Today marks my completion of two thirds of my trip. What a crazy trip it has been so far. From arriving in Buenos Aires at the end of January, I have not only been able to visit a lot of tourist spots in three different countries, I have been lucky enough to immerse myself in the cultures of two incredible cities and experienced so much. I know that by the end of this month and returning to the states on May 5th, I will be a much better person with a new found appreciation for the people of South America and how they enjoy life.
The work at the general clinic and the childrens clinic are both going well. I have been drawing blood, taking vital signs, giving injecctions and helping cleaning wounds at the general clinic so it has been great experience. I must say that it was smart to get that EMT certification before I left or else I probably would not be doing half the stuff I am now. The childrens clinic is still going well as I play with the kids and help out around the day care. Can not believe that I am already halfway through my volunteering. I have learned so much from both clinics but still feel there is so much to know, let alone becoming confident in medical spanish.
Bartending has been going really well. I have become good friends with the bartenders so its nice to have friends that only speak spanish cause it forces me to practice and learn. Although I have no idea whats going on sometimes, its all a learning experience. I am working both in the lounge bar learning complicated cocktails and then also at the discoteca learning speed. So its a great mix and a TON of fun.
Besides these things, just kinda kick it around the city whenever I have free time. I have explored the city and can pretty much tell you where anything is in Cuzco so thats pretty cool. Started looking to buy gifts and it is quite fun to try and bargain for gifts. its funny how they start out at like 40 soles for something and then after 5 minutes are down to 25 soles and can probably eventually get to 15 to 20 soles. I really enjoy bargaining but its kinda funny how you can argue over two or three soles. thats about a US dollar but its the principle so its quite fun.
Its semana santa here, a week long festival for easter. Lots of parades with all sorts of floats so kinda cool to see and experience that. Last Monday Plaza de Armas filled with people, something like 50,000, for the opening ceremony. It was pretty cool to watch from the bar I work at because it overlooks the plaza. The Cuzco Plaza de Armas is the 2nd largest plaza in the country and it was packed. The rest of the week has been kinda dead because most people take this week or at least a couple days off so most of the shops are closed.
Next 2 weeks I plan on doing the Boleto Turistico which is an entrance ticket to a bunch of tourist sites around Cuzco. After that I plan to take off to Machu Picchu on either a 4 or 5 day trek so that should be cool. Then I head to Puno, then Arequipa, then Lima and then I am home. Cant believe that I really dont have that much time left yet still so much to do. Going to be a crazy last couple weeks so I am really excited. Although I know I will miss being here, I cant wait to be home
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