Almuerzo with Mama Olga

Today was a pretty lazy Sunday (to round out the weekend). Mama Olga invited me to lunch so I had to be there at 1pm. I didn't have a problem finding the right combi, but apparently gas prices went up overnight (confirmed by Mama Olga when I asked) so the trip that is normally 1.40 soles turned into a 2 soles ride. While I didn't have an issue with the pay jump, many of my fellow commuters did. I tried not to let their constant screaming at the cobrador detract from my favorite bus ride pastime of watching out the window. I arrived at Mama Olga's door with 4 minutes to spare. It was so nice to be able to see her after 2 years.



Mama Olga on my last trip to Peru in '08 (I didn't bring my camera with today).

We went to a Chifa (a type of Chinese meets Peruvian rice) restaurant and talked for awhile. Back in her home she confessed her weakness for ice cream so the conversation continued over a bowl of helado de Lucuma. Mama Olga always treats me like one of her granddaughters, and today was no exception. Even though we can't visit again for a couple of weeks (her schedule is crazier than mine!) I'm excited to go back. Oh, and thanks for the vote of confidence Juls, for your information I got to her house in 40 minutes and didn't get lost!

On a compete side note: Nini has found a space for her glass store and is busily working to get it ready to open for Mother's Day.




This is just a sample of her work (it's actually the piece she gave to me!).