I have officially lived in Peru three months, and I have definitely grown to love this country more than I ever thought I would. Not only have I become completely used to the culture and my surroundings (nothing really surprises me anymore), but I also really appreciate the culture, and even accept it as my own... to the point where I would without a doubt become offended and try to justify Peruvian culture if anybody ever said anything bad about it. I have gotten semi-used to trying to justify actions/culture of the US while living abroad... but for the most part I completely avoid any sort of political/controversial discussion with Peruvians and other foreigners alike (arguing takes a lot of energy, and I'm living the laid back Latinoamerican lifestyle). Although, just for the record, if I were going to argue anything controversial with anybody, it would absolutely be related to or founded in the fact that 95% of Peruvians are Roman Catholic. I actually think the Roman Catholic religion is super interesting, and I have learned so much from living in a society that functions under such different religious influences (not that a lot of people aren't Catholic in the US, it is just totally different). I am not trying to cut down the Catholic church in any way, its the complete opposite actually! I appreciate and understand the entity of the Catholic church better than ever before. Not to mention I love every single baby Jesus or Virgin Mary statue/fountain/shrine/etc. that I come across. All the religious propaganda is actually one of my favorite things about Peru. I have been collecting saint cards, rosaries, etc. When I get home, I think I'll decorate the dashboard of my car in the fashion of a Latin American taxi... just kidding, sort of :)

Like I mentioned before, I am now very accustomed to a more laid back lifestyle. Honestly, I could count on one hand the times I have felt stressed out in the last three months. This is obviously partially due to my easier class schedule, but nonetheless, in the US I can constantly find something to be stressed out about. I think this aspect of the Peruvian culture has changed me the most. The general lack of worrying about time, planning things, and life in general, is something that I love, and I am hoping to maintain a similar dispositon once I come home despite all the stressed out/worried people in the US (we'll see!). I can almost guarantee that this will be one of the biggest reverse culture shock problems for me. Due to the gradual nature of adopting this lifestyle, I haven't noticed huge changes in myself. However, when my mom came to visit me was when I first realized that I have changed a lot (makes sense... a relationship from home coming to visit me in my new, different culture). Anyways, just as a general warning to friends and family, I won't take well to stressful/hurried situations upon my arrival home. I will also be late for everything that is planned at a set time. Additionally, I will probably constantly be telling everyone to chill out and relax. Don't worry though, it won't be anything personal!

Lately I have been hanging out around Lima, exploring and enjoying the city. Now, I understand that Lima is not about to get voted one of the world's most beautiful cities (not in the conventional sense of beauty, anyways). There is a decent amount of pollution, traffic is obnoxious and noisy (and NOT in an organized manner like traffic in the US...), poverty abounds with pueblos jovenes (shanty towns) as far as the eye can see, and there is a ton of graffiti everywhere. On the other hand, this is how I see it... I appreciate fresh, mountain air THAT much more when I get to breathe it, embarking on Javiar Prado (one of the biggest, busiest streets in Lima) is an awesome adrenaline rush just about every single time I experience it (at least twice a day...and it is still a new adventure every time), people suffering from poverty generally never beg (they ALWAYS have something to sell or some service to offer, big difference compared to street people in the US) and there are tons of people that commute from the pueblos jovenes on the outskirts of town into the city to work (usually as maids, or something equivalent) but regardless, they are working and earning, and finally, in all the graffiti there are serious political messages promoting the overall advancement of the country.

Now, I realize that these are not necessarily perfect conditions, especially in respect to the people living in poverty, because many are not lucky enough to have jobs and many people do truly suffer. Not to mention the underclass people of society are terribly discriminated against, employed or unemployed. Some of my peers have said that living in Lima has hardened their hearts to seeing things like this. I understand how this could happen, however for myself, I completely disagree. It is true that I am used to living in this third world society (things don't surprise me), but I definitely feel no less pain when I see people who seem to be honestly suffering (my selfish side wishes I wasn't so affected by seeing the natural cycle of inequality in society). Maybe I just haven't lived here long enough... but I have seen enough poverty in my life, and I honestly just don't believe that my feelings or awareness of it will ever change.

On a lighter note, I recently visited el Circuito Mágico del Agua, a park with lots of beautiful, illuminated fountains in Lima. The park holds the Guinness world record for the most tall fountains in one park... or something like that! They even had water shows to music and lights. Very relaxing and beautiful. Here are some pictures.

Pyramid fuente.

Fuente Arco Iris (Rainbow Fountain). This one was my favorite!

Tunnel fountain.

I also recently went to a popular park, Parque del Amor, in the Miraflores district of Lima (one of the nicer, ritzier districts). The park is right on the ocean, and covered in beautiful tile mosaic artwork and love quotes. Naturally, it is a popular spot for limeño couples, and Peruvians laugh at the idea of going to the park with just friends. Thus, taking a stroll through the park means that one has to endure the sight of public displays of affection between couples (not that I don't endure that all the time in Lima, but that is a whole different story...). Regardless, the park is gorgeous, and contrary to popular Peruvian belief, it is a perfect place to enjoy an ice cream with friends.

Part of the Parque del Amor mosaic wall.

"Fínge corazón - díle que la amas."

"Do it heart - tell her that you love her."

"No desé sitio para un beso más."

"I didn't want room for one more kiss."

Cupid cow.

I have two more weeks of classes, and I am getting really sad to see my time in Peru wrapping up. At first, I thought that I definitely would not want to stay longer than planned. Now, I am beginning to understand why everybody comes back from study abroad experiences and advises you to stay a year. However, I do really miss my friends and family, so that will be the "sweet" in the bittersweet of coming home. I am really looking forward to seeing you all! Lots of love to all.