounce shot glass, and I couldn't do it! This tequila cost around $2. Beer is around $2-$5 depending on what kind and where you go. The bus is 70 sentimos which is less than 40 cents.

8 - are your hosts really nice?

They are really friendly and nice. They love catering to us and making sure everything is good. Osmar has a bout 5 different birds and one of them sits on his shoulder every morning and talks to him.

9 - are there other people your age there?

I meet new people everyday, from all over the world. My main group right now consist of Sarah (29), Jaime (18), Phil (18), Sean (29), Mati (18), Kai (18), Maya (18), Sam(19), Andy (20), and Lil (23). We all have different schedules so we usually meet in the evening or after spanish class.

10 - how many different types of potatoes have you eaten so far?! 

That is a tough question, almost everyday we are served a different kind at the house. So probably up to 10, and ALL of them have been phenomenal. 

Peruvian Time

Hola!
I got up at quarter to six this morning, eager to get to my orientation that was taking place at 7 am ( I thought this meant promptly at 7 am). As I was afraid of getting lost on the 30 minute walk through the city to where the orientation was, I left with plenty of time to spare. This was a good decision because I did get lost but helpful Peruvians saved the day-- they must of noticed how odd I looked with half eaten breakfast in my hand, a giant map, and a face similar to that of a deer in the headlights. However, I soon realized that pointing to the street on the map and smiling is a good technique to find your way! I made it to the building and found my way to the free beverage table-- loaded with my new favorite, cocoa tea. Thankfully I haven't experienced any altitude sickness yet, but the mornings here are cold and this tea is delicious. After sitting around for awhile, it was apparent this meeting would NOT be starting on time, but it was okay because I met a few Australians who were very friendly.

Finally the orientation started and it was great to learn more about my program, cusco.. etc. We were given an exam in order to receive placement in a Spanish class and I was put in a level above beginner!! Woohoo! My class is every day from 2 - 4pm (only $60 per week!) and I'm looking forward to my first class today. :)

I also received the information on my placement-- turns out I'll be working by myself at a local pre-school (Pronoei Paraiso de Fatima) in a lower income area where there are just under 40 kids aged 3-5 years old and one teacher who has a new baby of her own. There is supposesly very little structure and I will be helping teach the class. I am excited because I have absolute freedom to plan activities and lessons-- as long as I give an English lesson once a week (which will be.. interesting).

Chelsea,  my mentor/support here in Cusco accompanied me this morning and showed me how to get to the school with a quick bus ride and a walk up an extremely steep hill! We arrived and it turned out classes were cancelled for the day because the teacher was busy installing her new TV. So,  this is Peru! The most flexible and relaxed place I have ever been. It appears I will be starting tomorrow!

Peru Survival Tips:
1) No one cares if you are late-- so don't worry!
2) If it happens, it happens and if it doesn't it doesn't (this will be my new philosophy for the next 3 months)

Adios!

Day 1

After a 24 hour flight plan with long layovers, I finally arrived-- safe and sound.  Though my arrival was slightly disorganized and nerve-racking (my driver didn't speak English) I reached my host family and was dropped off,  unsure of what was going to happen-- all at 6:30 in the morning. The couple I am staying with are so friendly but they do not speak any English. They immediately gave me cocoa tea and some breakfast-- including fresh squeezed mango juice! I then met my room mate, Sarah, who has been travelling for 2 years straight, and this is her last stop.

Finally getting access to a bed was heavenly and I slept half the day away. However, I woke up and instantly felt the need to explore. Sarah and I met up with Sean (from Calgary) and Sam (from England) and headed to a pub called "Paddy's" in the main square.  We soon found out today is a special celebration for the Virgin Mary and so there was a colorful parade with marching bands, drummers, dancers and llamas dressed up.

I've only been here for a day,  and I've already fallen in love with Inka Cola, fresh empanadas, the landscape and the beauty of the culture.

Buenos noches!

  

-Mel

I'm alive!

Arrived in Peru! More posts to come :)

Flight 1 Descending!

The flight had all the Disney movies one could ask for-- no complaints! 

Airport Selfie #1

Thankfully there were no issues with customs or security!  Woohoo, actually on my way now-- with tea!

Ready to go!

Departure!

Tomorrow morning (September 6th) I will be leaving Edmonton to embark on a 3 month trip to South America! I am extremely excited, but also more nervous than I'd care to admit. After hours of shopping, trying to pack properly, going to the bank several times and checking and re-checking everything-- I am finally going to be on my way.

This blog will be a memoir of my experiences (including photos) for my family members who are nervous about me being away and for the friends who just want to know what I'm up to-- this will help you keep track of me!

Adios,
Melissa