Hola from Perú!
Well I have finally made it to the capital city of Lima, and I have had a whole week to explore. As with any new place, there are excitements and adjustments, and so far I have had my fair share of both.
Several museums, a look at the beautiful colonial architecture, my first concert (which ended up being all English music!), the famous ceviche which totally lived up to its reputation, and some quality time with the amazing family I am staying with have all made for a great taste of Lima.
At the same time, Limeños are known for being fast-talkers, and immersion has proven itself to be quite a challenge. Watching an hour-long telenovela (Spanish soap opera) leaves me completely drained, and at times I find myself not even trying to understand conversations because my brain is just so fried.
On the other hand, I celebrate every victory. Oh 'rico' actually means delicious rather than being rich in calories? Good to know! Whoa the taxi driver understands what time to pick me up? Score.
Although I've been confused for a native Spanish-speaker quite a few times (Miami airport, airplane, cab driver, etc), I'm pretty sure I clear up any confusion about my native language in my first few hesitant sentences.
Overall, there are two things I will remember most of Lima: the colors and the bars.
Everywhere you look, a bright color is bursting to break free of the wall on which it is painted. On the streets in Barranco and Miraflores, the houses are not boring whites or greys but rather loud, passionate reds and greens and blues and pinks, just like the people of Lima. The colors of the city infuse the population with charisma and vibrancy in every aspect of their lives. A cab driver sings along to rhe radio, belting out the lyrics and snapping his fingers. A police officer chats with an older woman, and their boastful laughter carries down the steeet. A family watches a football match on tv, yelling and screaming and thrusting their fists into the air with every kick of the ball.
But along with such passion and emotion and color comes a caution, a guardedness, a bar. Each flavorfully painted house is locked up, windows barred, spikes mounted. Gates are tall and ominous, eluding to the greatness of the treasure within. The people, as well, appreciate that they too are treasures to be cared for and guarded. They put just as much energy into protecting their way of life as they put into living it.