1. Guinea pig is considered a delicacy in the Andes. I am actually looking forward to trying it.
2. Riding or driving a motorcycle during my service is considered grounds for "administrative separation".
3. Peru is 3 times the size of California; nearly the size of Alaska. It has mountains, highlands, coastal desert, and tropical forests.
4. I will be doing 3 months of training in the capital, Lima. During that time I will find out where my host community for the next 2 years will be.
5. I will live with a host family for my entire service. I am guaranteed my own room, but I may have to use a latrine. I may or may not have access to running water, electricity, internet and cell phone service.
6. I am limited to 2 pieces of luggage, totaling not more than 107 inches and 80 pounds, and a carry-on. Many items can be obtained in Peru, but it is still tough to know what to pack!
7. Peru is where the potato was domesticated. It is still a staple, along with pasta and rice, and seafood on the coast.
8. Llamas are used as pack animals while alpacas are used for their wool.
9. The population of 28 million is 70% urban, with about 8 million in Lima. About 46% of the population (especially those in rural areas) live below the poverty line. About 85% of the population is either indigenous or mestizo. Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, though many other indigenous languages are common depending on the region. The vast majority practice Catholicism.
10. Peru and surrounding areas (northern Ecuador to central Chile) were home to the Inca empire. Spanish invaders captured their capital, Cuzco, in 1533. They subsequently founded Lima, which became the center of Spanish power in South America until Peru proclaimed independence in 1821. I am really looking forward to visiting the ruins of the Incan city Machu Picchu high in the Andes.
Thanks to the Peace Corps Peru Welcome Book, my new guide book, and various websites for this helpful information!
