My moms flight first got delayed. So she ended up coming a day later than we thought. I met her at her hotel. We went all over Lima. Larcomar (a mall built into a cliff) is very close to where we were staying. We walked around there. To say we didn't shop this entire week would be a complete and total lie. You can't put a mom and daughter in what's basically a giant mall and not expect them to blow a couple dollars.
The next day we decided to go to a place called Gamarra. It was the worst mistake I could make! We didn't have a Peruvian with us so my anxiety was through the freakin' roof. La Gamarra is a giant place where you can buy fake brand name clothes and just get cheap things in general. Before we even got there, the taxi driver said we need to be extra careful. If only that deterred us. As soon as we stepped out it felt like 30 people attacked us with so called sales. But we were determined to not leave until we bought something (anything really). So we found something quick and then I just had to leave before I had an anxiety attack. Later that day, we met up with Barbara and Stephen for drinks and food. Turns out my mom loves Pisco Sours. She told me multiple times "when in Rome". That night my mom and I we're going to go out to a disco. Once we got to a bar I practically fell asleep there. I know I know, I'm a blast. On to the next day.
Saturday: Mom and I went to the Inka Market. My mom likes to wake up at the butt crack of dawn, but Peru doesn't. On our way, I got my mom her daily Coke Zero. The market opened at nine. We went around and got little presents for everybody. Then we had a show called "Brisas del Titicaca". It was a bunch of Peruvian dancing and music. I ordered my mom Lomo Saltado which is a great Peruvian dish. The show was incredible but it was like 4 hours long. Which is 3 too long. My mom got to see how Peruivans think gringos are famous here. After the show, my host parents took my mom, Mariah and I around town. We first went to the catacombs. We got to have a whole separate tour than before. Then we walked around downtown. We went to a place where we could try all different foods. Peruvian donuts (picarones) are the bomb.com. Later we went to parque de las aguas. It was awesome! They project a screen on water and it was just incredible. Then my host parents dropped us off and we went to bed.
Sunday: Claire, my mom and I went to Punta Hermosa so hang out at the beach. It was only 4 soles to get there and it's almost an hour away. We got to the beach and just drank and talked about life the entire day. It was one of the best days. We ended up getting lost on the way but the taxi driver took us home.
Monday: Mom and I went around town again. We found these little stores that sell knock off clothes and spent some time there. After eating at a restaurant, I left my mom at the hotel and I went to class. I was too tired to do anything because Spanish is HARD! I literally had been translating all weekend for my mom. Although I was really proud of myself, it's still freakin' hard. Oh hey did I mention that it was hard??!
Tuesday: I sent my mom on a tour by herself of some ruins. I had class. I got out early and met my mom at the hotel. We went to a restaurant again and tried going paragliding. But there was no wind so that sucked. That night Ahnika and Gabi came to our hotel and we went to the casino down the street. It wasn't nearly as fun as I thought. Everything's was in Spanish hahaha duh. Then we went to bed.
Wednesday: We got to go visit some kids at a lower income school. They were so great. My boys in my group were awesome. We played games in Spanish and then they had recess. They did not want us to leave at all! When we did, I think all of us wanted to stay all day with these sweet kids. When we got back, Rob (our professor) came to eat with some of us. Then I had class and came back to pack up all of my moms things. Then came the time that she had to leave. All I could do is think, hey I'll see my best friend again really soon. Man I love that lady.
It feels great to feel loved by so many people. Until next time my friends and family!
Here's a picture of the beautiful girls (and Tyler) that I get to spend two more great months with.
Glad you all had a good time. What an experience for both of you. :-)
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