Day 16

Here I am performing at the Independence Weekend talent show at Academia Latinoamericana de Español. I'm wearing a "Make Art, Not War" T-shirt. [[Special shout out to Marlene for this awesome tee!]]

Today, I have officially completed my first 'semester' abroad! That's right everyone, three credits in the bag. I took my exam this morning, and after, our school began celebrating Independence Weekend.

Here are some of my classmates dressed up in tipical clothing. They helped host the ceremony.

There were different competitions throughout the ceremony. There was a poster contest and a cooking contest. Rutgers' held it down winning first and third place in the cooking contest - Go RU!

In addition to the contests, there were opportunities to perform - hence why I played my guitar. For those who are wondering I played my own rendition of Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks."

BREAKING NEWS: I have officially played my first international show =)

Here are pictures of some of the dancers that performed during the festival.

At the end of the celebration, we were able to try all of the dishes that students prepared. They were all quite delicious. Also, there was a lady making picarrones (a Peruvian fried donut), so I purchased two. Yum. 

After the celebration, I walked back to the hostal and then went to Buen Pastor. I hung around there for an hour and chatted a bit with the girls, but they weren't doing much today. 

So, Estefania and I decided to go and buy supplies to do an activity with the girls. After much searching, we purchased dipping chocolate, wooden skewers, and sprinkles. We are going to make chocolate covered fruit skewers with the girls at Buen Pastor. 

Don't worry, we will buy the fruit the day of our creative endeavor. 

Well, that's all for now...I'm off to El Encuentro (vegetarian restaurant) for dinner. I will post another entry later. 

OH - and don't forget to stay tuned for my "Thought of the Week"

Hasta pronto mis amores!