Marci Soifer

I write this entry from a small internet cafe outside a bustling market in Ayacucho. I have slept and showered, after my long night in the Lima ariport, waiting for my early morning flight to Ayacucho. Ayacucho is an hour and half flight from Lima (at only 6 am daily), and since I arrived and got through immigration by 1230, it was a really long night. I met up with some other volunteers, from my program and otherwise, so I had someone to talk to, keep me awake, and share stories (and some laughs...it wasnt all terrible). I found myself spending an hour offering this random German man, a 19-year-old guy en route to visit his German girlfriend in another small Peruvian village, love advice. It was rather backward, considering A-his English was hardly understandable and B-I dont know why he thought I could help him. Anyway, bottom line, I have confirmed the rumor that meeting travelers is going to make this adventure just that, and even more interesting.

My house is amazing. It is very nice, I think, and has about 12 rooms for other volunteers. The rooms feel big, and maybe that is because I only brought a backpack (I know...surprise) and dont have much to fill my space. I share with this other girl, who actually was born in Tel Aviv and now lives on Long Island, for the time being, but she will leave in three weeks and be replaced. Most of the people live on the second floor, and I dont have any idea how this happened, but I live in the sole room on the roof with the most beautiful view of the Andes and the community from my window, and from the porch/roof top outside my room.

The city itself is small, but full of what feels like the most vibrant culture I have seen. The people seem outgoing, although for some reason, each time I try to communicate, Hebrew comes out instead of Spanish. And, while Qechua sounds interesting, I dont know that I will be learning it while I am here...it is really difficult to pronounce, and I am focused on Spanish. I am really excited to start my volunteer placement tomorrow and actually see this communty from the inside, as opposed to the observations I report from today, a day of exploration. Contrary to what I may have mentioned before, I am still unsure of exactly what I will be doing, as the needs of this community seem to change all the time and things are chaotic now since the schools just let out for summer vacation (right in time for Christmas). But, when I know, I will share.

I think that is all for the moment. Thanks for reading...more to come.