For Mami

Last time I spoke to my mom, her exact words regarding my blog were, "I'm bored.  I want to see pictures of you".  Well, as always, she gets what she wants.  Here are some pictures of me and some of the other Cuso International ladies.  This was a picnic in San Isidro, on a cliff overlooking the ocean.  The paraglider in the last picture, swept right over us, then landed 8 or 10 feet away from our picnic! 

El Baile Folklorico

I had the chance to watch kids perform different regional dances today.  The costumes were amazing and they were all super skilled and professional.  Very impressive! 

Spreading the word

Sometimes the best way to advertise is going right into the neighbourhoods where kids live.  Here are some pictures of the older kids showing off the skills they've learned over the past two months.  They play mostly Brazilian-style carnival music.  It was great to see all the little kids running out of their houses to see what was going on.  I have zero drumming skills, so I helped answer questions!

The two sides of the Starbucks Bouncer

I was sitting at a Starbucks on the weekend (one of few luxuries I treat myself to in the ritzy part of town) and an elderly man approached the doorway to beg for money.   Immediately the man pictured above ran outside, blocked the man from entering, and asked him to leave.  I am not criticizing Starbucks, or trying to initiate a conversation on the ethics of multinationals...I am just saying this experience was hard for me.  It was extremely difficult to sit on "this side" of the Starbucks bouncer.  That being said, it did remind me of why I am here.  I will also make more of an effort to seek out some locally run businesses. 

Public display of reflection

I pass "La Basílica Menor y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced" on my way to the office every day, most days I take a few moments to go inside.  I don't necessarily do any formal prayers, but I go in there to reflect, think about family, and why I'm here etc.  Which may or may not be considered prayer.  I am not alone.  Tons of people - from all walks of life - filter in and out of the church all morning.  Some wearing suits and ties, others much more humble attire.  Without getting into any religious argument whatsoever (I'm part of the, "to each their own" crowd), I have to say that I find it refreshing to see people who regularly take a moment to reflect on something spiritual and/or something other than their immediate reality.  Also, I believe that the fact that it's done publicly, and with other people, really fosters a sense of community.  Interesting! 

$0.39 Breakfast of Champions

For the past week I have been observing workshops at a school in Barranco (a suburb of Lima).  There are not many places to grab a quick breakfast in the area...or at least I thought.  I spotted this food cart half a block away, and have been getting breakfast there every morning.  It's a bun with shredded chicken breast, and...shoe string potato chips!   The first time I went (pictured here) the lady asked if I wanted potatoes in my sandwich, I said yes, and she proceeded to (very generously) sprinkle chips into my sandwich.  I have since learned to say, "con puro pollo por favor"....just chicken please.  It's healthier and more substantial than a muffin or toast, and very affordable at S./1.00 ($0.39 CAD)!   

A brief stint in jail

Last week I visited a jail in Northern Lima.  It's a massive concrete labyrinth in the middle of the desert.  After a five point security screening, we were ushered in and allowed to view all the different sections of the jail (we were not permitted to bring cameras inside).  The municipality of Lima is thinking about partnering with the jail to provide skills training for some of the inmates.  Many of them are young adults (18 or 19) who have committed petty crimes and will soon be released.  Without some sort of training opportunities, they face a very high likelihood of turning to crime again - which presents a threat to their communities and a missed opportunity for them.  While in jail, the inmates learn various skills, like jewellery making, silk screening, carpentry, and how to do basic electrical work.  The inmates in jewellery making presented me with the bracelet and earrings pictured above.  They argued over which two made the best "matching set" and decided on these.  They also made the box!   

Huachipa

Last week I visited an all girls school/residence in Huachipa.  Girls aged 14-18 come from the interior amazonian regions ("La Selva", or Jungle region) to live and study here.  Girls stay for three to five years and learn different trades like cosmetology, hair dressing, or how to bake bread and run a bakery.  Once they graduate, they return to their communities and are able to generate income for themselves and their families.  The girls also grow their own crops and harvest their own fruits and vegetables (pictures 1 & 3).  Picture 2 is of the dining room where they all gather to eat, and the last one is of a beautiful statue in their own little chapel that is also on-site.   I spoke to a group of girls and they were excited about having the opportunity to learn new skills.  Many also expressed missing their families, but were hopeful and positive about being able to support themselves and contribute to their communities.  I will remember their strength when I feel homesick!

The Real "Market Meats"

 More market shots.  Chicken, cuy (guinea pig), and beef.  No styrofoam trays or plastic wrap required - unapologetically meaty!

El Mercado

The obligatory market shots.  Above are pictures from a market located in Magdalena.  Love all the beautiful colours! 

Food!

Some examples of the delicious food I have been enjoying.  Above is classic Peruvian ceviche (Peru is famous for ceviche and now I know why!) and below is, "pescado con salsa de maracuya" (fish with passion fruit sauce).

Why I'm here (part two)

One of the programs that is currently being offered to kids is called, "Vacaciones Utiles y Divertidas"(fun and useful summer break).  The first photo shows a face painting class, the second one is of a modern Peruvian dance class and the third is "cajon", a traditional Peruvian percussion instrument.  These classes help kids gain skills and a sense of cultural pride.  Most importantly, they are less likely to join gangs, use drugs or become a teen mom or dad.  I was thrilled to meet these kids, and watching them learn and enjoy themselves was inspiring.  It reminded me of why I chose to come here, and how small changes can have a huge impact on someone's life.

Why I'm here (part one)

I am currently working alongside local government to help create programs for young people.  Many of those kids come from towns like the one pictured above.  This is "San Juan de Lurigancho" - a town I visited last week.  Many people living on the outskirts of Lima live in towns similar to this, and like in many developing nations, there is a huge discrepancy between those who live close to urban centres and those on the outskirts.  Typically, living on the outskirts means decreased access to education and healthcare; plus increased risk of marginalization and discrimination.  

City of Colours

I get to walk past this beautiful mural on my way to work in the morning.  Love the colours and the expression on the woman's face, and of course the cute baby!

For the meat lovers

Lima has an endless array of culinary choices; although, I think my meat-loving husband would be taking better advantage of all the "meaty" options.  This is a famous bar next to the presidential palace in historic Lima.  The gentleman in the picture is slicing meat for sandwiches.