Saturday, January 28, 2012

Lest January Pass Us By...

So I was waiting to post so that I could post the link to my 2011-in-review video that I made but since the internet hasn't cooperated for me, the video is still not available and January is about to pass us by without so much as a peep from your Peace Corps correspondent.

To be honest, there's not a whole lot to write about this month. It's been a slow month work-wise and I've probably talked to most of you about what I've been up to recently and you may understand why I have not posted. But because we can't let a month go by without a post (who knew that that was the goal?) and since the youtube won't upload my video quickly enough I'm just jibber jabbering on the computer screen.

Here's some cool things I did this month while in Lima:
1. Farmer's Market! Who knew Lima had one? But then, why wouldn't it?
2. Sitting in the grass in a park, watching a wedding and eating items from said Farmer's market.
3. Getting to know the Lima bus system. I can maneuver that sprawling city so cheaply now.
4. Running in to other volunteers as they came in and out of Lima on business or coming back from travel.
5. Baking (really just eating) cheese bread and playing cards at a volunteer's apartment.
6. Watching football with other volunteers at the ex-pat bar in Miraflores.
7. Girls night out.
8. Getting to know the area of Lima known as Barranco and seeing where Anthony Bourdain ate ceviche. When/if you come visit, I will take you there.
9. Beach! This was by far the best thing I did in Lima. Know why? Because it's the beach. Know why else? Because the beach is just so good for the soul. At least it is so good for my soul. It is a place of fun and playfulness in the sand the crashing waves but then, if you look out to the horizon, you realize that you are in a place of power and majesty and any turbulence is calmed.

Ultimately, here is why a trip to Lima was a good idea: it reminded me of the independent, adult person who I can be when I am not living in a "town" of 300 people, on a hill, in the mountains with limited transportation. In the city there is activity and life and people don't look at you like you don't belong. As much as I hate to admit it, as a Peace Corps volunteer, you are forced to give up parts of yourself be it because your sense of humor is lost in translation or because you are a professional in your town and professionals certainly don't splash other people in the face and swim away in to the ocean or because being a warm and friendly person may extend an unintended invitation cross-culturally. But the good thing is that while I was spending some time in Lima, I was reminded of those parts of myself that had been in hibernation for the past several months and it was good.

Blessings.