Day 5

Ok, so I hope I can enlist my husband to help put up a few pictures.  I know this would be so much more interesting.  But apparently there are some features on some websites that do not work with the IPad .  Uploading pictures to this site is one of them. Today was Camille's last day of class.  Her fiancé came to town and they are headed off to the Amazon.  So after class we went to a Pub and had a couple of beers, talked about dogs, cats, etc.  One of the students is Australian and I learned today the term cheeky snaps.  What he calls taking pictures.  So I'm learning Spanish and a little Australian. We had out first exam to determine placement for the next week.  I aced it of course.  But nothing to be too proud of, I mean this is a voluntary school so it was a little light.  Just enough for them to determine what level to put you at.  Not like I was going to get kicked out or anything.  But one of e students did choose today to have lunch with a friend and did not make it back to class.  So I don't know what penalty she will face. Lol Tomorrow, I will take a tour bus into Central Lima.  I do not know what could happen if you grab a taxi off the streets but I was warned again not to do it.  The señor of the house says even his wife is forbidden to take a taxi off the streets.  She has to call the taxi company.  I didn't get the whole story, but the taxis do not have meters.  They changed the rules a while back and anyone with a car that can drive can call himself a taxi.  So without meters, or any other provisions you really are just jumping into a strangers car.  So he is adamant that it is not safe for a single woman to do.  I do not believe I will test it out, I will just believe him.   I had a Duncan donut. I have resisted the treats and such but I finally caved.  But I walked quite always to and back from there so that should count for something.   It is about a 15 minute walk there.

Coming back I went into the church, there were quite a few people there and on the backside of the church I found another favorite haunt of the cats.  It is crazy it is like Hitchcock and the Birds only with cats.  I really wish I could hold one and pet it.  They are very docile. I saw where a cousin posted the weather on Texas at 108F.  I am quite enjoying my 70 degree days and do not relish returning to that heat.  I was considering staying some extra time because I think I would like to go to Iquitos and see the Amazon.  But you have to take the vaccine for malaria 10 days ahead of time and with my leaving for Cusco I do not have time.  But if I took e vaccination now I could go when I return.   I received an email from my instructor in Dallas that she will have another mediation for me after 8/21.  So I better return.  I have 4 more mediations to do with her and I could also start on my own. I would like to participate more before jumping in solo.  Now that I realized if I book some volunteer time this trip can be a tax deduction I definitely see a return visit in my future.  Also, I will have to work a few days in Montreal and New York so I can get some tax benefit for being there also.  Just need to find a hook for China.  Lol.  Now I also saw a program for Russia and I see I have some Russians friends reading my blog. Let's just put our heads together and come up with an excuse to head there!