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.
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)
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!
What a day-- sounds like your first survival tips come from first hand experience! English for 3-5 year olds what fun that will be, ABC! It snowed here today-- yes, snow!! Thanks for keeping us posted! Love, love, love!
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