Around Lima

Hello to all. I want to catch everyone up on my past couple of days before I go away for the weekend. Things have been slow but fun nonetheless, and I have gotten an interesting glimpse into every day life in Lima, which has been kind of fun. I have just been hanging around Lima this week, seeing some family and enjoying time at the beach as well. On Monday I spent the day with my cousin Rosa, who I had not seen up until that point because she was away on vacation. She is one of my greatest relatives here and is the nicest person and is always looking after me. She is the one who took me to the hospital last time when I was sick. I ran around with her all day while she did some errands, like pick her son up from summer day camp, go to the doctor and do some grocery shopping. It was veeeerryy interesting going to this summer day camp, being the recreation major that I am, and we hung out awhile and watched as camp was finishing up, so I got to observe a lot. The kids moved from station to station, first doing soccer, then swimming, taekwondo, and lastly, art and crafts. Basically I dont know what these people were teaching the little niños, but that is just my opinion as a professional. However, the kids did seem to be having fun and that is indeed an important aspect. I myself had the opportunity to get involved, begrudgingly at first, but it turned out to be fun. Rosa and I were waiting for arts and crafts to finish up, and there was a small group of girls learning some Peruvian dances, so we (actually, she) asked if we could join, and we did, and I was terrible, but caught on by the end. But it was definitely an experience to remember, not to mention great exercise! From there I spent three hours in a Peruvian pediatrician office, oy. Then we did a little grocery shopping, I got my favorite dessert, suspiro de Limeña (Whisper of Lima), and was back to Chabuca's for the night. The next day I said goodbye to Grandma because she was headed back home (Thanks for everything, Abuelaa!!!), and took a nice taxi ride across Lima to go to my cousin Brissa's. We spent some time in her pool, ate lots of delicious food, and yet again I found myself sitting in a Peruvian pediatrician's office, this time for her son. However this time, I didn't have to wait as long. I have spent the past day and a half in Punta Hermosa, which is a beach town straight south of the city. It is definitely nice to get away from the city and enjoy some time in the somewhat unpolluted air. I actually saw quite a few gringos (white/english-speaking people) in Punta Hermosa, and it was comforting to overhear some conversations I fully understood! To think, only two more weeks and I will no longer have to say, "Mas despacio, por favor!!!"

I am going out for the night to enjoy some Pisco Sours with my cousin Rosa so I will post some pictures and then be on my way!

Ciao, todos.

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Part of trip: Peru 2009

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