Cuy surprise Ok OK I will finally profess I liked the chinese shrimp (shell and all) and would have even eaten scorpins and raw ocatapus legs instead of guinea pigs.. maybe if the meat was just mixed in with something else and not the display it would be easier but ummm no I think not. Very courageous of you. theres one to mark the calender with and I will also copy your pic and have it enlarged and put it on my wall in my class room for students to know this is what they will have to eat if they fail my classes. LOL.
Cuy on a stick I could never bring myself to eat it from the roadside vendors, on a stick. I ate my only sample at a nice little hideaway restaurant in Huancayo, behind the church. I had it headless, in pieces and covered in a sauce so I could not see what it really was.
And you're right - not much meat for your efforts.
Glad you are well. Please send more news about the quake and pix of whatever you can.
Ely's school program was the victim of some looting. She had to leave Presli's side in Oroya on Friday because Nilton kept calling her to come home. Vandals stole some desks and other supplies. Ely was torn. She has already had to close two of the schools and leave Presli by himself for the weekend. She just wants to be in every place at once, you know?
Pray for them and all of Peru. This disaster will have long-reaching effects that will last for decades, like the tsunami in the Indian Ocean a few years ago.
On a lighter note, Presli's first surgery was a success and our benefit concert and compilation CD release are both due to happen on September 1. Think you can make it to Hawaii for the show?
Lisa
And "Jorge" means what...in English? Karen,
Now, when I showed "Jorge" to Angela, or should I say the picture of "Jorge" in all his culinary glory, to Angela, she ran out of the room yelling "NO! NO! NO!..."
Angela isn't ethnocentric, she just might have seen "Jorge" and remembered that it means "George" in English, or at least we're pretty sure it means that. We are sure that your naming has absolutely no political content whatsoever. We'll talk when you get home. When are you headed back?
We were all happy to hear that you suffered no problems with the earthquake...the devastation to the coast was horrible.
Please keep in touch and enjoy the rest of your adventure.
T.C. and Angela aka NO! NO!
OMG I can't believe you did it..I know folks who have there and couldn't do it..but alas KAren I am impressed..I heard Jennifer, while in Chins last week ate scorpion??You go girl!!!
De
Stay away from my guinea pigs. It's tough to eat something when its still got a head on it, isn't it? I think that I will just keep my guinea pigs as pets and not eat them! Can't wait to hear all your stories when you return.
Andi
thank goodness I am so happy to hear you were far away from the earthquakes. Thank goodnesss for your itinerary! Your map has a scale, so I knew you were safe. Glad to see you are having fun and I will see you soon. -Kimmy-
Still in Peru I had forgotten that you were still going to be there after leaving PLE!
I was updating my website until the wee hours of this morning and mentioned your trip. For the life of me I could not find the link to your blog to include it in our site, so thanks! This is great timing.
Thanks for sharing stories of the earthquake - I have not seen any news except what's on the internet (only because I don't watch TV much), so if you share anything else you see first hand, I would appreciate it a lot.
While you're in Cuzco, take the hike up the hill toward the St. Christopher neighborhood (I think that's what it's called) and go see Sachaywaman ("sexy woman").
Make sure to take your camera and another person with you. The hand-cut rocks there are so incredibly huge, it almost seems fake - you need a person to stand in front of them to get a true feeling of their size.
We did not do the Inka trail. I might do it if I ever return to Peru. I heard it's pretty grueling. You will be sleep deprived, sore and pretty much wiped out - but what an adventure! I look forward to pix and stories! We did visit a few of the sites on the trail, but from the safety and comfort (?) of air conditioned buses.
Keep up the blog! Buena suerte!
Lisa
wowza Hi Karen..I am so interested in your work in Peru..it sounds as though Merardo has an organization that is sponsoring him. Are you traveling around or do you stay in one place..I am sure there is a part of you that wants to stay there..kids that want to get an educatiion is so great..after you return to the states I would like to talk to you..i may be going to Ecuador next year..so enjoy your time in Peru..can't wait to see the photos! vaya con dios..De
Last Blog´s Comments 31st July 2007 22:43 - Lisa: Cuy, Parades and disorganization - yup, you're in Peru!
