Culture Shock..

Well, today was my first day in Peru.

My flight from Miami was delayed 4 hours and I finally got on at 8 30. We landing in Lima around 2 in the morning. Going through immigration was easy, but waiting for my luggage was hard, taking over an hour to get my belongings. When I got out into the other side of the airport, my host family was there along with the district president, my counselor and my host club president. It was awesome! I loved how they greeted me. I have about 10 different balloons now!

When I woke up this morning, I went upstairs to the kitchen to find my mama and Sese. I ate with them and gave them their presents. I think they lked them! Andrea and Miguel then came up and we all ate together and went over my vocabulary. A little after that, me and my mama went to a "mercado" for some chicken and fruit. Time went by and we had lunch which was delicious! It was rice with chicken, peaches and green beans. I loved it!

After I ate, Miguel and I went to his friend Cecila's house which is also hosting my friend Rachel from Canada. I met her parents and grandma. I also had a chocolate candy with carmel in t and Inca Kola. They were both pretty good! All of us then walked to a bus station to get a bus to Larcomar. When we got there we walked around the city for a bit. Rachel and I both had a churro and we saw a lot of cool traditional Peruvan things. After that, we went down to the beach and walked around. We toke lots of pictures and it was beautful!! We then went back up to the city and waited for Rachel's counselor to pick us up.

When she did, she toke us to this city called Barranco "the city of love" as they would say it. It was very beautiful as well! We went to eat at this one place, I forget what it s called, and tried all knds of different foods. If you can believe it, I had cow heart and stomach, and it was delicious! I also had corn juice and Peruvian donuts. For dessert, Rachel and I had rice arroz con leache, which is rice with milk and some kind of sauce with it. I did not like the corn juice, arroz con leche, or Inca Kola that much. I also do not like their milk. But hey, I told myself I would try everything and I did, so far!

Miguel and I then walked home. He showed me where my school was and all kinds of stores. We then came home and ate some more. I only had a mandarin though.

Now I am in my room writing this, but that is all that happened today.

Thanks,
Erika

...I Hope You Never Forget Me...

Well, it all cones down to this. In 5 hours I will be leaving for the airport then for a year in Lima. This whole week consisted of saying goodbye to friends and family and even teachers. This past weekend I went to Ohio with my family knowing that that would be our last one in a year.

Saying goodbye to all of the people who are important in my life was very hard. It wasn't until tonight that reality finally hit me. Everyone would ask me, aren't you nervous and I would say no. But now I am, and scared. This is the first time I have been without my family, in my whole 16 years of life. It is also hard because family is the only constant thing in your life.

Anyway, today I finally packed. I have a suitcase, a duffel bag, and a carry on, not to mention loads of money! As I told you this is my first time on a plane before so I'm kinda nervous and a side note that my bags weigh a ton!

I have been in contact with my host family
who will be waiting at the airport for me along with my counselor and president of my club.

This trip will be an experience, but a invaluable one at that. I just pray to God that he will keep me safe and watch over me on this great year!

Erika (: