It is hard to believe that this is only our second day in Peru, because it feels as if we have been here for a week already. We started our day by waking up early to go to mass at the Christo del Mundo church affiliated with the Oscar Romero Retreat Centre. It seems that people in Lima are very involved during mass. Contrary to what I have experienced in churches back home where there is loud music but hardly anyone singing, this church had no instrumental accompanyment but the entire room was filled with the enthusiastic voices of the people. Near the end of the mass, an older man came around to shake every single person´s hand and wish them peace (la paz). I was touched by his warmth and sincerity. I find that the people here are very passionate in everything they do. There is so much emotion embedded into their culture and they always show what they are feeling. I find this a really refreshing atmosphere compared to the way people act in Toronto sometimes.
Yesterday our lovely friend Carmen took us for a tour of North Lima. It is an extremely poverty stricken area where most houses don´t even have proper walls, let alone a roof. Housing in the central city is expensive so the poor have been pushed to live on the side of the mountains where they have difficult access to central markets to buy their basic needs. The air is very thick and dusty and there is garbage everywhere. Despite the run-down look of it, the city itself still has a beauty to it. The topography is very mountainous and the hustle and bustle of the city gives it so much life. Even the people, though they have so little, seem to be happy.
Today we will be taking a tour of central Lima which is the richest area. This is where all of the government buildings are as well as reminance of beautiful European architecture. It will be very interesting to see the contrast of the class differences that live in the same city.
Today is also federal election day; a very important day for Peruvians. Schools are closed, many people will be taking work off and drinking and selling of alcohol is prohibited. Peruvians are obligated to vote and are fined if they do not, similar to Australia. The two parties that are running are Keiko and Ollanta. You can see political slogans for each party painted on streets and houses all over the city. Fortunately, tomorrow we will be learning a lot more about the Politics and Economics about Peru and we will be able to keep you all informed about what is going on. I am particularly looking forward to this.
I´m off to go relax with the group now before lunch and before our expedition to central Lima. I will be taking lots of pictures and the others will be blogging here from time to time to keep you all posted. If you are interested in more updates you can even follow our tweets.
Follow us on Twitter @StJeromesUni
Love form Peru,
Barbara
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.