Peru: Spanish Intensive and Cultural Immersion

 Sadly… spanish classes in Peru have come to an end, after 56 hours of instruction.  Pictured at left is Carmen, my Practica teacher, who led me around the city and helped me run errands when I needed a fluent speaker by my side.  On the right side is Nayut, my classroom teacher, who painstakingly ran me through the schools Basico I,II and Intermedio I program in three weeks.  It was difficult to say goodbye, after seeing them nearly on a daily basis for almost my entire time in Peru.

Before class I ran to the artesan market and hunted for gifts for my profesoras.  With the first money I´d given her, Nayut had bought earrings she thought were silver, only to find out that they were an incredibly cheap knock off after a few days wearing them.  I found her new earrings.  I bought Carmen a very nice white scarf, which may or may not be made from Alpaca.  While the two presents were being wrapped, I saw how uneven the sizes of the two presents were, and was sure that I would be interrogated if one present was larger than the other.  Quickly, as I was already late for my last day of class, I bought some knitted gloves for Nayut and threw them in with her earrings.  The wrapped presents were nearly identical in size.

They appreciated their presents, and we had heartfelt goodbyes throughout the morning.  As our last mission, Carmen and I went to a photo shop and printed two copies of the picture above.  One for Carmen, and one for Nayut.

I shall say goodbye to my host family over drinks tonight, and then head to the Plaza de Armas for my last look at the main square of the city.  I leave for Northern Peru tomorrow morning.  Until then, cheers!

Arriving yesterday, I did not realize the impact the heavy rains over the weekend had on the entire country.  Thousands of people have seen their homes washed away, Cuzco was without piped-in water for a few days, and thousands were stranded in the area around Machu Picchu with an ever dwindling supply of food and water.All day, and yesterday, helicopters have been flying overhead in Cuzco, rescuing stranded tourists from the area around Machu Picchu.  Apparently, the cash machines ran out of money as they could not be refilled from other cities, and people were running out of money to buy food and water.  I believe most of the tourists have been airlifted out, though I suspect a few remainl.  However, stranded tourists are the least of the problems created by the flooding.Thousands of people have lost their homes, and there was a large donation drive set up in the Plaza de Armas all day today.  From what I´ve gathered, these people have lost everything, and the things most desired are tents and sleeping bags to shelter the now homeless families.  ¨We are the world¨by Michael Jackson and company echoed through the square all day, and when I arrived to donate a large case of bottled water, I received applause from all those volunteering.  It was encouraging to see many tourists bring armfuls of donations to help the masses affected by the flooding.This is the situation.  Moving on…My intention is to move on from Cuzco in the next few days, however every time I peruse flights to Lima I get terrified and shift my attention to something else.  I have been in and out of Cuzco for nearly a month, and I am charmed extremely by this city.  Walking past ancient churches and through cobblestone streets on a daily basis is an experience I have not had before, and it is invigorating and inspiring.  I am curious to explore the north of Peru, for it has pre-Inca ruins that are nearly as inspring as Machu Picchu.  The Incas ruled Peru for about 100 years, the pre-Incan Wari Indians ruled the area for over 1000 years.  Their ruins are intriguing.My last day of classes are tomorrow, where my teachers have warned me in advance of a crying spell that will most likely come over them.  I do not know when I shall leave Cuzco, as it is terribly difficult, but the time will most likely come sometime next week.Stay tuned.

And so it began.  On Monday morning I made my way to the dock in Puno, scouting for any boat that would take me to the islands in the world´s highest navigable lake.  ... [Continue reading this entry]

When I returned to my homestay after Machu Picchu, Manchi, the grandmother of the house, seemed outside her usual jovial self, and preoccupied with things outside the family home, and even outside of Cuzco.  It is my understanding that her ... [Continue reading this entry]

¨What is there in Rome for me to see that others have not seen before me? What is there for me to touch that others have not touched? What is there for me to feel, to learn, to hear, to ... [Continue reading this entry]

AT 9:30 my Spanish teacher came to my house to show me how to take the bus to the school.   Extremely crowded, and still clad ïn ¨Feliz Navidad¨ decorations, the trip took about twenty minutes, and cost about a quarter.  ... [Continue reading this entry]

Ah, traveling.  What a chance to experience rich culture, new cuisine, interesting people, and dramatic landscapes that assumedly will enrich your life and your character forever.  But, you have to get their first. From SF ... [Continue reading this entry]