Has Gullible Forgotten How To Write?!

It's been over a MONTH since this blog has been updated... whoops! I've been at a loss as to what to write about... I haven't left Lima, and it feels like there is nothing "new" going on.  However I have just realized that this is a total and complete lie, as I am always trying new things and learning new cultural aspects of the Peruvian life.  Here are some of my observations:


1) They know more about English 80's and 90's music than we do:  In the bars/taxis/stores, it doesn't really matter where you are, you are bound to hear some AHA!, Michael Jackson or Phil Collins.  Granted, the age group is mostly around our age, possibly into their 30s, and your average abuela is not going to be familiar with The Cars.  Regardless, it is still one of the most fun experiences to be singing Killing Me Softly with our taxi driver.


2) They have food carts like Madison!:  But, get this - here street food is called "poison"... I'll give you three guesses why.


3) There is a severe shortage of toilet paper no matter where you go:  It's a good idea to bring a roll with you.  Related observation: Kleenex is non-existant.  Another reason to bring a roll.


4) It never rains:  Ever. It has rained for 5 minutes, and by that I mean a little "sprinkling."  Speaking of weather, how's that snow Wisconsin?!?  I am now taking visitors in Lima, fyi. 75 and sunny errday.


5) Food is so cheap! Unless it's imported:  I can go to the mercado by our house and buy two mangoes, four bananas, a handful of mandarine oranges, and two tuna (the fruit, not the fish) for 4 soles, which is about $1.50.  BUT, a jar of peanut butter... almost 20 soles!!!!  No longer the poor college kid's food, that's for sure.


6) God is everywhere: Literally.  Just on my walk to school, which is about four blocks, there are two Mary shrines, one in the center of a beautiful park.  These parks are scattered all throughout Lima, and Mary is almost always in the center of them.  There's a Divine Mercy Jesus hanging out in the front corner of the tienda closest to our house that we frequent.  The church that I go to had Palm Sunday mass a couple of days ago - there were people standing all the way outside the church to hear the service.  And they take the "palm" part of Palm Sunday to a whole new level!  Beautifully ornate crosses, braids, patterns... they are so intricate. 


7) One of the priest's at my university is named Father Lennel.  For those of you who don't know, that's my middle name and also a very special name to my family.  Gammy's here in Lima!!


8) They will fix anything, and everything:  I tried to throw a pair of sandals away that had broken and my Peruvian mom, Margarita, was flabbergasted.  "Give those to me, I'll get them fixed for 5 soles."  She takes care of us so well!  She is also the best cook Peru has ever seen.  For those of you ready to leave the snow and sleet for sunshine and beaches, you can join me for the best lunches in Lima.


Tonight we leave for Ayacucho, famous for its GIANT Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations - second largest in the world next to Sevilla, Spain.  I can't wait!  There will be festivals, parades, the whole nine yards.  Somewhere during the past couple of weeks my charger cord has disappeared for my camera, but HOPEFULLY I'll be able to take some pictures of the glorious weekend I know we'll have!  We are staying with the friend of a friend, so we don't even have to pay for a hostal which is good considering every gringo in Latin America is going to be there, and they're all probably full.


Happy Holy Week, and HAPPY EASTER!!


Mark 16:6