Today our second group of volunteers finished their orientation to Trujillo and will begin their work at various medical clinics and schools in and around Trujillo. Orientation is a time for our volunteers to get acquainted with the history and layout of Trujillo. As well as have some fun with each other and their host families.
Our orientation began with a city tour of downtown Trujillo viewing the Plaza de Armas, the colonial and present center of the city and the cathedral nearby. We took a tour of Casa Urquiaga and Casa de la Emancipación, beautiful examples of the colonial and republican (19th century) architecture of Perú. These houses hold special significance because they belonged to the aristocrats of the time and one of them was where Perú’s Declaration of Independence was signed. We also visited Iglesia la Merced, the first colonial church in Trujillo used by the Spanish. The church has survived many earthquakes and remains very well intact despite being 500 years old. Our tour concluded with a visit to a local market where everything from fruits and meat to clothes could be purchased. Truly a unique experience as to how most of the world buys their food everyday. That evening we had a welcome dinner at Canana where we watched a showcase of Peruvian music and the marinera dance style, Trujillo is often referred to as “the capital city of marinera”.
The next day we took a tour of Huaca del Luna, a temple of the Moche culture currently being excavated since 1991, and Chan Chan, a pre-Columbian mud city abandon by the Chimú culture. Our day ended with a trip to Huanchaco beach, a city about 20 minutes from Trujillo.
Our third day began with a cooking class where we learned to make Papa a la Huancaina and Lomo Saltado as well as Pisco sour, a favorite drink of Perú. Later that evening the volunteers host families threw a party with music and dancing for the volunteers to welcome them to Trujillo. One of the host dads even played the accordion, with several people showcasing their singing abilities.
Our orientation concluded with a morning of sandboarding just outside Trujillo. For most it was their first time ever riding a board down a mountain but within minuets of the first run everyone wanted to go again from further up the hill. Despite sand getting everywhere, the volunteers seemed to have a good time and were sad that we had to leave so soon.
With our orientation complete, our volunteers are ready to begin the exciting work at their clinics as well as prepare for the medical campaign at the end of their program.
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