On Sunday I was excited about sleeping in when I was suddenly awaken at 7:00am by cannon fire at least that is what it sounded like. I got up to investigate and I found people in the streets decorating everything in purple and white balloons and streamers. They were getting ready to celebrate the day of an important Saint here in Peru, I am not sure who but everyone else seemed to know, and they were launching fireworks to commemorate the day.
A guy drew the design on the street with chalk and then a bunch if people filled in the entire thing with flower pedals and colored saw dust. All done the morning of the big day.
Johanna and I went out later to grab some lunch and all of the decorations were ready and the people were sitting in chairs in front of their houses talking and waiting. When we returned was saw that this is what they were waiting for.
This group of people walked all around the area carrying this “float” and playing music. They stopped every once in a while in front of groups of people and they would all pray together. It was quite a site.
That is sheet music on their backs for the guys walking behind them.
The group walked over the art masterpiece as they went down the street. I would have been a little upset if this was my work but apparently this is how it is done.
Here they come with all of their baggage.
Ameer, being a very energetic boy, made a beeline straight for the toys. 
Sonia was a little different but just as energetic and went straight for the fruit. 
Aliah is so easy going, she was just happy to be here. 
Ursula, Ivan, Carla, Michelle, Johanna, Me, Alejandra
Javier, Giovanna, Me, Ivan
The great food Causa, Carapulcra, & Aji de Gallina
My mother-in-law, Sonia, teaching me some dance moves.
Deysi, Me, Arturo
Me with all of the woman. Where is Johanna?
A guy drew the design on the street with chalk and then a bunch if people filled in the entire thing with flower pedals and colored saw dust. All done the morning of the big day.
This group of people walked all around the area carrying this “float” and playing music. They stopped every once in a while in front of groups of people and they would all pray together. It was quite a site.
That is sheet music on their backs for the guys walking behind them.
The group walked over the art masterpiece as they went down the street. I would have been a little upset if this was my work but apparently this is how it is done. 
If you use this gesture in the US it means come here. Generally done with one hand.
However, in Peru you turn your palm down to beckon someone. Much like you would shew away something in the US. But becareful to keep your hand moving becasue if you just let it hang there people might think you are a little sweet. Disclaimer: Not that there is anything wrong with that.
This mean okay in the states or nice.
In Peru you need to turn this gesture upside down. This means very nice and you would do this while you are commenting on something. "The hotel was excellent." However, you must be careful with this one becasue it also means that you are claiming to be gay or you are calling the person you are talking to gay. Diclaimer: Again not that there is anything wrong with that, but you do not want to offend.
Sr. Juan (Johanna's father), Johanna, Tió Perdo aka The Birthday Boy
There is always good food to eat.
Tiá Chela & Sra. Sonia (Johanna's Mom)
Primos (cousins) Alex and Mike
Johanna and her best friend Giovanna
Giovanna and her husband Javier
She is thinking of a good wish.
Prima (cousin) Gabby, Johanna, and Sra. Sonia
