Huancayo Update

Hey all!

Well, if you were hoping for pictures I'm sorry to say you'll have to wait just a little bit longer... once I get back on my own computer (about a week) I'll get some nice pictures up for you all!

Anyway, here's what I've been up to...

Monday through Friday I go to work with Heather, who is a Chicagoan living/interning here in Huancayo, to Promypes (pro-me-pays), which is a microfinance organization...basically they lend small amounts of money to people who need a loan and (of course) who can pay them back. It's been interesting all around- seeing how the company works and how the employees interact, as well as getting used to "Peruvian Time" (which is muuuuch slower than US time!). I go home for a delicious lunch, and then get to relax until 3, when we go back to Promypes for English lessons (or to help, anyway), or to explore more of Huancayo or just relax and enjoy an ice cream :)

I got to see a really cool place called Torre Torre (Tower Tower) this weekend- they are big wind-blown structures and they're beautiful! They almost look like a huge brown coral reef only above water. Heather and I climbed the dry riverbed all the way up to the top, where you can see part of Huancayo below, the mountains in the distance, and, of course, the towers. I'll post pics soon, this place is probably the outdoor highlight of Huancayo.

Also, I've gotten to try a lot of good food-lúcuma ice cream has been a treat (it's a Peruvian fruit, almost tastes like cake batter, it's so good!), and there are cake and snack shops all over...I may have to get a big bag packed to take with me to Satipo! Plus, since the weather is cooler, I get the chance to walk around a lot more and enjoy the sights.

I'll be sad to leave this weekend, but on the plus side Blanca found me a teaching job at a school near Satipo! I'll be teaching kids English Monday through Friday in the mornings, and I'm really excited- I think it will be a great experience, and I'm sure I'll learn just as much as the kids will!So I'm looking forward to that :) Also, Heather, some of her friends and I are planning a trip around Peru to see Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Puno (where Lake Titicaca is) and some lesser-known cities in Peru at the end of November, and of course I can't wait!

Anyway, that's what's been going on for now-feel free to post comments or ask me questions! Sometimes I forget to post details or random things, so your input is appreciated!

Thanks again for reading! More to come :)
Rachel