Mucho tiempo sin hablar

Hello again! It's been awhile since I've written, mostly because internet opportunities have been a lot shorter and I haven't felt I've had time to write an entry.

There are about a trillion things that have happened, as you can imagine. My parents and Steph were able to come for a visit which I really enjoyed. I think they had a great time too, and it seemed like my host family here was overjoyed to be able to meet them and spend time with them. The language barrier didn't end up being nearly as big as a problem as I had worried, especially when Evelyn was around to help me translate. Denis, as usual, was a godsend who took them around on a day when she didn't have class until late afternoon. I'm not quite sure what I would do without her!

We have been back to Conchacalla twice since I last wrote, the first time we carried giant Eucalyptus logs from down the mountain to the top to use to build the techo (roof) of the bathrooms. We ended up riding in the back of a giant pickup truck along with all of the logs (which was terrifying, but an experience I probably won't have anywhere else) and then carrying them after the truck could go no further. I still really enjoy going there, as concerned as I am about these little kids running around with torn clothing, damaged teeth, and dry, cracked, dirty skin. They really do make the whole process more enjoyable. This past week Rocío (who has become the favorite of the entire group quite quickly) giggled for a very, very long time as she was playing with us and her older sister, Jobana (that's my guess at the spelling). She was hilarious... she has the most wonderful laugh and smile, it's impossible not to love her.

Last night I decided to go out again with the group, which I must confess is something I never particularly enjoy. A lot of the other girls seem to be looking to make out with a Peruvian boy they've never met and running around to all sorts of different bars, and that doesn't appeal to me much. I miss being able to be on Grosvenor with my friends in a more relaxed and safer environment. Although we have found an excellent place to get really good late night falafel (and falafel is certainly not plentiful in Cusco) from a little stand and a guy named Victor. That is what I look forward to when we go out, and Garabatos if we ever get around to going there (it's the best place out there but people are starting to explain it's too expensive... by Peruvian standards, yes, but certainly not by ours...). I'm looking forward to the party we'll probably have at John and Gina's on my birthday to celebrate Halloween and my birthday and Dane's. I'm hoping I will enjoy that more!

Well, I'm off for now. But I have more to say!