More Peruvian memories

One highlight of our trip to Peru was spending some time at Jackie's school. The boys each went to an English class where they were asked questions. And then we went to an all school assembly where the candidates for the 'student council' were giving campaign speeches.

Here is Eli with Teresa, Jackie's 71 year old fireball of a mom. We were on a crowded bus and when Teresa finally managed to get a seat she pulled Eli on to her lap. I think Eli preferred swaying in the aisle, but he was game. Teresa should have been on Eli's lap. They are about the same size. Teresa didn't speak any english, and at first our time when Jackie (our interpreter) was at school was pretty quiet. But then Teresa started to just talk to us and believe that we were understanding it all. In time we did. Or most of it anyway. The boys did come to learn the phrase "Escuchame Jacquelyn!" -a favorite of Teresa's.

These last pictures are taken in Ollantaytambo, a small town in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas. Theo is drinking 'mate de coca' on the roof of our hotel, a tea which is supposed to help with altitude sickness. I think it also made him a little hyper... Eli is peeking out of an Incan fortress wall. This particular was built in the shape of a llama (most Incan sites are in the shape of some animal- a panther, a condor, a puma) and was a five minute walk from out hotel.

And here are the boys in our 'lobby'. The flowers were incredible. I great treat for eyes accostumed to a white/gray minnesota winter.