Sutiymi Kayla. Minnesotamantan kani.

I had an hour-long Quechua lesson today. That is all I remember.

My TEFL program is getting crazycrazycrazy. I have a bunch of pictures to upload but can't take the time tonight. Just want to let you know in case I fail to contact you or update this...I'm okay and am most likely either in the classroom or shivering in my bed doing homework. (It's COLD.)

I've been here for (slightly over) a week. Here are a few things I've learned:

1. You cannot ever, ever drink enough (thoroughly boiled) water.
2. Every meal is a good meal for potatoes. (Did you know the potato originated in Peru? I'm sensing a theme in my livings abroad; first Ireland, now this...)
3. Sunscreen is the best invention in the history of the world.
4. If you aren't honked at at least once per day while crossing a street, you're doing it wrong.
5. Hot showers are a precious, precious thing. When you get them, cherish them, briefly. Then get the hell out so your housemates don't hate you.
6. It's okay to say "¡Mi español es terrible!"10 times per day.
7. Toilet paper goes in the bin by the toilet. Not in the toilet. This one was very difficult for me.
8. You will be cold. And then you will be hot. And then you will be freezing. This can happen in the span of ten minutes. Don't worry about it.

 I think that I'm slowly getting the feel of this city. Although I don't think I can properly say that until I (1) go out salsa dancing and (2) own a sweater, poncho, hat, or any other alpaca knitwear.

In other news:

Monday was La Fiesta de Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Peru. It's a national holiday so we didn't have class. Instead, I grabbed coffee with a program-mate on a balcony overlooking Plaza de Armas and watched the procession. Pictures to come!

It seems like there are fiestas or processions or protests every other day in Cusco. I was in a taxi Saturday night and Avenida El Sol, one of the main thoroughfares, was completely closed off and occupied by a marching band and dancers in costume. I asked the driver what was going on. Rough translation of his response: "Who cares?"

Goals for this week/weekend: finish homework. Start final projects. Teach stellar lesson tomorrow. Avoid parasites and whatever housemates are sick with. Job search. Stay warm. Buy poncho.

Happy September!