Sunday Funday

Domingo, 20-Julio-2014

La Basílica Catedral de Huancayo

Over 85% of Peruvians are Roman Catholic so there are many beautiful churches around the city. The main one is located in the Central Plaza (Plaza de Constitución). Erin, Morgan, and I decided to go to the 9am mass to see what a Peruvian mass is like. Neither of them are Catholic but they both were curious. 

The cathedral has many statues of saints along the walls as well as several grottos on each side. The priest looked like he was 90 years old and sadly was very hard to hear. I wish I understood him because his 35 minute homily looked entertaining; he was making all kinds of funny hand gestures up front. 

Going up for communion was also pretty interesting. I was a head taller than EVERYONE. I'm 5'6" and felt like a giant. Morgan and Erin were laughing from their seats. But the best part of the mass was the sign of peace. We sat right behind an older traditionally dressed woman who turned around and HUGGED US! My life is complete... I have been hugged by an adorable old Peruvian lady in her traditional skirt, hat, and shawl!! 

Coqui Café 

After mass we went to Coqui for brunch and coffee. Our plan was to meet up with our friends around 11am to go to the Sunday market. However there just so happened to be a huge parade starting in the Central Plaza to kick off the Indepence Day celebration...

Independence Day Parade

So Peruvians love to celebrate and therefore turn Independence Day into a month long celebration. I swear every single school kid in the city was there all dressed up in uniform! 

There were also a bunch of people dressed up in costumes to commemorate the history of Peru. I can't wait to see what the next two weeks bring! Their actual Independence Day is on July 28th when we are in Cusco. Should be fun!

Sunday Market

We were ready with our lists and bargaining skills to take on the market yet again! Danel has an apartment near the market so we went up to the roof and took in the massiveness of the market... Whoa!

Black Market of Tools

Our group has become very attached to the children in El Rosario orphanage and we wanted to give them something special. We noticed that the swing set was broken since it only had one seat. On Friday we took measurements and today we ventured to the Central Market and found the hidden tool section. We had to go in a specific entrance, pass a couple venders, and then take a quick left into the home improvement section. I felt like I was in the Black Market of tools... It was great but a little sketchy!