Alex in Peru

We carved a pumpkin in time for Halloween! I also took the seeds to the neighborhood baker and roasted them for the family to try. They were were well received.

Carrying the flag on the town anniversary of Miraflores -- September 23.

Laguna 69. The last photo is Laguna Llaganuco after the end of the hike.

The hike to Laguna 69. 7km, 2.5 hours, final destination approximately approx. 4600m or 15,000ft

Laguna Llanganuco

This is a glacier, Pastoruri, approx. 3 hours outside of Huaraz. It is estimated to be gone in 4 years. 

Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, outside Huaraz. On the way to visit the Pastoruri Glacier.

These are puya trees, a species unique to Peru that can only grow at certain altitudes under very specific conditions. They belong to the pineapple family, and grow to be 100 years old. Upon reaching this age, they flower (only in September) and then die, appearing to be a burnt black.

‘Laguna’ means lake. This is the first laguna I got to see in Ancash.

Peruvian craft beer for my host family -- Sierra Andina Brewery, from Huaraz, Ancash. More pictures to come after the weekend!

Last Saturday, a national day of peaceful protesting was organized to raise awareness about gender equality, women's empowerment, maschismo, and the struggles related to these themes. Entitled #NiUnaMenos (Not One Less), it was celebrated by regional and district governments throughout the country as well as the march in Lima. La Huaca organized an event on Friday, in which we marched throughout the district's towns, culminating in a large even in our district capital.

A cocktail I drank in Chachapoyas, complete with booze-soaked edible ants from the jungle.

A picture of the mummies that were discovered at the Laguna de los Condores. The one of the left was a 25 year old woman, complete with ponytail still intact. 

More pictures from my trip. The last is the mausoleum where they discovered the mummies. 

More to come!

On July 30, I had the opportunity to attend my friend and fellow PCV Jason’s wedding in Puerto Eten, Lambayeque, a beautiful little town on the beach. This picture is of all the volunteers that attended, along with our doctor and the bride and groom. 

A picture from Aridsi’s baptismal party.