Week 1 in Peru

HOLA from Peru!

Well week one is down the hatch and Brent and I are still alive and loving it!  We have had the chance to meet most everyone we will be working with and we are beginning to have things added to the schedule.  We have been just getting acclimated so far to the culture and the fact that cars on the street WILL NOT stop for you when crossing the street... haha Brent found that out first hand a couple of days ago when an SUV rounded the corner and about took out his knees.  Luckily his cat-like reflexes saved him from what could have been certain disaster. 

The first trip south about 3 miles to Chorrillos was Saturday night.  It was amazing to meet everyone there.  The pictures on the blog from the videos are very true to what we saw there.  Many kids came to sing, dance, and hear what was said that night and the leader, Zelmar, said that it was a miracle that they were there much less the fact that they were able to keep all the kids quiet and still for that long.  The kids were awesome.  Hardly any speak English which makes me want to continue to learn Spanish even more.  Brent and I are both looking forward to what we are able to do with the kids as summer approaches and we begin to spend more time with them.

We have been able to see a good bit of Mira Flores and Chorrillos over the past few days with our new friend and tour guide Tonito.  He was actually a part of the first group that began TPC in Mira Flores and he has been very nice to take us around and has even bought us dinner a couple of times.  Last night we met him and 5 time national champion and local hero surfer Roberto "Mueles" (stands for molars... like teeth) Maz for a movie and some ice cream.  He owns and runs one of the best surf camps here in Mira Flores.  His company even partners with a private school here in town to give surfing as a class during the school year. Sounds like my kind of recess. 

Everyone so far has been very nice and have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome.  We go to the Mira Flores TPC meeting tonight to watch a movie that was actually made by some guys who are from North Carolina.  It's going to be a good night.  Brent learns to surf we think tomorrow so wish us luck as we brave the cold waters of Lima!  Waves should be pretty good though and we cant wait.  Thanks to everyone who is following, I will continue to post!  Pictures to come!

Chris

We made it!!!

HOLA everyone!!!  We made it to Peru!

The flight over wasnt bad at all.  I mean I can pretty much sleep wherever I just pay for it in soreness when I wake up... haha.  But I literally slept the entire flight except for the food part. haha..  I read a little and that ended quick because I couldnt hold my eyes open.  We landed around 520am and walked out of customs at 615am... wow!!! it was crazy long getting through but we finally made it out.  Plus Brent got red lighted and had to get a cavity search... ok maybe it wasnt THAT thorough, but he did mention the man with the rubber glove being surprisingly gentle... haha JUST KIDDING!!!

  We got out and looked around... NO ONE!  haha there were only peruvians everywhere I looked... no Naomi and no Kiera anywhere in sight.  So my mind started reeling... what do we do?  I kind of was like oh man how is this going to pan out. I went looking for a place in the airport to get wifi to possibly skype them and finally found a place and sat down.  I didnt realize that they were already on there way and that they just got lost.   It was good though.  We waited around in the food court for a bit and then I heard my name being called and was like yessssss!  haha I ate a mcdonalds sandwich and then we left and they took us to a hostel because aparently they lost the keys to their house and are staying with Kiera's boyfriend right now.  So I am writing this update from..... STARBUCKS... drinking a peppermint mocha and listening to christmas music really trying to remind myself that I am in Lima, Peru!!! 

Anyways so after we got to our place we checked in and PASSED out for like 3 hours and then went to eat at this place.... it was like one of the highest places in Lima overlooking the water.... Im talking one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen!!! Oh man SO amazing.  Its like mtns right beside the ocean! best of both worlds!!!  As I look out over the road and into the water about 200 meters, I see the waves lining up some pretty good looking lefts and got a really giddy feeling in my stomach!

After dinner we went home and went right back to sleep... the beds we had in the hostel were likened to stacked cardboard that really was not that comfortable... but never the less I slept through the night.  We stayed another night at the hostel and now are at Kiera and Naomi's place which just a bit inland from the coast and south of Mira Flores.  Its going to take some getting used to as we are like the ONLY Americans around.  I stand out like a sore thumb being like 8 inches taller than anyone and long light colored hair.  Its cool though.  I look forward to learning the culture and the language... its going to be a must!!!

We go to Chorrillos on Saturday to meet everyone.  Keep us in your prayers that everything goes well and I find some place that sells food in large portions for very cheap.. Im not kidding... I dont think Ive been full yet... haha. 

Next update coming soon from Peru!

Much love,
Chris

Coming Soon

Hey guys.  New to this whole blogging thing and will get pictures and info posted soon!  For information about the upcoming trip to Peru check out Brent's page at http://brentgreene.blogspot.com.

Thanks!
Chris