1. There is always, and I mean ALWAYS, room in a combi for one more person (http://filer.livinginperu.com/isabel2/combispuerta.jpg). Also, the money collector on the combi wears many hats: he has to collect the money, pick up every single person on the road and be prepared to tell the driver to stop at any moment. Especially when some gringas are screaming "BAJA BAJA BAJA" because they missed their stop.
2. None of these people should be allowed to drive. I have, on a daily basis, seen my life flash before my eyes upon entering a combi, collectivo and taxi. Even walking along the side of the road to the center. I think there are regulations about driving here in Peru, but no one either knows them or just chooses not to follow them.
3. Dogs are not to be touched, not even the clean looking ones... because they most CERTAINLY have fleas. Fleas that will end up in your bed, clothes and anything else... causing massive bites and itching throughout the day. Always carry a rock because the street dogs have no problem coming right up to you. I've already been semi-attacked by a dog near my friend Kerry's house. Traumatizing. I've also seen a dog be hit by a car and try to commit suicide by jumping off of a roof.
4. Being called Gordita, Flaka and other names we find offensive in the States is actually a very nice compliment from Peruvians.
5. Cow heart is absolutely amazing. I've had it TWICE.
6. Peruvian birthday parties last 48 hours, and everyday is a holiday. There will always be a procession going on in the calle (which will include a huge band and a cross).
7. The ducks or cuy (guinea pig) your family owns are not pets... they are your dinner.
8. Look in the refridgerator at your own risk. It may contain a full head, eyes included, of a pig that your host mom killed in the market HERSELF.
9. You will most certainly poop your pants before the end of Peace Corps service (we have lost 3 people now from our pool).
10. Talking about your bowel movements is as common as talking about what your host mom fed you for breakast (for some its a HEAPING bowl of pasta with chicken...which you will also get for lunch and dinner)
11. Sleeping in? What is that? The bread man with his microphone, the dogs fighting each other or your host mom screaming in the kitchen will most certainly wake you up.
12. Don't try to dunk a basketball in Peru, you will bring the entire backboard and hoop down with you.
13. "Estoy lleno" will not get you out of eating 3 plates full pollo y arroz (which you've had 7 days in a row).
14. Peruvians love to kareoke... especially to Mr. Jones by the Counting Crows.
15. When your host mom says she will be home at 8 for dinner... she really means 9:30 (la hora peruana!!!!)
16. You will be ripped off and find yourself haggling a taxi cab driver because he has charged you 6 soles for a car ride that should only cost 1.
17. To take a cold bucket bath or not bathe for 3 (or more) days? That is the question.
18. ALWAYS, always bring toilet paper with you.
19. You cannot have a cold drink on a hot day. It will get you sick. Don't bother arguing with your host mom. She knows everything.
20. The longer I'm in Peru... the more normal all of this is.
This weekend we are heading to LIMA again for some random Youthie stuff. We also have a party at our APCD's parent's house. She is the person responsible for picking out sites! AND... MONDAY we have a group party with the Small Business group for 4th of JULY :) No one showed up to my Youth Group tonight, but I was able to talk to the priest in Santa Eulalia about letting us have an hour of his Youth Group to see when the kids would be able to attend ours. Hopefully, that goes better than today. I'm getting more and more "acostumbrar" to Peru. Poco a poco.
Special thanks of the week goes to AJ Hall and MOM & DAD for the packages! Love getting them! Also, to Abby for the awesome letter! You guys rock!
"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." - Christopher Robin to Pooh
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