¡lima!

Although our training is pretty rigorous, even on Saturdays, we’ll usually have free time in Lima on Saturday afternoons. The past two Saturdays we have had a chance to start exploring Lima. Last week, we visited Miraflores, which is on the coast, and one of the wealthier districts of Lima. We also visited the Center, where we saw government buildings and colonial cathedrals. Lots of really cool architecture (see pics)!

Because the community of Huascaran is so small and developing, it’s quite a culture shock to visit in Lima. I couldn’t help comparing the bustling streets of Lima (with busy Limeños on every corner, honking taxis and huge buildings) to Huascaran (where there are no paved roads and everyone recognizes you).

This past Saturday we went to Jockey Plaza, a huge American-style mall. I felt like I could have been in any fancy mall in America. It was crazy to me that I saw Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and an Apple Store, etc while I was only an hour away from my home-sweet-home Huascaran where there is no toilet seat, hot water, or even a real floor in my house. It was shocking to observe how severe the socioeconomic disparities are in Peru.

Although Lima was nice (and, I admit, I did hit up Starbucks out of desperation for real coffee), in a way it was comforting to come back to my dusty home in Huascaran. It’s weird that after only 2 weeks, I already consider my town to be comforting and where I belong. Compared to Lima, where I passed by many wealthy and European-looking Peruvians, I feel much more comfortable walking the dusty roads of Huascaran greeting Angelica, the tienda owner, or Melisa and Stefanie, the two sisters always playing in the park.

I’m glad I’ll get a chance to explore Lima more. For example, next weekend I plan on going to the big art museum in the city. It’s also nice to have access to real stores where I can buy necessities like shampoo, toothpaste, or clothes. However, I’m also glad that I live in Huascaran and ok with the fact that I’ll be hundreds of miles from Lima in a couple of months.