Hola Jesús

I had my first chance to try my legs as a teacher on Friday. I attempted to teach a group of Peruvians how to Irish jig. It was absolutely unsuccessful, but at least a lot of fun.

Here was my treat for finishing the lesson: pisco sour, a Peruvian drink featuring pisco, lemon, and egg whites, and aji de gallina (both delicious, and the first meal I've eaten out since I've arrived). (Also, don't get any ideas; the other pisco sour belonged to my program-mate Katharine.)

I am getting spoiled by the food here. Breakfast in my 'family house' consists of fresh-pressed juice, fruit, granola and yogurt, and fresh bread. Lunch and dinner are at the whim of Sergio, our mean old chef, but usually feature potatoes and beef or chicken and surprisingly amazing salads. I'm happy with this arrangement because eating out is how a lot of visiters run into stomach problems. My only issue is that my stomach hasn't quite gotten used to the altitude; I don't think I've been able to finish a single meal.


Yesterday morning I went on a hike with two fellow TEFLers, Christine and Patrick, up to Christo Blanco, a statue of Jesus overlooking Cusco à la Christ the Redeemer in Rio, only less famous.

Llamas!

Sacsayhuaman (pronunciation similar to 'sexy woman'), an old Incan fortress that I intend to explore next weekend.

At Christo Blanco we met Maximo, the legendary musician who hangs out up there playing traditional instruments and chatting with tourists. I took a video of him singing in Quechua, one of the chief native languages of the Andes, but it was taking forever to upload. I'll try again later.

The size difference between Maximo and me is quite typical. I don't think a full assimilation is in the cards for me in this country.

I learned an important lesson yesterday: forgetting to take your altitude sickness pills plus climbing a mountain plus an hour and a half salsa lesson results in a nasty headache. However, ibuprofen, 10 hours of sleep, and many cups of coca tea make everything better.