June 10,

We didn’t sleep well last night. I think I woke Jeff up at three. It took me a while to get back to sleep, but Jeff, unfortunately, did not.🙁 We readied, having our Javas & breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt. Then we went to school!

Kelsy taught us about “there is/are” and using it in simple sentences. She also mixed it up with “to be” statements from yesterday, Things were coming together – some – for both Jeff and I – at times. (How’s that for qualifying?) Then our second session of the day with Lorenzo was a quick overview, followed by naming “there is/are” items from a couple of scenic pictures – one countryside and one city. I think we both walked away with a better grasp, albeit, small.

We had lunch at our apartment of some coleslaw, a couple of mangos, and leftover stir-fry. Then we both had a siesta due to brain overload and lack of sleep. By 1530 we were ready to head out. We went to the dentist, hopefully the last time, for Jeff to get his tooth permanently crowned! He said it went on well, but the dentist had to grind it a bunch to get the height right. Jeff also said they had to do three x-rays: after the first, more grinding was required; the second film did not turn out; so the third was required. So one hour and he was fixed up!!!

We left and went to a grocery store for pepperoni and vino. Back at our place we were greeted by our hostess’ sister…our package arrived. We have new shoes – sandals! Then we had pepperoni and Gouda sandwiches with cucumber slices & potato chips and Peruvian wine for supper. Next we did our homework – five “there is/are” statements. Lastly we opened and tried on our “zapatos nuevos”, which means new shoes. What a day, simply living someplace else.

June 11,

We were up and around by 0700. However, Jeff had been awake since 0444, he told me! We readied with the shower being somewhat warmer. It is solar heated water. Breakfast was a fried egg sandwich each with tomato with our Javas.

09-1100 we did our Spanish class with Kelsy. Mostly just practicing: her asking us questions and us trying to comprehend and answer in our limited way. Then a 30 minute break, returning to do the same with Lorenzo. We also used some pictures again. Repetition! It seems to be going well, but frustrating at times and painfully slow!!! We have one more day of classes tomorrow, as we decided to just do this week.

After class, we went to two local shops for lunch stuff. At the first shop we bought a bottle of wine and a type of bread/cake with a glaze and coconut flakes on top. At the second shop we bought three different empanadas: a chicken, ham, cheese and bacon one; a ground beef, onion, lemon and a touch of rocoto pepper one; and a fried dough one filled with cheese. We took these all back and had it on the rooftop with the last of our coleslaw. It was a lovely lunch in the sunshine, which we needed to warm up. Where we sit in class is a shaded and cold area, so we get quite cold, “frio”.

After lunch we had a small siesta, then I blogged as Jeff read. Just after 1630 we went to the Plaza de Armes to explore it when the lights came on. As we arrived at the square, it was just before sunset and looked to be a good one. So we walked up and back on a pedestrian road as the sunset spectacularly unveiled itself. We found a spot and sat watching it with others doing the same. Magnificent!!! As we were watching it, we noticed people lining up at the Basilica Catedral de Arequipa right on the square. At 1800 the gates were opened so we went to get in line for whatever. When we entered (free) there was seating with programs on every other chair. The program translated as Sacred Music Concert, titled, “We Praise You God!” It featured performers from a children’s choir, an adult choir, and a symphony orchestra with two parts. We were elated – talk about time and chance!!! The concert did not start until 1900, but it was great giving us time to look at the inside of the cathedral. There were many security guards around and the personnel did not allow us to walk around getting pictures! I snuck in a few from my seat as most were. The concert began and was lovely, but was all in Latin. We stayed until halfway through the second part, departing after Ave Maria was sung. It was eight pm, dark and pretty chilly. We took a couple more pictures in front of the church all lit up and then walked briskly back to our place. What an extra special blessing – a free music concert!