"I'm writing you to catch you up on places I've been"

Sooooo this weekend was a success I would say, after rafting on Saturday, we tucked in relatively early and woke up with one side of our bodies being sore. Hahah very interesting that is. On Sunday I went to a 'gringo' (their word for white people basically) cafe and got French toast with strawberries and bananas for breakfast and it was just so good I can't even tell you (however the maple syrup they have there is not REAL maple syrup, to be expected) After which we proceeded to walk pretty much across the city back to the house (all the while getting bombarded with water balloons because it was the last day of carnival which conveniently lasted all of February). We took a little pit stop at the house while I changed into shorts because I was roasting, had some water, and then set out again. We made it to the Plaza de Tupac (it is actually tupac-something or other but I can't remember the rest of it HAHA) where the majority of the celebrations were being held. This also meant the majority of the water fight. We watched some of a mini parade type thing that went around the outside of the square where I saw a legit Peruvian flute band! My picture of it is not that good because I was trying to not get sprayed in the face while I was taking it. Just to clear things up, the most popular weapons used in this giant water fight are water balloons and cans of spray foam.. kinda looks like shaving cream slash sill string... if that makes any sense at all. Taking refuge from the attackers (especially since we were not armed with any water balloons or anything) we checked out the Mega, basically their version of Safeway, just a giant supermarket. I walked with Fiona a little towards her house as she was going home and I was meeting people at the square. I decided to go with her for a bit to take a break from getting attacked. However when we were walking we saw a bunch of boys across the road with a stash of water balloons, so we jeered at them when their shots missed us. Unfortunately for us there was a break in traffic and they took advantage, running across the road to get us from about a meter away. Luckily it was a gorgeous sunny day so it took no time to dry off.

THE FOOTBALL GAME. WAS INSANE. Well not entirely the game itself but more that there was about twice as many people as there were seats. Everyone was extremely friendly with each other to avoid tumbling down the bleachers. I once tried to sit in the middle of one of the stairwells leading up to the seats but got YELLED at by these 3 ladies I was like AH SORRY I GUESS THATS NOT A GOOD IDEA. People got to the stadium and began to enter the stadium about 3 hours ahead of time. Now know that this is not usual. This game was especially intense because it was Cusco vs. Lima. They sure do not get along. There was singing on both ends the ENTIRE game, shirts waving, firework things that did end up on the field sometimes and no one put them out.. I was a little worried about a fire but hahaha did not happen. It was a good epxerience all in all everyone was so into it. This woman behind me yelled the entire game at the ref, who clearly could hear her, like YELLED. It was great. After the game we just headed back to the house and watched... I don't even remember what movie. Wow. It was possibly Donnie Darko.

Monday was a pretty standard day, went to the project and whoops I forgot no it was not standard, NO ONE CAME because it was the first day of school, or so we thought, for the schools. (Remember they just finished their summer break) However the next day we found out that the state schools were not so into it and decided that next week would be a better time to start. I wish that happened at home!!! Man!!! Monday night we went to Trivia at the Real McCoy, a british pub here that hosts the trivia nights. The trivia nights are basically fundraisers (its s/5 to play) for different organizations, and mondays are Maximo Nivel, who I am here with. It is basically trivial pursuit team style, its very entertaining. We did not win this time unfortunately. Tuesday was same as usual, project in the morning, come home for lunch, Spanish in the aft (I forgot my homework sheet at home so I had to sing for the class... couldn't think of anything so I sang oh canada. shoot me) And then yesterday went out for a coffee with this girl from Edmonton who was in my Spanish class. It was her last day in Cusco, she left for Machu Picchu this morning and is going to the jungle and then Bolivia following. Last night we went out for a tiny bit with some guys from Oklahoma we met rafting, as it was also their last day. We decided that coming home and watching Eagle vs. Shark was a great idea, it was the randomest movie ever ever, Jemaine (no there is no 'r' i guess they don't need it with their accent) from Flight of the Conchords is in it... SO random and so ridiculous. I also have not mentioned that I have the best sleeps ever here because I am in the room aptly named 'The Cave' because it is tucked in a corner with no windows. I love it. It is so dark and glorious. Anyways this morning headed up to the project and played football with the older boys, probably about 15-19, and they totally ganged up on me, we were playing everyone for himself, everyone protecting their own goal. I am apparently not good at that game hahahaha. Also was sweaaating by the end. We did a great activity in drawing where they had to draw a picture containing a certain 7 things and incorporate them somehow into the picture, and then explain it to us. We also help them with their English at that time if they wish, helping them translate their description and English words for certain things in their picture. Spanish today was good, I graduate from Basico 1 this week!!! WOOOOO! Next week I tackle Basico 2 hahaha YES. I also booked my Machu Picchu trek!! I am doing the traditional Inka Trail beginning March 12 and ending March 15. Thats so soon I am so excited however I might be out of commission for a while after. I hope you enjoy this entry it is a marathon entry I will hopefully post soon again!

p.s. I have a list of items I will send out that my project is looking for!! Thanks everyone for the offers to help out :)