As a self-confessed nervous character, I wasn’t sure if going to a new continent was the right move for me after finishing my masters. I could barely locate Peru on the map, I had never heard of Arequipa, and I was only dimly aware of South America. I couldn’t tell you what impulse had driven … Continue reading From fear to fulfilment : the story of my internship
Building a Life in a new Country
I’ve become enough of a regular at the tienda nearest my home to have developed a nickname: “the sandia girl.” In fact, not only do I have a nickname, but the ladies at the tienda now go for the juiciest watermelon they have available when I enter the store. Now, what does this have to … Continue reading Building a Life in a new Country
Small Changes – A World of Difference
When I try to speak Spanish, my mind clouds and what spurts out is a kind of stilted gibberish. Luckily, communication is more than 90 percent body language, and so when I sat with last month’s mom of the month and watched her tear up when talking about her experience with HOOP, I understood her. … Continue reading Small Changes – A World of Difference
Thank you Jenn: Volunteer Coordinator and more importantly, Friend
As Jennifer Lazo, Education and Volunteer Coordinator, moves on to new adventures, Adam and Beth (former Volunteer/Media and Communications Assistant and Academic Assistant respectively) tell you all about Jenn and the work she has done over the past two years. Upon hearing Jennifer had decided it was time for her to leave HOOP, it felt … Continue reading Thank you Jenn: Volunteer Coordinator and more importantly, Friend
Las 10 cosas que tienes que hacer para el día de Arequipa
Click here to read the English version 1. Debes salir en la víspera del Día de Arequipa a alguno de los muchos conciertos que se organizan especialmente por esta fecha. Puedes ir a un concierto en Cerro Juli, a uno de los grandes estadios de la ciudad o a uno en las principales plazas de los … Continue reading Las 10 cosas que tienes que hacer para el día de Arequipa
A continent outside the comfort zone
Haga click aquí para la versión en Español My thought process during conversation proceeds Sia-style: one, two, three, one, two, three, blink. One, two, three, one, two, three, blink. Smile. Nod. Emanate Mark Zuckerberg by emitting a stalwart squawk laugh to show approval of some witticism. Great. Good job. Solid social interaction there. Obviously, I’m … Continue reading A continent outside the comfort zone