Random chick

A little boy was selling these by my office - just in time for Easter.

Random Puppy

Miss my Luna.

One bead, spark, stitch at a time.

I visited the town of "Las Flores" (the flowers) yesterday.  Here are some kids (and some adults) hard at work.  Youth, between the ages of 14 and 25, have the opportunity to attend state-run technical schools free of charge.  They learn a variety of skills that will make it easier for them to find employment.  Here we see jewellery-making, cosmetology, cooking, sewing, metalwork and basic electrical systems.

Victory (sort of)

The latest polls indicate that Susana Villaran has won the vote (51.6% to 48.4%).  This means she gets to finish her term as mayor.  However, it looks like she will have to do it with a new team.  Most of the town council members pertaining to her party have been ousted.  What this means for my particular program has yet to be determined.  All I can do is wait and see.

El Mate Burilado

 

 

These curious little things are intricately engraved pumpkins.  This particular form of folk art, el mate burilado, dates back to 4,000 BC and comes from the "Sierra" region of Peru (the mountain region). The pumpkins are dried and then carved to depict incredibly detailed scenes of peasant life in the mountains.  These were created by the Osores family.  They own and run Arte Osores, my favourite artesan shop in Miraflores.  They have some of the most unique and beautiful pieces I have seen. 



Lima votes tomorrow

Lima is at a crossroads.  Tomorrow they vote on whether or not to keep their current mayor.  Click here to get some info if you're interested.  The city is divided between "el Si" ("yes"to ousting her) and "el No" ("no" to ousting her).  The streets are lined with posters and banners.  Everyone has a strong opinion, there is much gossip whirling through the air, and there have been some heated demonstrations in the streets.  In my personal opinion, she's not perfect, but I have seen her do good, and I hope she'll stay to finish her term.  She has disturbed the status quo, but isn't that how progress happens?

Inauguration

I spent the day in the town of Upis Huascar yesterday.  My team was there as support for the mayor, Susana Villaran, who was there to inaugurate a new playground/soccer field.  I've been to a few of these now, and it's always great to see how excited the kids are to get shiny, new playground equipment, but what really got me is the look on this little boy's face as he looked at the mayor.  I can't really describe his expression (innocence? trust? hope?), all I can say is that it reminded me of how important it is to protect every kid's right to a healthy childhood.  He's just so cute!

¡Serendipia!

What are the chances of this?  A good friend of mine, that I hadn't seen in over four years, randomly shows up in Lima!  So nice meeting her for dinner.  Fun, fun, fun.  

Appeasing the giant

It was pretty cool to be in the main square today when Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, of Argentina, was elected Pope.  He is the first Latin American Pope in history.  All of a sudden all I could hear was, "humo blanco! humo blanco!"(white smoke) and soon after, the cathedral bells started to ring with gusto, and continued to do so for over 15 minutes.  I could hear people cheering in all the little shops and cafes.  If anything, I would call the decision "strategically sound".  Latin America is home to over 40% of the world's Catholics (that's about 483 million people).  It makes sense to appease the giant - especially since that giant has been growing skeptical as of late!  

Seven Days

In stark contrast to my visit to the municipal palace, I visited an orphanage last week.  I met a little girl we'll call L.  She is just over a year old, has huge brown eyes and spunky little pigtails.  Like in so many places around the world, including Canada, many parents face extreme hardship and feel forced to leave their children.  It is a sad reality, and I don't think anyone can, or should, pass judgement.  The day I visited was little L's third day at the orphanage.  She was crying inconsolably.  The nurse explained that babies her age usually cry for their mothers for seven days before they "forget" and settle into the routine.  I held her and she stopped crying; but inevitably, I had to put her down and leave.  I will be going there at least once a week for a year, so it's not like I just dropped in for a one-time photo op...but still...I felt like I was perpetuating the cycle of abandonment.  This day made me realize why we often ignore painful societal issues - it's hard to find balance.  Doing too little (like treating orphanages like one day drop-in centres where we can snap cool pictures to post on our Facebook wall) is harmful, self-indulgent, and only makes things worse; but then again, not everyone can adopt, or volunteer for a year.  Finding that spot on the spectrum that is truly helpful, and feasible, is difficult; so we just stick our heads in the sand - where we can't hear the cries.  

Dia de la Mujer

March 8th was International Women's Day.  The mayor (pictured in first photo) invited all the ladies to "El Salon de los Espejos" (the ballroom of mirrors).  It's a beautiful ballroom inside the municipal palace, with huge baroque mirrors and a balcony overlooking the main square.  She gave an inspiring speech and we toasted with wine!  This day was the complete opposite of most of my days on the job, but I can't say I didn't enjoy the fanciness :)

Home Sweet Home

Sorry for the long hiatus.  I have (finally) made the transition from hotel to apartment.  The apartment came unfurnished, so I had to go out and purchase furniture and appliances myself....that was a bit of a nightmare, but I did it!  Here is a bit of the view.  I will post better ones soon.  The neighbourhood is quiet and the people are kind - I am happy!