Since I don't have new photos, here's me and Nikki building cocinas mejoradas in Santa Cruz
Ok, so I just posted 3 days ago, and not much has happened since then, but I wanted to get back on schedule. I did not end up getting the proforma (estimate) for the cocina materials Friday as hoped, but now at least I have the exact list of materials I need…and I will get a proforma for sure on Tuesday… (things always demorrar/take more time than you think in Peru).
I did, however, go to Lima and get my bike: STORM. (What? Another trip to Lima? you say. I thought you weren’t supposed to leave Ica until March-ish? True, I would tell you, except when you are being chaperoned by your regional coordinator to buy a perfectly authorized PC bicycle: STORM). Obviously, I am very excited about my bicycle: STORM (STORM is written on the side of my bike, and that is its current official name…though suggestions are welcome). I also got a new camera, so more pictures to come soon!
STORM was custom made with front end suspension in about an hour in a slightly sketchy biker alley in Lima. I’ve never had a bike with any kind of suspension before, so I’m pretty stoked. I’m really stoked to have the freedom to get out to my caserios via bike (aka get to go whenever I want whether or not there’s a colectivo), and to be able to bike for exercise. Now I can be the crazy white chick who runs and bikes.
I got back to Rio Grande today and fellow Volunteer Eben and I took our bikes for a spin. We went down the occasionally paved (mostly pothole/gravel/rock “road”) to my caserios, a road which has many a rise and fall. I must say, I have not done a lot of biking in the past. And I have never been mountain biking (this probably wouldn’t classify as such, but it’s certainly more intense biking than this city girl has ever done). I have to hand it to biking. Biking is…much harder than I thought. Especially on such terrain. I have a lot to learn, but I’m really excited for this new form of transportation. Also, my butt is really sore…
WATSAN Peru 18 at swearing in (since I never posted those photos)...probably the best we will ever look during our PC service ;p
Tasha,
The picture of you at your swearing in is so gorgeous. You look glamerous, happy and beautiful.
Does your bike have thick tires, like a mountain bike? Every year I get my old, ratty bike adjusted — an then I don’t get on it. I fell a couple of years ago and sine then am not as inspired as I’d like to be. But, it is great exercise and certainly a wonderful mode of transportation. Happy you got a new camera and will look forward to new photos. Joeli told meyou got her envelop. Keep me posted as to when you get the next one. It’s been en route for about two weeks now. When it arrives, hope it will make you smile. Dani is NYC for her Brown audition and is coming for dinner on Tuesday. Should we try to call you? Or you us. She’s coming around 6:00. Wish you could be here for dinner too. Think of you often and always loveingly. Tia C
Thank you so much Cath! My bike is indeed a mountain bike. I would love to hear from you guys, please do call! xxT
I’m so happy you got a bike. i think it’s such a great form of communication and I really wish I did more biking. I may bring mine to NY when it gets warmer. hope you get all of your supplies soon! miss you!