Holly

Holly arrived in Arequipa last night. I haven´t seen her in a few weeks. We both went to Cusco, and she had found a school and arranged lessons before she arrived in Perú. I waited until I arrived to find a shool that I liked, and ended up not wanting to stay in Cusco as it´s the hub of gringo tourism. I landed in Arequipa, which I must say is a pretty sweet town.

Holls had been taking Spanish lessons in Cusco for a few weeks and living with a family. Here in Perú, family includes not only Mamá, Papá, hermanos y hermanas, but also aunts, uncles, cousing, grandmas, grandpas, and whomever else is around. Holly´s "mom" was a woman named Manchi, and everytime I called to talk to Holly, I ended up talking to Manchi for a good ten minutes. Not that I understood everything she said to me every time. But I think the last time we chatted, she told me she was gonna call us on Navidad, and that I should call and stay at their house when I come back to Cusco. And despite the jokes around their house that I am Manchi´s new boyfriend, I think I´ll take her up on the offer.

Holly got in late last night, so I met up with her today and walked around the city. We walked back to my apartment and she was shocked at how big it was. I guess I´m living in style here in Arequipa. I know my meals are delicious and plentiful, but I didn´t realize how much comfort I live in as well. We cruised back into town where we ate Nutella-filled crepes with ice cream. Don´t worry, I´m headed home now for a big dinner. More soon. Ciao!