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.

1 Comment

1. Anonymous on November 29, 2007 at 10:22 PM

   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