Sunday October 19th, 2009

October 19th, 2009 by pierre myrand

Sunday October 19th, 2009

 What a first day? I started by taking of from the airport in Lima at 5:25AM. As we were approaching the Andes, the sun was rising and lighting up the snow and glacier capped mountains. What a sight! I just wanted to jump out of the plane to wander around this desolate and rugged beauty of nature. At 6:30, I was outside the airport waiting for Miguel Angel from Maximo Nivel International. But hey, I am in no rush and as the saying goes in Latin American countries “maňana por la maňana”. Furthermore, the weather was great and the sky was clear. Miguel came shortly after and we were soon at the office where I was finally able to shed some pounds by removing the 32 plus pounds of school supplies and vitamins that I brought down with me in my luggage.

Then, it was time to meet my host family: Yeny and Ronald, two great and friendly individuals. There house is great and super clean. Yeny made me a breakfast of eggs and bread, quite welcomed after such long time in planes and airports. I then unpacked, took a nap and left to tour the city on foot. I did not go far; the San Francisco place was bustling with all kinds of people. The church was full and at the end, a huge procession started. This would never happen back home. Back home, that is how Ronald wants me to call my room, Yeny had prepared a great lunch: a hearty soup, just spicy enough and full of vegetables, meat patties with salad and a banana covered with chocolate for desert. I met Peter, from England, and Navil, from the US and my roommate. The three of us then went out on a tour of the city. Wow! Beautiful and very clean. The old and the new, the hills around the town center. And, ah yes, did I mention very clean. We had a drink from a second floor restaurant overlooking the Place de Armes, a beautiful place. The sun was setting and dusk was settling in. The lights went on and at 6:00PM the bell of the church wnet on what seemed a 20 minutes long bells concert.

Back home, we had another great meal and, at 8:30PM, I am signing of and going to bed; tired but extremely happy.

By the way, I am saluting all my family and friends. Love you all from Cusco, Peru

PS: attached is a photo of Miguel, from Maximo Nivel, and myself in front of the school supplies that I brought down. They were given to me by Nicole Chamard (many thanks again) owner of the pharmacy near my house.

Last 5 posts by pierre myrand


A Global Volunteer Network Initiative: http://www.volunteer.org.nz