My most fun activity this week was doing a presentation about the United States for the local primaria (primary) school students. I talked about California, where I’m from, and walked them through a day in my life from back when I was in middle school. I loved explaining the geography and culture of my state and discussing aspects of American school life, such as yellow buses, cafeteria lunches and extracurricular activities. I also enjoyed seeing my students’ curiosity about the U.S. and answering all my students’ questions.
I am currently reading a book about the fall of the Inca empire called “The Last Days of the Incas.” A little historical background: the Incas were a people that ruled Peru nearly 500 years ago. Although they originally lived in the region near Cusco, they conquered hundreds of other kingdoms and were able to expand their empire for 2,400 miles down the western coast of South America. By the time the Spaniards arrived in Peru in 1526, their empire spanned from Quito, Ecuador all the way to Santiago, Chile. Unfortunately, they were conquered by the Spaniards. However, according to my book, they managed to mount a rebellion against their colonizers that lasted for over 40 years.
I played soccer. Typically, on Sunday afternoons, my host family and I play against our neighbors at the local soccer fields. I’m not great at soccer, but it’s even harder at 12,000 feet (2.3 miles) above sea level! (For reference, Chicago is at 579 feet above sea level.) At very high altitudes, you get out of breath very quickly.
