From our limited experience, I have come to the solid conclusion that Peuvians know how to throw good parties.
Matthew and I went to our friend Charlie´s host family´s house the other night to celebrate the 18th birthday of his Peruvian brother Antony. We´ve learned that arriving early or on time is not usually necessary, as things almost always begin late here (bus rides, classes at school, parties...). When we got there an hour "late," only a few people had arrived and we were sitting around talking until the birthday boy arrived with a crate of beer and a group of friends. We all moved to Charlie´s room, which had been transformed into a full-out dance club, complete with sound system, disco ball, strobe light, and another series of flashing colored lights. Intense you think? Migraine is what I was thinking, but survived just fine.
His aunt came in serving a platter full of pisco sours, the famous Peruvian drink that is pure deliciousness. We listened to two heart-felt toasts from his aunt and uncle before toasting and getting the dancing underway. No more shy stuff from me! I tried to be patient for people to start dancing and once it started, there was no stopping me. However, I must point out that a lovely 4-year-old sobrina (niece/goddaughter) out-danced me for sure. She went strong for hours, finally konked out around 11:30 or 12, but when someone woke her for bed, she was back on the dance floor!
Antony´s aunt was great with keeping everyone stocked up with piscos and other drinks. We had a round of pork/tamale/bread dinner, more dancing, sang happy birthday (and Antony´s friends tried to smash his face in the cake...is this a Peruvian tradition? see photo 1), danced, and finally gave up to go home around 12:30. ALSO, finally got a group photo of the 5 Machu Picchu trekers (Paria, Charlie squatting, Rhi, Matthew, and me). Made it to bed around 1 or 1:15, but I sure felt that party all day yesterday, even with an hour-long nap in the afternoon! What is this? Am I getting old??! oye.
Because I´ve been criticized for not writing very funnily, I (Sara) must add that at the party we met a man. I asked him what his name was. He hesitated, then said "um, Michael." Not Miguel, but Michael. As in Jackson. Then he told me that his name was Arnold. As in the Govenator. Then he made sure a MJ song came on for us. I suck at funny, just take your stupid turn and write yourself, Matthew Dickey.
ReplyDeleteHey...we like your stories! And what kind of word is "funnily"??? Keep on writing, any way you please! XOXOX ~Mom
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Mom. I´m not really mad at Matthew, just realizing how differently we write. It´s all good. More posts coming soon...
ReplyDelete-Sara
and yes the getting the frosting on the person seems to be a universal peruvian thing for any age, in my experience at least. watch out!
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