Sounds like you had a busy week! I spoke to Ely on Sunday and she told me about the parade. She said that PLE was the largest organization in the parade, with five schools represented. I am so proud of you guys! Mom and I really want to thank all the volunteers from around the world who go to PLE and help Ely and Nilton with their mission of increasing self-reliance, income and education in the remotest regions of the Andes. Karen, we especially thank you for helping us with "Mission Merardo," by taking him vitamins, medical supplies, etc., and helping Ely in her work with him. We are very excited at his progress. However, I read in your last blog that he has an appointment with surgeons. I spoke of this with Ely and reminded her that Merardo does not have a visit with Rotaplast this August. The medical director told us that his needs are beyond what they can do at a traveling clinic and that he would need more intensive interventions at a more permanent facility. He is not off their radar, tho. Dr. Capozzi has forwarded Merardo's photos and medical history to their staff dermatologist to see what interventions may be possible in the future. Our other beneficiary, Presli, does have an appointment in La Oroya next week (I can't believe it's here already!) and Ely will be gone with him for at least 5 days while the team evaluates him and perhaps begins his long road of reconstructive surgery. His story will break your heart. For anyone who has not already seen our website, please visit www.perudonations.org to find out about both Presli's and Merardo's stories and their needs. I need to update our website, and I will do so when I am done writing this hematology case study! But in the meantime, we are planning our second benefit concert and compilation CD release, both to occur on September 1. Wish us luck! Lisa Sturm
1st August 2007 01:44 - TC: How to clean the mud floor
I think you clean the mud floor with that sprig of vegetable material that Vanessa has the death grip on. It looks like you guys probably already figured that out. T.C.
1st August 2007 01:57 - Tom:
In Ireland the phrase was "ah, sure, what's a few hours between friends?" God, the Germans hated that. Bring back Aiden and Tommy a llama would ya? It's their favorite Ross Park exhibit, next to the Penguins (Your not going to the South Pole any time soon, are you?).
1st August 2007 17:31 - Julia: cuys?
Hi Karen, Looks like you are enjoying yourself. I think the best way to clean a mud floor is, well, look at it.(?) Good question. I can just think of all the stunned faces - okaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy we have to make hats(?) and that was supposed to be before now. You know one great lesson for us (me) is that the rest of the world just doesn't beat to the same clock. What stress we create for ourselves. I have to say I like the 'before' pictures of the cuys rather than the 'after'. I can't believe it is already August. Everday I have to do something for school. I am glad the teachers are back - what was it like having them return? Did you talk to them? You seem to be wearing lighter clothing. Is it warmer now or are you getting more acclimated to the weather and altitude? So was the bread good? What else do you eat (like to eat)? Use any cipro (name, sp?) I love the one block parade - does the parade only go one way or do they turn and go back - in case someone missed it the first time? So when is the next holiday? Thanks for the journal and the pictures - Julia
1st August 2007 18:55 - Author Reply: Where in the World is Ms Doolittle: The parade only goes one way :)
I love reading everyones comments. And to make it clear, we did not eat the cuy...I have had some stomach ills and almost used the cipro. Tom, I will try to bring back a llama. I did get to feed llamas and alpacas at the fair. FYI - we had a llama drawing competition last night. The American llama was a strong contender but the Spanish llama won (a volunteer from Spain drew his Spanish llama carrying Peruvian gold - a clear winner). TC - yes we finally figured out how to clean mud!
1st August 2007 19:02 - Author Reply: Where in the World is Ms Doolittle: Merarado
I finally met Merardo on Monday...he is so INSPIRATIONAL!!!!! He his very appreciative of all the donations. He especially thanks you Lisa and Sheri. I am to visit him this afternoon and he is going to share his poetry, I cannot wait. On Monday I was able to give him the medical supplies, some peanut butter for caloric intake and we got the gauze off that was stuck inside his skin. He is so brave and his personality shines. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to meet Presli (I am not teaching in Anhuac). Count me in for a CD and let me know if you need any other photos. I have been more than impressed with Peru Luz de Esperanza.
The suggestions are excellent. I just love the letter and the pictures are marvelous - thanks for putting you in there. "London Bridge" with some appropriate landmark might be a song. "The ants go marching" - us "children" or "girls" or "dogs" and go on all fours. Steal the Bacon with words you want them to learn. Hey, I am off for my big trip to MI and am stopping to see Julia tomorrow. Enjoy!
Hi Karen,
I've tried to send you a couple of messages but if I accidently touch the mouse, it disappears and looking over the correspondance, I don't think my e-mails go to Peru. I absolutely love the pictures. I have loved reading about your adventures. You should write a book about all the travel hints that you have gotten along the way, all the types of work you have found and the people you have met. It would be a best seller. I loved the pictures of your students. What a joy. I would hug everyone of them. In one of the pictures it looks like the mountains are far away and the area is very dry. What elevation are you at? Did it take you awhile to get accostomed to the higher altitude? Does the altitude change dramatically from one area to the next?
