PERU 101: Intro to Peru

Greetings from Lima! I hope this post finds you well. I especially hope that Papa, who just had surgery, is recovering quickly.

On Saturday, Aug. 13th, at 2:30 am-- an hour before most college students have even gone to sleep-- all of the students in the UVA in Peru program met in the Miami airport at 2:30 am-- ready to embark on our journey. There are seven UVA students in the fall semester program, which is an intimate group compared to the 45 students who came for the summer term. Everyone is enthusiastic, so I think it is going to be a great semester.

After an exhausting flight next to a hyper but adorable two-year-old, we arrived in Lima. We were greeted by the two program directors, Jorge Secada and Paco Tumi. I will introduce them quickly, becuase I am sure that I will refer to them many times in this blog.

Jorge Secada: Professor Secada was born in Peru, but he spent many years in the U.S. getting his Ph.D. He is a philosophy professor at UVA, and he founded the UVA in Peru program and organizes all of our excursions.

Paco (Francisco) Tumi: Paco is a professor at a Peruvian university in Lima, and he is working with our program as the second program director. He has been a fantastic guide around Lima.

Both leaders have mirrored the exceptional nature of this program. They are always available to answer any questions, and they have been hypothetically holding our hands until we get comfortable in this country.

My host parents are Carlos and Graciela de Castro, whose children are married with children. Now, they have three rooms which they give to me, Suzie (another UVA student) and another student from Cuzco. This couple, as well as their neighbors, has been hosting exchange students for over 7 years-- they know what they are doing, and the transition has been pleasant and smooth. So far, the food (strawberries with cream!) and accomodations have been outstanding.

You can write to me at mem8sp@virginia.edu to get my contact information. The program also provided us with cell phones, which is especially convenient.