Llomo Saltado

I went to a Peruvian restaurant in DC the other night called la Chatalan. It was pretty good. I had llomo saltado, which is kind of like stir-fry with french fries mixed in (brilliant idea). Also ceviche which is all kinds of seafood cooked in lime juices, which is great too. I could see myself living on these two dishes for two years alone, haha but maybe throw in some guinea pig for variety.

The waiter, Juan Carlos, was from Peru. I talked with him a little in Spanish. He knew about the Peace Corps and was incredibly friendly. He knew me for about 5 minutes and already gave me his family's phone number in Peru. His brother is the chief of police in their city in Peru and he said if I ever get in trouble I should call him and say I know his brother and he'll help me out, haha. I'll try and stay out jail though anyways.

I'm glad that nost Peruvians I have meet are so friendly. That should make living there a lot easier!

Hi

To introduce myself, my name is Chris and I'm leaving in a few days for Peru. I’ll be volunteering with the Peace Corps as Small Business Promoter. Honestly, I’m still not too sure what I’ll be doing. Well, hopefully I’ll be able to do something meaningful. I wonder all the time about how Peruvians will feel about a young kid like me? I can’t imagine I would be that impressed. Haha…umm, but anyways

I’m from Virginia and just graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in commerce, or as the rest of the world would say, business. Although I really liked college, I was getting really eager towards the end to get out and see what’s in store next. I decided on the Peace Corps because I’d really like to make a career in development, especially with micro enterprises or finance. I’m pretty hopeful for some incomparable experiences these next few years.

My mom was born in Panama and most of my family still lives there. I haven’t visited in a while , but I am making an oath right now that I will make it out there sometime. Although you might not think it, Peru is actually pretty far from Panama. I did find out that another volunteer in our group, Peru-11 also has some family in Panama so maybe that will make a side trip less intimidating. My dad is from the US and he is probably more excited about Peru than I am. He acts like a little kid most of the time. He has done a ton to help me out in school and to help me prepare for Peace Corps.

As far as hobbies go I played rugby for all four years of college. I wasn’t really anything spectacular at it, but it was tons of fun and always something new. I lived in the “rugby” house my last year and I doubt that any of the conditions in Peru could be as bad as that place. It was dirty and smelly, yes, but I would not have traded living there for anywhere else. I broke my ankle in March at practice. That was no fun, especially because I couldn’t drive anywhere. I pretty much lived off of delivery Chinese food and pizza. I kind of felt like that guy in super size me. I would not recommend trying it.

Anyways, for my first post in my first blog ever I’m sure this was pretty boring. I’m still trying to figure out this whole “internet” thing, I guess its here to stay?