Farewells

I have written later this week because I have been busy really busy.  I left Chiclayo last night, got on a bus for 14 hours and have now reached my new family house in Lima.  I already love it. The family are so welcoming and even though the parents are both doctors, they both found time to come home and we had lunch together.  They also have a dog! - so I am sold on my new home for the next 2 months. Although this dog has now taken to biting my ankles and a particular liking to my right leg...

The week leading up to my departure seemed to fly by.  Last weekend I felt like a social butterfly! We were invited to the English principals, Jesús, house for food and Pisco.  Sophie and I introduced them to the Cha Cha slide and they introduced us to another bottle of Pisco.  On Saturday, I was invited to Karaoke with my mentor Karla and another teacher friend Andrea.  I was at first panicked because the book only had Spanish songs - and I only vaguely know the words to 'Despacito'. Luckily I found another book filled with English songs - 'Ironic' by Alanis Morisette it is then!.  What better way to stick out than by singing an English song with perfect pronunciation in the middle of a Peruvian karaoke club?

There were cocktails too so again, I was very happy.  

Sunday was spent sleeping.  Macarena and Pierina, my sisters, took me to the beach onto the muelle (pier) and we basically had a photo shoot.  It was really lovely to spend some time just the 3 of us.  In the evening we went to Miss Gigi's house, who is our coordinator, for Ludo and pizza (and coffee for me because I can't deal with all of this socialising)

Someone has to come last and because I didn't want anyone else to feel like they had been ultimately crushed by me in Ludo, I let the others win ...

On Monday I was asked to be interviewed by the school's publicity director.  I am starting to feel quite in-demand, especially after being asked to be taken pictures of for the website - This is the beginning of my fame!


I spent most of my lesson during the week going through a presentation which I made about my culture and the UK in general - including find where the UK is (hardly anyone knew where it is!), and 'Where's Wally' as well as information about Nessy the sea monster who lives in Scotland and what is included in a Roast Dinner.  On Tuesday I had to do my presentation to my host family and a few teachers (in Spanish!) It was daunting at hell but I had prepared my notes and everyone was smiling at me so I couldn't be too nervous.  We then had a 'leaving ceremony' where we were greeted with cake and flowers and bags with souvenirs from the school.  There were pictures and speeches too which made me a tad emotional but also loved as well.

We went for my goodbye meal on Tuesday night.  My parents wanted to pay for the meal as a thanks to my Peruvian family for putting up with me for 2 months.  There were cocktails again (big thumbs up from me) and I tried 'Anticucho' or 'Cow's heart on a stick'.  As daunting and horrific as this sounds for some people (sorry veggies) it was really nice! It was like having smaller pieces of steak and I really enjoyed it. Next up - Cuy or 'guinea pig'. When in Peru...

The week flew by and in a blur of taking many photos with the kids in my classes and being hugged so much I nearly fell over, I found myself throwing my clothes in bags (with much precision as I have too much stuff and my dad wasn't here with his mad packing skills to help me) and getting ready to leave the house.  I had made cards for all of my teachers and for each family member to thank them for their kindness.  Saying goodbye seemed rushed but still made me sad when I was pushed through the door to the bus.  Just when I thought I had got it over and done with, my travel buddy Sophie got a call from our coordinator saying that she had just arrived at the station and that we were permitted to get back off the bus to say goodbye.  After a couple of tears and heartfelt words, we were back in the bus.  I slept most of the way to Lima and as there was not many people on the bus, Sophie moved to another seat and we could stretch out a bit.  We went our separate ways at the station but it won't be long until we are back together again.

I am going to Bolivia tomorrow with some girls from VTP.  I am quite looking forward to it! Although I am wondering how I am going to get everything I want into a small rucksack. Those who know me know that I do not understand the meaning of 'packing lightly' - for example the amount of things I brought with me to Peru.

For that reason I won't be writing until next Sunday - so be patient people - I will have much to talk about next week.

To end, I want to express (even more than I probably already have) how much I am going to miss the teachers and students at the school. I was always made to feel welcome and I will miss it a lot. I was even offered a job when leaving ! Perhaps an idea for the future.

I above all am going to miss my host family.  They met me with open arms the moment I stepped off the bus in August and held me there until I got on the bus last night.  They laughed and celebrated with me and they taught me so much about the culture and the language and I can't thank them enough.  They said I will always have a place in their home and to return anytime and I intend to keep that promise.

Anyway. Until next week, Ciao.