First Impressions

Traveling to Peru was like a gauntlet, a rite of passage. I made it through with only minor complications. I found my taxi driver without a hitch, and Erin, another student staying at Laura's house, was there too. The driver took us through Lima at one in the morning, showing us the good neighborhoods and the bad ones, where a good place to drink is, where the high schools and parks are. We even got our first glimpse at La Catolica. He was patient with us as our brains adjusted to the rapid Spanish. He told us of his family and his life. I missed some of the things he said, but to my surprise I was able to understand most of it. Here I am, and here I'll stay. With Laura and her daughter Laura (Laurita), and their dog, Misky. In my room there was a little balloon on my pillow that said "Bienvenido". The windows of the house are wide open with no screens, and the breeze that comes in is pleasant and cool.
This morning I woke to dogs barking, horns honking, and morning doves cooing softly. I think I will like it here. Today Laura is going to show us around the neighborhood. Most things are in walking distance, and Erin, Davin (the other student living here), and I are going to check out La Huaca later. They are ancient Incan ruins that I can see from my window. Tomorrow Laura will show us how to use the public transportation to get to La Catolica. I imagine it will be quite the adventure.
Until then,
Abby