¡Conozco a una fujimorista!

You're probably not going to believe this, but I met someone who actually remains casi pro-Fujimori. For real! Maria's cuñada (sister-in-law) Lydia came over last night and was talking to me about Fujimori. She was saying her kids made fun of her because when Fujimori was extradited and she saw it on the news she cried! She had a slightly different perspective than anyone else I've spoken to about him thus far. She told me she could remember a time during Alan Garcia's first term (he is also the current president) in the 80s when she had to stand in line for a can of condensed milk for her 1 year old child. She talked about the terrible inflation and the lack of jobs. The terrorists were going strong and it wasn't safe to be out in the streets. During Fujimori's first term, all of that changed. There weren't any lines and under his government some semblance of economic stability returned. The rapid inflation slowed down and the nueva sol (their unit of money) gained value. He also created a lot of jobs and made a commitment to stop the terrorists. In Lydia's eyes, he was the best president Peru has had.

She did admit that after his first term things got corrupt, but she made the point that there is corruption in every government (and we all know ours is no exception). "El chino", as Fujimori is lovingly called, did a lot of good and a lot of bad. But for Lydia, the difference he made in the lives of Peruvians is not something she can easily forget. She was once a social worker who worked with the campesinos (farmers) to try to motivate them to work and help themselves. So she witnessed firsthand what changed when Fujimori became president.

I asked a lot of questions when I was talking with her and Maria over mate de coca. I asked why the people chose to re-elect Alan Garcia. Lydia says he was the lesser of two evils since the other candidate was a military man and he would become a dictator for sure. Maria said she never voted for Garcia (if you don't remember, voting here is mandatory). Latin America was run by military men for a number of years, but that's another screwed up subject for another entry. It's amazing what these people have been through, and what "democracy" means to a Peruvian. I still have a lot to learn about the history of the government and development of this place, but I love learning more and asking questions.

In other news, I discovered today that Lima beans really are named after Lima, Peru.
Today I also took my first trip to Molino, which is a centro comercial (mall) where they sell all kinds of contraband items including movies, CDs, cameras, cell phones, etc., as well as a lot of brand name clothing. Very interesting.

On Saturday, my parents and Steph are arriving for their visit! This should be exciting and difficult since not one of them is particularly knowledgeable about Spanish (I've got my fingers crossed for you all).
On Monday, we have no classes because it is a holiday. Here is what I was told in an email by Mike, one of our ProPeru directors:
You have Monday off, as it is Combate de Angamos. This is a national holiday commemorating a battle in the 1800´s when Peru lost and a Peruvian Navy hero killed himself and sank his ship before the Chileans could get to them and kill everyone.

What bravery! ¡Hasta luego!