Yesterday I did a 3 hour observation of the main plaza to glean some cultural gems (something we learned about at CIT). The most interesting thing I found was the variety of items for sale:
- books
- jewelry
- phone calls
- popcorn
- jello
- ice cream
- bread
- photos
- typing
- candy
- purses
- shoe shines
- bird seed
- puppets
- dolls
- watercolor paintings
I also got a manicure yesterday, one of my new ideas for how to meet un-churchy people and get to know the culture from their perspective. A manicure is $3, so it’s a pretty do-able price for an hour of chatting. My manicurist (Ana Lucia) is 30, very hip, and an enthusiastic talker. I think if I can go every week while we are in Arequipa (through sometime in March), I will have a good opportunity to learn and maybe also to share with her some about the things that matter to me.
Last night I helped Joni with her English homework and then taught her how to knit. She seems to be warming up to me and talking a little more. She is so shy. I am hoping to continue working with her at night and am considering asking her to do a Bible study with me. It would have to be something very very simple.
Lastly, this morning I was taking a nap and was disturbed by some strange noises. I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter, and what to me wondering eyes did appear but … a parade of child protesters! How odd. I’m not sure what they were protesting because they were marching away from me.
Child protesters, for sure? Do kids have any pull there?
oh. my. about the shower.
Loved the cultural observation exercise. See Hannah apply learning! = ) I also love to see how you are thinking and acting on ways to get involved with other people. Very inspirational!
Here's hoping for a warm shower!
Love,
Tara