Carnaval, etc.

This is what my host family does for fun -- a procession through a pueblo outside of Cochabamba, carrying a large crucifix, burning incense, with a loud marching band and fireworks to draw attention to us as we neared the church for a mass. I'm one of those behind the massive flower arrangements. And that's my host mom all dolled up in pink.

More my style, the dancing afterwards. The procession and post-party is an annual tradition on Compadres, which is celebrated two weeks before Carnaval. Compadres are officially men who are connected because one is the godfather or padrino of the other´s child; and unofficially buddies who get together on that day to party. Comadres is the following week, and is the same idea for women. Only women are allowed into the bars and clubs while men and adolescent boys wait outside hoping the girls will be too drunk by the time they leave to use their better judgment.

My host brother Pablo -- usually my dance partner.

I missed comadres and Carnaval in Oruro, Bolivia (supposedly unbelievable) this time around, as I had embarked on a trip to meet the fam in Cuzco, Peru, where I now am. Today I arrived at my beautiful hostel, and after three days of travel without bathing, took a long, hot shower. But the spirit of Carnaval is still raging in Cuzco -- as soon as I stepped out the door I was sprayed by several giggling kids with foam and pegged with water balloons, narrowly escaping the rare bucket of water. My hair is somewhat sticky now, and I'm pondering what strategy to take when I venture outside again -- I'm a prime target being female, a gringa, and somewhat rubia. I'm approximately two blocks away from my hostel, but you have to be vigilant not only of the gangs of kids, but also the balconies, taxi passengers, and seemingly innocent people standing on street corners...