We have safely returned from our epic week of travels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. On Friday and Saturday the students departed for their service locations on overnight buses. By Saturday and Sunday they had all arrived at the homes of their new host families. The Blog entries will pick up again, starting with the students last days in Lima, and then continue with entries for the week of traveling on the road to Machu Picchu.
Katie’s host mother, Alicia, is from the same Andean town as Willy, our service coordinator.
Our last field trip in Lima, on Wednesday, was to the Museum of Art for a guided tour on more than 5,000 years of art in Peru. The following day students prepared in Spanish classes for the traditional despedida party, bidding farewell to our Lima host families and thanking them for 5 weeks of loving care. Originally anxious, 5 weeks ago, about being adopted into new families, the students now expressed reluctance at having to depart those whom they have grown close to, and soon beginning a new chapter with yet unknown families.
During the Colonial Period art in Peru mimicked styles imported from Europe.This famous painting, “The Death of Atahualpa,” featured European models and Aztec ruins, reflecting the neglect of authentic Peruvian culture at the time.Later artists took a profound interest in depicting uniquely Peruvian culture.At the despedida each student sat at a table with their host family.A handout had a series of exercises and questions for each table.Tanner’s host parents would later perform a traditional Peruvian dance.Katie’s host mother, Alicia, is from the same Andean town as Willy, our service coordinator.Students then served dinner to their host families.The students in each Spanish class had prepared skits for the evening’s entertainment.The students of Moises had prepared a song.The traditional Peruvian dance by Tanner’s host parents.A very, very dramatic skit.As you guessed, a skit about riding public transportation in Lima.After the last student act, more music and dancing followed.
