I passed through the giant metal doors and continued around the corner to the main courtyard to find the students and teachers in a Mass. I made my way quietly to where a few teachers were observing and I began listening to the Father who was in the middle of his Sermon. He spoke about … More Lessons from a High School Anniversary
The sun was radiating despite it being July 24th and the middle of the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. The teachers from Julio Ponce and I took refuge in the limited shade provided by the church’s concrete fence. We talked, joked and waited impatiently for the day’s events to begin. Much of the town had gathered for … More Marching On
As I stood in the shade, talking to my site mate’s host sister, I asked her about Peruvian customs related to death, funerals, etc. I was astonished that the funeral was happening so quickly. I told her that in the States, we usually wait a few days, sometimes a week. I couldn’t think of an … More A Peruvian Funeral
A toast. It’s a simple gesture, yet it can mean so much. We offer toasts to good health, to celebrate important events, to honor those not with us; the list goes on. Toasting is an extremely important part of Peruvian culture. Even in a normal day, it’s custom to cheers to a drinking companions’ health. … More A Tale of Two Toasts
Bright colors. Loud music. Gallons of water. Even more baby powder. Carnaval. Or at least, that’s how they do Carnaval at my friend’s site in Bernal, Piura. Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is celebrated in the days leading up to lent (though, unlike Mardi Gras some of them continue a few days past Ash Wednesday). I … More Carnaval Bernal
Brittany McGee 