The other day, my parents (who live in Vancouver) received a letter from the government that was an ideal example of the differences between living in Peru and Canada. Here’s how the letter went:
“There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart.” — Charles Dickens
Struggles are often the source of many life lessons and Sandy Hubbard has had more than her fair share of both as she balances life priorities including family, work and school. Co-owner of Luxurious Pet Supplies, Sandy shares about her mom, Linda, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Have you ever had one of those amazing days that you still reminisce about, even though you can’t figure out what exactly was so great about the day? I just had a day like that in February on my most recent trip to Lima. It turned out to be a day that encompassed a lot of what I love about living in Peru.
“Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
When it comes to role models, Rebecca Bangayan Ting has grown up with her fair share. Now that she’s a successful businesswoman, she reflects on how she observed different family members living with gusto and the lessons she learned from those elders.
I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance. I’ve also always known that I’m not very good at dancing. I’m clumsy and forgetful, which are the two qualities that work against learning choreography.
“Our passion is our strength.” — Billie Joe Armstrong
Being a software development engineer plays a part in but doesn’t define Kin Ming Li and his passions. Below, Kin shares thoughts on his path to passion and how you can carve out your own path:
Coming to Peru in 2008 was one of the biggest “firsts” of my life. It was the first time I had moved to a developing country on my own and the entire experience has been string of firsts, even to this day. I guess that’s just the nature of living in a new, foreign, and unpredictable country!
The world seems so much simpler when we consider the good vibes and bad vibes in our lives. That’s how Alan Espinoza explained Rastafarianism to me. The Rastafari movement started in Peru around 20-25 years ago, arriving in Lima and spreading even to the Central Andes here in Huancayo. There are now around 30 Rastas in Huancayo, including 4 women, many who have come to know about the community through Alan’s store.
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” — Oprah Winfrey
A psychologist by profession, Hajra Khatoon has been through such a journey these past few years as she has been rediscovering her passion with gusto.
This is how it often works in Huancayo — the police can basically do whatever they want. I had heard about police officers stopping cars in the street and taking bribes, but this was the first time I had seen police officers outright stealing.