First Impressions

Hello everyone! Buenas dias.

First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Sabrina and I am an SOS volunteer at the Ottawa chapter. Presently, I am sitting in a cozy little house in Miraflores, one of the better neighbourhoods of Lima. I study Health Sciences and am doing a two-month placement here to learn about their healthcare, el español and see South America for the first time.

So far, I've been enjoying this city a lot! I'm fortunate enough to be living with a wonderful bunch of people, the location is great and the people are nice and especially patient with gringos like me. You can definitely tell that they often get the "Espacio por favor!" from tourist who just can't keep up with their rapid tongues. Luckily, they always seem quite pleased with my spanish effort and my will to understand them. Peruvians are very proud of their culture and are happy to share it with anyone who takes the time to come and visit, so don't be shy and try to strike a conversation with the little Spanish you know. I promise you'll learn immensely! 

But since I've only been here for about a week, I must admit that these entries are far from those of a Peru expert nor have I observed witty and insighful points about this culture. So while I am still learning, here are a couple of anecdotes about my first days here that might give you a few tips on how Lima works. Although I should point out that there is a major difference between Lima and the rest of Peru, i.e Cusco. For example, there is no sun here during the winter whereas anywhere else will get at least a glimpse of it. My guess would be that the pollution is causing this constant greyness ; you'd be surprised at how harsh the quality of air can be sometimes. Also, it is much more populous and americanized here so you feel right at home as soon as you land. Many places, such as Plaza Vea, will sell everything from macaroni and cheese to fresh baked churros. Churros are a sort of desert they serve here ; a little roll of buttery dough filled with delicious dulce de leche (known here as manjar blanco). You will see them everywhere... on the streets, in restaurants. Have one! They are heavenly, as every other desert they bake here. I swear, at this rate, I'm going to gain one million pounds. Who cares! ¡Yo estoy en Peru!