Lomo Saltado

I am super proud of myself! I made lomo saltado for Marco last night. Well, technically it was molinado saltado since there wasn't any lomo left at the market when I got there. Fortunately, ground beef works just as well as lomo. I wanted to do something nice for him before he headed out to a village about 10 hours away to guard the presidential elections. Everyone is required to vote here. If you don't vote you have to pay a multa or a fee. It's actually a great idea but if anyone ever tried to force that law in the states people would could crazy about it. Imagine if everyone had to vote. It would sure change the dynamic of running for office. All the poor people would vote because the wouldn't want to pay a fee for not doing so. Interesting thought. Others would probably be up in a huff about taking their right away to vote or not to vote. Anyway, dinner was delicious and I think Marco was quite pleased with the outcome. It's kind of tough living up to Peruvian cooking standards. I will have to do it again some time soon but he said that it's his turn to cook for me next. I'm excited!

In other news, I am going to be teaching a private English class at Viajes Pacifico starting next week. It will only be for one week but I am looking forward to it anyway. It gets me out of the hostel and keeps me on my toes. It's also some extra cash which is always helpful.

I head to the dermatologist tomorrow morning for a check-up on my shingles. I am super happy because the nerve pain has gone away and I barely feel the itchy rash anymore. Yay for anti-virals!! I have to make copies of all the receipts because I filed a claim with World Nomads, my insurance company. There is a $100 deductable but

My dream of waitressing might not happen as soon as I thought it might. Pasta Mama may not be opening due to difficulties among the owners. We will see what happens.

I am taking some people from the hostel out to a Peruvian bar tonight and possibly going salsa dancing as well. I look forward to showing them a good time. I like that I have a good sense of what there is in Cusco for tourists to do. Of course, I still have lots more to see and try but I have a pretty good bag of tricks as they say.