Peruvian culture vs. Americana

The 4th of July passes quite unnoticed in the far corners of the world, ignoring the fireworks "bursting in air," the cookouts and red, white and blue waving. It is a bit strange to celebrate a holiday celebrating your nation while in another. There are so many things I am thankful for in my country..the freedom to worship, the opportunity to get an education, the freedom that women have, and so many more. And I long for the beautiful summers of the South..walking through the grass barefoot and hearing the cicadas....

BUT there are many charming things about this place that has become my home for the summer. Like the little man that rides up and down the street in the morning calling for recycling....how the windows in the houses are always open...the way everyone kisses each other on the cheek in greeting...the way time runs slower here...the brightly colored homes, and the beautiful beach with the waves crashing...the fruit and flower stands that line the street. And of course, there are the "less" than charming things...the car alarms that wake me up in the morning (and these are not normal..they go WEEWOOWWHOOOOOOPWOWOWOWOW..ugh, so annying!)...the smog that covers everything, including the sunshine, and the crazy traffic. Despite these things though, I love this place. People ask me what I like about Peru, and I really don't have an exact answer...I just know that I love this culture and its people.

And of course, it wouldn't be Peru without the bus rides..it is a cultural experience of its own. There is a man that hangs out the door, yelling where the bus is going, trying to get people to get on. The different buses race to see who can get there faster. When you first get on, you have to wait for a seat usually, so you have to stand and hold on until a seat opens. And sometimes, the insides are so packed that you can't move and are face to face (or back to back) with strangers. And you never know who will get on the bus...people get on to sell things, tell stories, play guitar, you name it. You have to come just to experience it! Here is a video clip someone made of the craziness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybxy-4f4ihY

Here are some random pictures of Lima..it is very hard to capture its essence, a city of 9 million, as it would be to show all of New York City.