*almost* one week in Cusco

What a week it has been! Things have definitely picked up speed. On Monday, I started volunteering. I volunteer from 8-12 at a government-run health center that serves an average of 50 patients per day. This week, I have been assisting in the lab; checking patients in, collecting blood and urine samples, completing paperwork, and processing and interpreting lab results. The lab technicians don’t speak English, so it has been a fast-paced learning environment for me. Another learning curve has been the bus system – you basically have to run out into the street, waving your arms and yelling to ensure you get picked up. When you are ready to get off, you yell “BAJA” to make sure the driver knows to stop. It’s quite the experience.

I also started taking Spanish classes this week from 2-3 in the afternoon. My lessons are private, so I am one-on-one with an instructor named Nelly. She is kind, intelligent, and makes me work hard! I look forward to watching my Spanish progress over the next few weeks.

Otherwise, life in Cusco is good. The sunsets take your breath away each day, especially against the hillside of city lights. They have strangely good ice cream and chocolate here too! And don’t even get me started on all the shopping we’ve been doing at the street markets… I also joined a yoga studio in my favorite neighborhood – San Blas. Finally, last night, my roommate and I went to a salsa class – boy was that fun. Two hours of shimmying, stepping, looking like fools and laughing hysterically. It was a blast. I am finally making friends too, so that’s cool 🙂