Peruvian Reception & An Audible

As my trip progresses I find each week more beautiful than the previous. The joy of each week increases but so does my own edification on new cultures and situations. I couldn’t resist the temptation either of calling an audible and adding two weeks in Argentina to my itinerary, so this Tuesday I will be flying out with two new friends, Janelle & Jenny. I have gotten out what I wanted from Cusco & I am getting a little restless so we will be seeing the Iguaza Falls, Salta, Mendoza & Buenos Aires. Once my two weeks are up, I will head back to Cusco to see Machu Picchu & the Amazon Jungle.

As for this past week we finished the project at the school in Chinchaysuyo; I was working with the girls, Conor & our boss, Marcos. The final days were spent painting the logo -- seeing Marcos had told Conor & I we paint like we are drunk, and the girls can’t draw or cut a straight line if money was at stake, this made for the highest levels of comedy. Now add in my strong lack of desire to be on the scaffolding that was balanced by rocks, just painting the Peru Flag (my job) was a exercise in terror. Nonetheless we finished the job (see pix) and were able to play with the ninos for a couple hours afterwards. I don’t think we will see any Peruvians in the NBA anytime soon, but they do love to be swung around by their arms until they are so dizzy they fall over.

On Saturday two of my favorite friends, Mark & Lorin, were married in North Carolina. Missing their wedding was one of my only regrets about my trip; I desperately wanted to be there. Instead of making the actual event, I hosted a Peruvian Reception for them; we had a cake made, bought some champagne, beer & rum, and decorated a little bit. The girls in my house were really excited about the idea, and contributed by making garter belts for the ladies, and bow ties for the fellas, plus they put together a beautiful bouquet from flowers I bought at the market. We had about a dozen or so people come over, had cake, toasted to the couple and then we partied the night away. Some of the highlights were the fireworks we let off, the bouquet toss (tossed by yours truly & caught by Janelle), and the drinking games that led to the many different ways bow ties could be worn. Once the booze ran dry and the Alanis Morriestte sing-along began, we quickly headed to a favorite bar, 7-Angilitos, to dance to some live music. It was without a doubt the most fun since the trip began & I want to wish Mark & Lorin the best marriage possible.

This morning, all operating on about 4hrs of sleep, worked our hangovers off & headed to a futbol match. The game itself was fun but the pizza afterwards was a huge hit. I’m wrapping up my time here in Cusco tomorrow with a little pub trivia & showing the new volunteers the ropes. One of the constants here is change; volunteers come and go in weekly increments, and it’s interesting to think that now I’ve been here long enough to be able to walk people around town & pass along the advice given to me (its like The Wire; the game never stops, no matter who the players are).

I’m looking forward to red meat & wine in Argentina, learning a little about another culture, traveling with new friends, and finishing East of Eden. Home is only a month away; it keeps getting closer & closer while I wish time would just slow down.