So Many Dances

There are so many influences in the many folkloric dances of Peru. Andean, Spanish, Black (from the early slaves) and more. We saw a wonderful show at Las Brisas de Titicaca. There were so many dances it was 3 hours long. Alex and Noelle loved it. Now they want to learn the Marninera Nortena - the national dance of Peru!

This is Poverty

We are staying in a lovely part of Lima right on the coast but real poverty is just a short drive outside the city. There are miles and miles of shanty towns like these. Houses stacked on top of each other covering the dirt mountainsides. Some adobe houses even appear roofless. It doesn't rain much in this part of Peru - only a few millimeters a year.

A full time live in nanny - 6 days a week gets paid around $200 US Dollars!!!! And, they are the lucky ones! They have their meals paid for, hot water and shelter. (A maid's quarters in a fairly well off home is what we would consider a closet. It only fits a twin bed.) The maid's quarters that is built into the house we are renting is outside!!!! Kind of looks like a utility closet with a twin bed in it. Sad.

Put a Zip in Your Step with these Coca Leaf Products

Had an energy bar that I purchased at an archaeological site today. It really worked. I was walking around town with new vigor and my whole mouth was tingling!!! Hmmm. What was in that thing anyway? Looks like birdseed but let me read the ingredients.....quinoa, sesame seeds, raisins, etc...Ooooohhh, coca leaf powder.

Wow! Now that's an energy bar that really works!