Greetings from Ayacucho,

I am planning to be here in the high desert mountains for about a month. I have heard someone say that the best way to get to know a place is to work there. I have just began work at an orphanage that serves children from Ayacucho. The experience has been pretty enlightening so far. I am amazed at the kids attention to detail when doing their homework. They also love futbol and are a lot better than me at it.

From being in Ayacucho I have learned a few new things about this culture that are different than the US or Los Estados Unidos as it is reffered to here. When it comes to building structures, the way is up. Most buildings are flat and appear unfinished. There is always an opportunity to add another level to any building without much thought of the building coming down. Environmentally, it is better to focus developement in already established city centers rather than sprawling out. Peru seems to do this well.

As  for the culture of Peru, it is common for the men to live with their families until they get married. ( I seem to be part Peruvian) A girlfriend would not be able to stay over at the mans parents house. Therefore there are an abundance of hostals where couples sneak away to continue their relations under cover. This perspective on relationships could stem from the strong role of the Catholic church in Peru. One of the mountains surrounding the city has a giant cross that is lit up at night.

Waste disposal is also different here. A garbage truck comes monday, wed, and friday and the only way to get rid of your garbage is to hear the bell that rings from the truck and chase it down the street.  On the roads, the traffic rules are hard to get a handle on. I am glad that I am not driving here, but basically at most intersections you just head full steam ahead, beep your horn and if there is someone coming the other way, you have to adapt from there. This mindset of taking it as it comes goes with the Peruvian mindset. Planning is not really done and if you ask someone what they are doing this weekend, they most likely wont know.

Thats about it from Peru. I will be here in Ayacucho until November 10th then hopefully move onto Machu Pichu.

Have a great day

Felipe