Amigas!

Us on the roof being super awesome

This last weekend we had some other interns from Southern Cross visit us in Cajamarca.  They volunteer their time at an orphanage in Trujillo, which is about six hours away by bus.  Sadly we didn’t have kids this week, so they didn’t get to meet the kids we have fallen in love with, but we had a blast showing them around Cajamarca!  They arrived at the bus station in Cajamarca at 4:30am.  Jake went to pick them up while we prepared for their arrival.  We were all too excited to go back to sleep when they came so we made cinnamon rolls.  That morning we took them down to Baños and then in the afternoon we headed down to Cajamarca.  

Sitting in some Incan seats

We walked up the steps of Santa Apolonia to the seat of Atahualpa (the last Incan king).  The seat itself isn’t terribly exciting, but the view of the city from the top is spectacular and there are some pretty gardens. 

Next we took them shopping.  Unfortunately for our wallets, we have become master shoppers in Cajamarca and go way too often!  We had thought we would feel better about our spending habits with the Trujillo girls here because they told us they hadn’t had a chance to do much shopping.  Sadly, I’m pretty sure we still managed to out spend them.  Downside: our bank statements are not nearly as pretty as they were before we left.  Upside: We will have tons of super awesome stuff from Peru!

Erin, Katie and Liz eating delicious burgers

Anyway, after an afternoon of shopping we took them to our favorite hamburger stand.  The burgers are super cheap, but super delicious.  They don’t use as much meat as traditional hamburgers from the States, but they put mini french fries, onions, and tomatoes inside.  Then they have tons of sauces- ketchup, mustard, mayo, aji, and olive sauce.   All together it is a winning combination! We came home, made pizza, and then had girls’ night with homemade facials.  Oh, and Cynthia gave Julia a matching dread. 

Liz, Carrie, Katie and Natalie all wet from the waterfall

Julia and Cynthia sitting by some cool rocks near the caves

The next morning we got up to go on a really awesome hike to some waterfalls that are close by.  The area was beautiful and we took tons of pictures.  Some of the girls got soaking wet walking under the waterfalls (Cynthia and I both passed since it was a rather chilly day…).  After we went to the waterfalls we also walked to some caves down the road.  Summary: Our Peruvian backyard is awesome.  We finished the afternoon with more shopping and more hamburgers in Cajamarca.  Side note: If I thought four white people wandering around together attracted attention, I should have waited until there were eight of us.  We’ve decided that the rule must be it’s not rude to stare as long as you say “Buenas tardes” afterwards. 

Our shopping addiction

Sunday we took the girls to church with us AND Cynthia taught the Gospel Doctrine lesson- in Spanish!  It was an awesome lesson and we made banana snack cake for the class, which they loved.  We came home, made delicious food, and played tons of fun games.  We had a blast with the girls and we are excited that we get to go visit them in two weeks!