My First Friend!

Today was a beautiful day in Lincoln, it is 10:45 right now and it is still 63, i don't know how that is even possible. Besides the amazing weather today was awesome. After work i made some chicken and sat down at the computer to read through the posts on the Peru 17 wall, to get updated from the weekend. Lucky me, just happened to be on the computer at the same time as one of my fellow Peru volunteers. Thus began the beginning of a b-e-a-utiful friendship, or so i hope. Chris will be in my training class down in Peru, we had a great chat today about all things Peace Corps. It was so nice to finally get to talk to someone that is going through the same things i am. My friends and family have been super supportive throughout this whole process, but it was really nice to finally be able to talk to someone that will be going on the same crazy adventure as me.

Chris is from Tampa, and found out he is going to Peru just a little bit ago. His job title is, youth development facilitator, so he is in my program but will be doing something way different than myself. It was nice to finally talk out the packing woes i have, and bounce ideas off each other. He informed me that a hammock is necessary, so i'm putting that on my "maybe" list. Chris has been to Peru, so he had some helpful hints on the packing, i'm no longer as worried.

We both are concerned on how "rusty" our spanish is going to be, but i have a feeling we will catch on quickly. I'm going to start working on it with my friend Erin through the library, they offer an online thing for free, so we will see how that goes.

The conversation also turned interesting when we turned to the subject of food. Like i said earlier, Chris has been to Peru before, and on his blog he said that they eat soup a lot. Obviously anyone who knows me, knows that i have an obsession with soup, so this was the best news i have heard about Peru!! However this was the only comforting thing that he said. We discussed the Peruvian delicacy of Guinea Pig. Now, i will try anything once but this just gets a little intimidating. Chris said it tastes like chicken, which is obviously a good thing, however he threw in a curve ball. And i quote, "it tastes like rotisserie chicken, but looks like dead rats."  (yay dead rats!!) He said they keep the head on when they serve it, but it tastes good. That is somewhat frightening, but hey, when in Peru do as the Peruvians. Next we discussed the slaughtering of chickens, which also threw me for a loop. Chris discussed the proper way to kill a chicken by swinging it around and then proceeded to discuss the defeathering/gutting process. I explained to him that he would get a good arm workout because he would have my chicken in one of his hands. I'll eat anything at least once, but i am not too sure on this killing what you eat thing.

Chris also directed me to some amazing videos of Peruvian PC volunteers, the videos are from the group that is in Peru right now. These volunteers are amazing, and it is really cool to see videos of them explaining life in Peru. They make the best of everything and you can really tell that they are taking everything in, and are truly appreciative of their time in Peru. This group, Peru 12, has made some hilarious videos, including a segment called Peru Cribs...follow this link to see where one of the PC volunteers lives, while he stays in Peru. After this video is over there is another funny one that should be the first link on the right hand side. These guys are pretty funny, and though they are "roughing" it, i love the fact they made these places their own.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5KjOeNNSiM&NR=1


Today made me extremely excited for my journey to Peru, i'm glad i've made my first PC Peru friend. I'm guessing you will probably be hearing more about Chris throughout my blogs, and all the other amazing people i hopefully will continue to meet!!!

Until next time :)