Moneylenders, ceviche, and running.

I'd like to start this post off with a shout out to Laura Hagen. She forced me to write this, so I figured she should get some credit.

Ok, what have I been up to lately. Moneylender interviews, eating ceviche, and working out. Literally all I do. Its been fun though. I've been keeping really busy and feel as though I have a great sense of purpose. I've also recently given into my sweet tooth and have been eating my fair share of baked goods from the panaderias that tempt you ever 1/2 block or so.

Yesterday, a guy that works for PRISMA, an MFI in the area, took us to do more interviews. We went all the way to his 'zona' to do a few rural interviews. This included going about an hour and a half on motorcycle. Something I can easily say I never want to do again...on the way back, we got pulled over by the cops b/c the license plate on the motorcycle wasn't right or something. Anyhow, instead of getting a ticket (which would have entailed going to the police station for a few hours), my driver instead just paid off the cops, and off we went. Yay corrupt police forces in developing country!

Today we're going to this big arts market about 15 minutes from Piura. We heard they have great food there too, so I'm excited to check it out. This week is fiestas patrias (or rather, their independence day). Its officially on Wednesday, the 28th, but we've heard that everyone takes off Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Hopefully we'll be able to get some more work done before enjoying the holiday!! We're planning to leave Piura probably on Friday and head back to Cusco for our last week. I'm states-bound exactly 2 weeks from today!!

P.S. I haven't taken any photos in Piura yet, but if/when I do, I'll post something interesting to look at...