Hello From Ica…Finally!!!

So we only have 14 days left in Peru and we have yet to have blogged but it´s because we are having such an amazing time. The kids are great, a little over whelming but fun and curious. We are working at 3 different Tierra de Ninos sites (TINIs) Which is a after school and community program that teaches kids about the enviroment, values, keeps kids off the streets and helps start personal and community gardens. We have taught english, and oragmi, planted trees, painted flower pots to sell and raise money, helped fix up two different play structures and even taught the kids Hula!

We are living in Huacachina, a small oasis surrounded by miles of sand dunes, it´s like being in another world.

During our free weekend we went to Paracas to see the Islas Ballestas which is known as the Gallapagos of Peru, its home to 100os of birds including pinguins and flamingos, sea lions and star fish and crabs. We took a boat 45 minuets out and got up close and personal with the sea lions, many of whom posed for pictures. Afterwards we had delicious ceviche, and took time to shop… all buying WAY too much. On sunday we took a trip to see the Nazca Lines our first stop was at a rock formation that looks like an Incan head. Then we went to the home of Maria Riech, a German teacher, who after visiting the lines became obessed with them and dedicated the rest of her life to studying the secrets of them. An interesting fact: While in Lima Maria was in an accident and had to have one of her fingers removed leaving her with 9. Two of the lines (the monkey and hands) have only 9  fingers as well as many other Incan figures… Weird right?! We finally made it to the sketchy airport and after a frustrating debate about money with the airline Alyssa, Kim and I got on our 6 person plane (6 people including the pilot and co-pilot)… Nancy waited nerviously for our safe return. (On average a plane crashes every 2 months)… Don´t worry we made it.

We only have 2 full days left with our kids, we are sad to be leaving them but excited to meet up with everyone else, hear about their adventures and start our treck to Machu Picchu!

Chao!

-Nancy Martinez & Chloe Fedyna