So there is a store across the street that operates like a super walmart or target. It sells house stuff, food, electronics, etc. While we were here buying bottled water, I noticed that they had cans of red bull, each with it's own magnetic sensor, locked behind a glass case. I wondered if there are legal restraints here similar to the ones we have in the states about selling aerosol cans, spray paint, superglue, robustussin etc to minors.

On our drive Monday morning we also saw several armed policemen on the streets. It's not uncommon to see them all over the place. We have heard that they are corrupt. Many carry guns, or swords, and we've seen a few with AK -47s.

Several of the houses are built out of concrete, painted in pastels and have gorgeous wood doors, gates, etc. The wood is native to Peru and gets harvested from the Amazon rainforest. The forestation is a problem, and I can see why people want the wood for its beauty.

I also noticed a big skateboarding subculture here. There are few girls who skate, but here are some which is inspirational given the country's attitude toward gender equality/inequality. I even saw a skate ramp in one house's front yard!

There are many vendors who sell their goods via pushcart. There are still several payphones on corners and next to stores. They are sponsored by major cell phone companies so in the US that would be like seeing ATT or Verizon payphones everywhere.

There is also an abundance of casinos. They all have signage in English, and bright flashing lights like you would see in Vegas. There seems to be no organization in terms of where they are located - there is no "casino neighborhood" for example. We would drive through a residential area and all of a sudden this bright blinking casion would pop up out of nowhere. I do think it's possible there are zoning restrictions around how many you can place within a certain square footage, but that could be my own thoughts around urban planning creating that hypothesis.

There is a small Asian population here, primarily Chinese and Japanese immigrants. There is a type of food here called Chifa which is Peruvian's take on Chinese food. I saw a cookbook in the store for Chifa food which made me laugh as an outsider. But that would be no different than us seeing a Mexican or Italian cookbook in the US.

Many of the channels on TV have English subtitles. This could be something the hotel set up for its tourist guests, or it might be something the networks do for global appeal. There is one station that plays all US programming with Spanish subtitles. I like to watch it when I wake up and go to sleep to see what they show. It's the same channel they had when I was in Ecuador, which I watched when I was homesick or having a hard time adjusting. So far, I've watched Seinfeld and Frasier, and they play movies late at night. Sleepless in Seattle was one and there is a Johnny Depp flick on now.

Tipping is not customary here. People feel like their job is their job, and so there is no reason to give money on top of this. It's a generous and service-minded culture - meaning that exceptional service is just expected because that's how you do things, not because you're working for a tip. They will accept tips from tourists but they think you are being silly for leaving extra money. Wages are also very low here so the fact that people prefer to keep their hard earned money themselves and not give it to strangers plays a part. Tax is also included in the total price you see displayed at stores, so there is no surprise or uncertainty about total price at the cash register.

About half of the people we've met so far are at least bi-lingual. This is not uncommon in most countries around the world. Here in Peru, the official language is Spanish, although half the population is indigenous and speak Quechua or Amaya, and not Spanish. There are many other indigenous languages outside of the 2 mentioned, but they are not as prevalent. So, on the coast you will find most people speak Spanish and English. In the mountains you might find people speaking Spanish and an Indigenous language. In the rural and Amazon areas many people only speak an indigenous language. This presents a huge problem in the educational system and economy, as you can imagine.

Most other countries teach their youth at least 2 languages as soon as they enter the educational system. Many people in the US don't realize this, and don't feel affected by it, but as a country, we are very far behind in terms of global mindedness. We are at an advantage as many might say we don't need to learn a second or third language - which could be true when you consider the power and influence of the US on the global stage. But that's all the more reason for us to get educated and passionate about the issues affecting humanity. Chinese is quickly becoming the most commonly spoken language of business, and the world is only getting smaller and smaller making it more important and sort of personal responsibility for us to expand our cultural competence and world mindedness. The things we do and way we behave have a drastic impact on the global stage. The world, literally, was watching our last election to see the direction in which we were headed. This might add to our sense of self-importance and isolation, but for me it has the opposite effect. I feel responsible to the people who care so much about our policies and vision.

They wont accept slightly damaged or torn or wrinkly dollar bills.

They have Kimberley Clark toilet paper and Kholer toilets in many places in Peru. You cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet, you must dispose of in a garbage can next to the toilet to avoid clogging plumbing. Not every bathroom has toilet paper. Sometimes they will have someone stationed outside that you have to buy from. Usually, you have to squat as there is no toilet seat.

I drank papaya juice and hated it.

Chicha morena - bottle of purple drink made out of corn.

Carolyn gave us all a book called the Celestine Prophecy . She loves it and says she sees it all the time in her everyday life. It's the type of book you either totally buy into, or think it's a little suspect.

When we left the hotel Monday morning we were thrust into a Mining protest. People were storming in the streets with signs and music and megaphones. It was a peaceful protest demanding better treatment for miners and that corporations stop exploiting the natural resources.

They have recycling programs all over the city, but not so much outside of Lima.

Khalilah studied abroad in Ecuador, at the same school I attended! She was there years before me, but we reminisced about the school and the neighborhood and what it was like to live in Quito. She also has crazy allergies and had an allergic reaction during dinner one night. It was scary but she was prepared with her epipen.

They have a public transportation system. Mostly busses - I didn't seen any trains or trolleys or subways. Cabs here have set routes, so you can't just call one to pick you up anywhere, and if you get in and tell them where you need to go, they will often tell you they aren't going that way and you have to get out.

Similar to in Ecuador, here in Peru families live together for a long time. Children will live with their parents until they get married. And sometimes, even after they get married, the family will build a layer on top of their roof that functions like another house for their kids' families.

Carola considers herself bi-cultural. She was born and raised in Peru and her parents moved the family to Cali when she was a pre-teen. She likes to approach things with a "beginniner's mind".

I learned that Anndrea has a huge disjointed family similar to Dana's. Relatives and half and step etc brothers, cousins, aunts/uncles all over the place.

I learned that Nehamiah's dad got paralyzed playing football. That somewhat affects Nehemiah's passion for helping kids that are differently abled. He started his own nonprofit specifically for this purpose.

In Peru, everywhere with an S signifies an earthquake safe zone.

McDonalds delivers in Lima.

In Peru, it doesn't snow, except for in the mountains and even then very rarely. They associate Christmas with snow. All Christmas decorations etc have snow in them.

There are casinos everywhere. Scattered throughout the city. It's apparently a big hobby and pastime.

Smoking is somewhat common in Lima. Not as common as in Europe when I was last there.

Kaohe told us about a time she did a panty exchange in high school. That was a funny story. =)

Billboard sign said "somos freeeeeeesh" - we are fresh.

In the restaurants the wait staff give you straps with buckles to secure your purse on the back of the chair.

The flag of the city of Cuzco looks like the US version of the GLBT flag but the colors are reversed from top to bottom order.