People.

I did something when I was in Norway with taking pictures with strangers that I would see on the street or talk with.  I was a lot more social and not so afraid of things back then though.  However, this post will be dedicated to people that have influenced my trip here in South America so far.  Some of the people I only saw once, some I saw a few more times, and some I see every time I go to the center. Some of the photos I am in, and some I am not. (Obviously.)

This man was in the restaurant that I visited every night that I was in Foz, in Brazil.  He was a really friendly man.  He didn't speak any English, but he was just a really friendly face.  He was one of the waiters that would come around with food, and every time he would explain what it was, and tell me to try it.  I think at the time, I just needed a smiling face, and he was one.  I would recommend that restaurant for anyone who travels to Foz.  I can't tell you the name, but I can tell you how to get there.  :)

This is such a sweet man.  His name is Justo (not sure how it is spelled.)  He is from here in Cusco, and this is his little shop.  He is where I buy a lot of my little things, like books, albums, ceramics, etc.  I went last week to where his shop was on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and he wasn't there.  I asked Christina, the lady that I sit and talk with every week, where he was.  She said he was on vacation, but I saw him on Friday, and asked him where he was, and he gave me a note from his doctor.  He has kidney failure, and has to go three times a week for dialysis.  It broke my heart when he told me that.  He loves to tell stories about the Peruvian and Inca culture though.  So when I am feeling in need of history lesson I go see him, or just to see how he is doing.  He is such a nice man though.  He is not normally dressed like that, but when I asked if I could take a picture with him, he put on a hat, scarf, and grabbed a hatchet thing, and gave me a backpack to hold.  He is such a sweet man.

This is Christina.  She is the lady I go and see about 4 times week.  I just sit and talk to her about life, life in the United States, people in Cusco, and pretty much anything that comes to mind.  Sometimes we just watch Dr. House, aka Dr. Casa.  I buy all of my blankets from her.  I also bought a pair of pants from her.  They are officially my favorite pair of pants, even though I will never actually wear them in public.  She is very nice though, we are able to discuss religion, politics, and my future.  It is nice.

This couple is such a sweet couple.  Her name is Teresa, and I am not quite sure his name.  I just remember I looked and sounded really stupid trying to pronounce it.  (As I do with most English and Spanish words.)  They have take me and another one of the students under their wings.  They just talk about life and anything really that we want to talk about.  I am going to go sometime and Teresa is going to teach me how to knit! They are a very sweet couple though.  They introduced me to their daughter, she is 2 years older than I am, and I think I will go out dancing with her sometime! I am excited.  I told her if she ever comes to the states she can absolutely visit me and Aaron and our families.  :)

I am not sure of this guys name.  He told me a while ago, and I didn't remember, and I talk to him every time I walk to the little market, so I feel like it has been too long for me to ask him his name.  He works at a restuarant that I walk by every time I go to the market, so I see him often.  The first experience I had with him made me crack up, because it was so funny I just walked away laughing.  Here, as in all of the South American countries, it is a custom to give one kiss on the cheek as a greeting.  Well we did the one kiss thing, and then he went in for the other cheek and I was all confused and just looked at him like "What are you doing?" Then I just walked away and laughed.  He always stops me when I walk by and asks me how my day is going.   

This is Rosa.  She is a veryyy sweet lady.  She made me pillowcases.  She told me if there is something that her shop doesn't have, she will find it for me.  She is going to get some mugs for me, because I wanted some that are very colorful, but she didn't have any.  She also told me she would teach me to crochet little llamas.  I don't have any pictures of them, but they are super cute!  Her mother and father both work in the little market there as well.  Her father is a very nice man.  He is a painter, a very good painter.  I don't have a picture of him though. 

Last, but not least, these two ladies are ladies that I see every day.  Abuelita right next to me, she is my host grandma, and Marita is on the right, she is my host mom.  They both take great care of me and my things.  When I was sick, Marita brought me food on a little tray, so I could eat in my room.  They are great, and it has been a good experience living here with them.  They have had students before, so they know most of the emotions we have for being in a new place and how to deal with them.

The next few pictures are just of the people working here in the city.  Enjoy:)