First days in Arequipa
So here I am; my first message from Arequipa! I had a bit of a problem keeping up with my schedule, so I arrived a day later than planned. I got here on october 3rd at 8AM and was picked up by Mark, the director of the school and also my direct teacher while doing the TEFL course. Mark is a nice guy, likes to talk a lot, is very energetic and enthusiastic about most things, very motivated and tries to help people the best he can.

The first few days I stayed at his friends´ apartment while visiting different families so I had a chance to decide where I want to live for the next 3 months. Everyone I met so far is really nice. The first day I visted an orphanage (which was also one of the options fo me to stay at), a unique experience as is. All the kids were so affectionate! I met them for the first time, but they greeted me like I had been away for a while and had now returned. It was incredible, they all hugged me and one girl in particular kept on hugging and kissing me as I was sitting down and then started playing with my hair! Forget about personal space! It was great though, to be around so many hugz and kisses. Most of these girls do have at least one parent but often come from an abusive family. Mark told me I could stay with these kids, which I definitely considered, but the downside is that it is about a 40min drive to the school.

The past few days I had to be at the school at 8AM for English stuff from 8-9 (this did not actually happen, since other things came up- the schedule seems very flexible and very much South American style!), then from 9-12 I had spanish class with a private tutor who doesn´t speak English..very much fun but sooo exhausting! There was no slacking or relaxing in this class, because I was the only student! Anyhow, the girl is real nice and patient and I hope to be communicating with her about more than just articles of clothing and colors soon.

This weekend I will have a long weekend because monday is a holiday, so it will give me some time to explore a bit more. The days have been pretty busy and also a bit chaotic, but I think things will be better once I move in with the famly.

The institute and my hostfamily
The school where I get my TEFL classes and Spanish classes is a nice, old casona in the middle of the center of Arequipa, pretty much at the Plaza de Armas, which makes it nice to walk around during lunch break. Though with my limited Spanish, this is about the most I have seen of Arequipa so far. (I have been warned by so many people, including locals, that cabs will either mug you, or just charge triple the price for tourists, so I am a bit hesitant to take one right now-I rather walk) Unfortunately the place I will probably live at is a bit further away from the center (but not as bad as the orphanage).

The guy who offered for me to stay with him and his family (Andrès) is a really nice, relaxed guy; he has two kids, a boy, Diego (13) and a real cute, shy girl named Paula (8) and I had dinner with them last night (chinese or Chifa no less!!). I felt very comfortable around them, after dinner I played this nintendo guitar game that I suck at...too bad they don´t have dance dance revolution, but who would have thought I´d be playing this guitar game here in the first place? The thing that excited me most though, is that they have a trampoline! (and I am not talking about a small one, it´s HUGE!)

Well..., so far the idea of getting the true Peruvian experience..! Obviously this family is an upperclass family, but the good thing is (besides the obvious hygiene) that they will make me part of the family including taking me on their little trips on the weekends so I will get to see much more than if I were to stay somewhere on my own.

As far as teaching, I will start observing at all kinds of places: public state schools, universities, international schools, private schools and also the orphanage. That way I can get an idea of which setting I feel comfortable with. So I am not too worried about not getting a true Peruvian experience.

Ah, one other thing before I sign off.. I am about the tallest around here (even compared to guys) and with my brand shoes that make me 3-4 cm taller, I am sorta like a giant here! Yep!

OK, I will get ready to find my way back to the apartement and start packing. I will be picked up at 13hr for lunch! Pix will be put up within the next few days..

Ciaociao for now!