Goodbye Otuzco Peru

This is the street where we live.  When we came, it was dirt, and they have put in cobblestones, and cement planters and steps

This is the 6th grade class that we taught lessons to every Wednesday.  They had been to the Plaza de Armas (the main plaza) for pictures so were all dressed up.  Arent they cute!!

Candles for sale on our street.  There are many candles for sell everywhere, and especially during a big festival like we we were having this weekend when we left.  You can see the Virgen de la Puerta on many of the candles

Dancers representing one of Peru's provinces in the parade for the Virgen de la Puerta (Virgin of the Door)

More dancers.  Neil, we all think you will like his costume!

Dancers representing another province.  The thing that was so cool about all of these dancers are that they are teachers from the schools in Otuzco.  They have been practicing for weeks for the dances that followed this parade.  It is hard to imagine any particular group of adults in the US doing something like this!!

These are some of the devotees that have walked 45 miles from Trujillo, with an elevation change at just above sea level, to Otuzco, which is at 8400 feet above sea level.  The last 10 blocks they crawl on hands and knees to show their devotion and reverence to the Virgin

My last day at the hospital.  I got to help take care of a little preemie.  

There were three men in the group crawling on their backs.  I couldn't believe it!

So many candles that people have left burning for the Virgin!!

Here she is from behind, with her reflection in the glass.  She gets a new dress every day during the festival

The firework from one of the bamboo constructed firework stands at midnight

Our dinner, before it was cooked.  Yep, we ate cuy (guinea pig) for our last supper!

Some of the nurses, doctors and technicas at the hospital.  Maria Elena, also dressed in turquoise, was my favorite nurse

Our last days in Otuzco.  It is hard to believe our time here is at an end.  Our memories of Otuzco will be cherished!