It has been a busy couple months of travel
and we´re glad to be back. Starting in April, Brian and I spent our first
couple weeks apart since arriving in Peru. He traveled to Trujillo and I went
to Chiclayo. We both presented our community diagnostics to our Peace Corps
directors and are now ready to present our work projects to our community for
the next 21 months.
 |
| Environmental Volunteers with our community partners in Chiclayo. |
Over Easter we met up for a welcome vacation
to the surf town of Mancora and with fellow volunteers rented a house with an
incredible view overlooking the ocean. We relaxed on the beach, ate delicious
food and played in the waves. We celebrated Brian´s birthday
and he is now the proud owner of a traditional Jalquino wool poncho made by our
host mother.
 |
| Our host Mom, Petronila, weaving Brian´s poncho. |
 |
| Our view of the ocean in Mancora |
We returned to site for a few days and were
no sooner off again on another round of travel. This time Brian headed to
Chiclayo and me to Ancash for an alternative energy conference and then on to Lima for Peace
Corps meetings. To get to Lima from
Amazonas is about a 36 hour journey by bus crossing the Andes to the coast
before heading south. Luckily we only have to go there once a year. Even in Peace Corps terms we´re off the grid.
Despite the isolation, we wouldn´t trade where we live for anything. There
aren´t many places you get mountains, cloud forests and jungle within walking
distance of your front door.
 |
| Hiking the Cordillera Blanca in Ancash |
We returned to La Jalca at an exciting
time. June is the month of our Fiesta
Patronal celebrating San Juan or St. John, the patron saint of La Jalca. Everyone
seems to be preparing. Traditional dances, music, food and crafts will all be
presented during a 10 day festival. Brian was invited to perform some American
music for the community during the celebrations. It will be a hoot to have The
Beatles right alongside some traditional charango and flute music.
 |
| Planting Alisos with the students in their garden. |
 |
| Tour of the tree nursery with the high school students |
 |
| Our native fruit tree project at the high school |
We´ve been invited to the jungle for a few
days by a cultural organization to teach students how to play baseball and have
a barbeque. I love my job! And in July we´re going to have our first visitors to
Peru from the States. Brian´s parents are coming and we can´t wait to have
them. Love to all our family and friends and we miss you.