Are the students eager to learn at all levels? I cannot think of any songs right now that would interest kids. Maybe you could have the kids put together their own 'rap' songs. We had kids do something like this when trying to learn about regions in the world. They worked in teams. What is the school calendar like there? Is this the winter months for them? I can't remember how it goes - is it the opposite seasons for us? (It has been awhile that I was teaching in an humanities team). How are your accomodations? Besides the toilets not having seats. 'Been to China so we know there are worst things'. How is the mail system? Are there things you need that would help you out? Are you going to be able to see Macchu Picchu? I hope so!!!!! So how many continents now? I have to go mow the lawn. Well the patches that have grown - doesn't seem that you have any mowing issues there. Speaking of which, what is the weather like there? Many areas across the states and Europe have had hot hot and dry weather - and in some areas (SW states and parts of Wales and England) torrential rains and flooding. Any unusual weather where you are? You mentioned European people helping too. Are they teachers, students like you who have signed on to help through an organization? Are you making any connections -networking? Okay, I babble. Keep the journals coming! Julia
learning thru songs Hi Karen, I heard from Lisa you are teaching English thru music. Brava! Adults and the young seem to love this approach, although teens might somewtimes be shy. a fewe songs I can think of are : "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes," "Are you sleeping (Frere Jacques," (the next is the same melody as previous,) "Where is Thumper?", the "ABC Song", and verb conjugations sung to the chorus of the "Mexican Hat Dance"- "I am/You are/He is/...She is/We are/They are" and "I go/You go/He goes...She goes/We go/They go," etc. I have done the conjugation songs both in French and Spanish, and set to music, the conjugations become recalled easily. Numbers work with this melody also inserting an "and" inserted with single-syllable numbers. I imagine you could create your own song using colors with this melody also.
Your blog is amazing and I really respond to your pictures which bring back many memories. Are you cold yet?
Sheri
Hola! Karen - it sounds like a lot of work but great fun! Try Concentration for a change of pace from Bingo! They're lucky to have you - keep those blogs comming. The pictures are wonderful.
song I am glad you are feeling useful. It is great that you will be there for so long, so the locals can really see that you are dedicated. We were only in our volunteer program for one week, so we didn't really feel effective.
As for songs, I will ask my mom, the songbird, but when I taught at Tinkuy's English school for adults, the hokey-pokey was good. It incorporated istruction (put your.... in) as well as body parts and identification (right foot). Also, we played a modifited Red Rover, by giving everyone random language cards with drawings on them. So we would hold hands and sing "Red Rover, Red Rover, send Taxi on over", and they would giggle and look confused as they all tried to figure out who was holding the taxi card. It made for a lot of laughs. We did about three rounds of that before we hit overload. It was really good because even if the person does not know how to read, they can certainly identify a taxi, a baby, a balloon, etc, with the help of the group.
Tell me what age groups you are interested in singing to and mom and I will try to think of some easy ones to share.
KIT,
Lisa
P.S. Please tell us what we owe you for Merardo's supplies.
Here's a few song titles that you can adapt... Now remember I teach first grade and have a limited singing repetoire but have you heard any of these songs....
1. "B-I-N-G-O"
2. "Old Antonio had a farm" ....with an alpaca here and an alpaca
there (Do they make sounds?)
3. "The alpaca went over the Andes" (Bear went over the
mountain)
4. Hokey Pokey (use Spanish)
This list probably won't help you but it's interesting.
Bienvenida a Perú!! Yeap...that deffinetly sounds like South America! haha. I hope they find your luggage (trust me, they always loose it, but they always give it back! haha). Y espero que te guste y disfrutes mucho de tu estadia en Perú! =) Saludos desde aquí!
Oh how beautiful I love your stories. Keep them coming. and the pictures are wonderful also. Question for ya.. with all the teachers on strike and no school.. what do the children do all day?? Also if you get any pictures of sunsets or aztec or mayan artifacts post them please... Enjoy your stay cause I will also from your blog site.. Tammy
accomodations I am glad you are finally there. I think we probably went to the same Dunkin Donuts! It's a few blocks behind the Palacio, right? With an upstairs dining room?
As for the toilets, they are western, but as you probably already know, most of them (public) are without seats and in many places you have to give an attendant a sol or two to buy toilet paper. Forget using a seat liner - there is nothing to put it on. Your quads will be quite strong after one month if you leave the house much!
Please say HI to Ely et al for me. Tell them that my benefit concert is shaping up well. Every day some new good piece falls into place.
Remind her also to take pix of the family and the students for my website.
Hopefully, now that you are 'home' you won't have so many glitches. Ely will take good care of you every step!
Aloha no,
Lisa
Hola Hola Karen,
Su vida en Peru es muy interesante! Que Bueno! Estoy feliz cuando leo su blog!!! No puedo esperar para su otra blog. Buenas suerte y tome muchos photographias..
Ciao,
De
How many cameras are going this time? You were a wonderfu sharer of your pictures last year with the CD. I hope we can see the next Peruvian installment!
Packing How much luggage/materials can your bring with you on this trip? Is there a weight limit? You've traveled around the world, is there one essential item you cannot live without?
Tammy
non-member comment
Cuy surprise
Ok OK I will finally profess I liked the chinese shrimp (shell and all) and would have even eaten scorpins and raw ocatapus legs instead of guinea pigs.. maybe if the meat was just mixed in with something else and not the display it would be easier but ummm no I think not. Very courageous of you. theres one to mark the calender with and I will also copy your pic and have it enlarged and put it on my wall in my class room for students to know this is what they will have to eat if they fail my classes. LOL.