hey everyone!

Currently, I am in Lima at the tail end of medical checks. After being in site in Ica for so ling, Lima reminds me of the states, though it doesn't look anything like home. We all stay in the same hostel, which is great, because its like having a house with 15 of your closest friends!! Though, we were reminded a few times this week that we are still just guests, and this is not out home.

First, we were reminded that this hostel that feels like home was still just a hostel when someone's computer was stolen! Apparently, a peruvian checked in for the night, using fake ID, and put his bag in the room. A Mac laptop was in the other room, which he took and walked down stairs, telling the owner that he was leaving for a second. We realized about 5 minutes later that the computer was gone, and checked his bag, which had nothing but water and an iron in it. So, obviously, he wasnt coming back. He probably does this for a living, going to hostels as a guest and stealing things. It just was a reality check for us to remember that we are still in peru, and not in the trusting environment of the states.

Second reminder, was the german 60 year old traveler staying in the hostel. One night, a few people came back late and cooked some food. He came out, yelling and shouting at the top of his lungs, waking up the whole place, saying f*** america, f***ing americans, and straight up insulting them. Hes an alcoholic, and probably half crazy. He also yelled at the owner of the hostel 2 nights before, something about leaning. He drank every night while we were here. Thank goodness for him that we insulted a bunch of peace corps volunteers, who are generally easy-going and calm people. He probably wouldn't have been so lucky with american travelers who could have severely hurt him.

All in all, Lima is fun, and a little relaxation was duely needed. I'm heading back to site today, preparing myself for the questions and spanish, recycling and students demanding I say something in english. Back to site, back to reality.

Happy travels,

Teigan