Since I'm feeling a bit melancholy, I will venture to say that rather than being "really busy" I am in fact "too busy." I feel the need to stop and isolate myself from the hustle and bustle of the corner of Larco Av. and Espana Av. where the sound of taxi horns never stops. Today I watched some young guys, probably about 17 years old though perhaps older, doing flips in front of the lanes of taxis during the red lights and then asking for tips. Yesterday it was a lady with flags. You know the economy isn't providing enough jobs when strong and flexible young men are doing gymnastics in the street for money (and in all the time I watched, no one actually gave them any so I doubt its very lucrative). Time is just flying by- it'll be August 31st before I know it. And while I'm a little homesick tonight, I don't actually want to leave. I'm really happy here- I just wish I had more hours in the day to do and see everything I'd like. I'd like to spend some time hanging out at the National University just attempting to talk to students. I told the microfinance guys I'd look for micro business training materials. I'm only teaching 2 classes a day now but I spend several hours a day planning for them. I'm trying to play soccer with some of the kids in the church neighborhood every Tuesday and Thursday (and when I say kids, I really mean young men mostly- ages ranging from 16-28 or so- and me and Sydney and a few other english teachers). Additionally there is something going on all the time around here. People are constantly walking to markets and the plaza. Monday I went to this huge market where they sell pretty much every vegetable, spice, herb, meat, etc. and some flowers. I bought a huge bouquet of flowers for 4 soles (about $1.30). In the states it probably would have cost at least $40. Oh that's another thing, we refer to the US as "the states" almost exclusively among the teachers and missionary families. Also, I've added "y'all" to my daily vocabulary- it couldn't be helped. Everyone is Southern.
Tonight we're going to Hops, a pretty contemporary microbrewery, for Jazz night. In fact, Wednesday night Jazz night at Hops is the only night and place you can hear the only live jazz band preform in the entire city of Trujillo. Live bands are not common around here. There are some cellists coming to the opera house to do a concert on Thursday but I think I'll play soccer. So much to do, so little time. I wish I had time to read!
We're planning our trip for the end of July/beginning of August. Right now it sounds like Cuzco and Macchu Pichu for the first few and then Santiago, Chile, and possibly Mendozza, Argentina, for the last few. It might get a lil pricey but I can't turn down an opportunity like this.
Oh so I never finished talking about my trip to Huaraz. On Saturday we drove up into the mountains through this ravine for 2.5 hours. When the road ended we got out of the vans and walked up another 45 minutes to reach the glacier. I'm out of shape and the thin air didn't help. Our climbing sight was at about 5,000 meters - pretty high up. I felt dizzy every time I stood up or sat down. It was so beautiful. The mountains were so majestic I couldn't believe I was observing that scenery in person. Climbing the ice was a real adreneline rush. I watched the other climbers before me so I had pretty good technique and it wasn't too difficult. It's a good thing the ice picks are strapped to your hands though because by the time you get to the top, your hands are just so tired. 
The first picture is me and Matt, with our Israeli friends climbing in the background. Then you have a more distant view where you can see the glacier we were climbing on. Below I am hanging upside down from my rope after climbing. And then there is a lovely picture I took on the drive back to town. Okay, and now to Hops.
2 comments:
How is the learning spanish coming along? Is it difficult to understand people? I was thinking today again about studying abroad in Argentina, and it was a really scary thought to have to go some place where most people don't speak English... at least you have all your fellow interns to talk to- that's good. And my gosh, Peru sounds soooo amazing! You're so lucky!
You climbed a glacier- that's awesome! I admire you for absorbing the southern accent without shame. 'Y'all' is a very useful word, I just can't ever bring myself to use it without feeling like a poser.
I miss you, Michelle!
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