A Day in the Life of an AfID HOOP Volunteer in Arequipa, Peru

My volunteering assignment ends today.  I was welcomed by an incredible team of people who are working very hard to have a positive impact on the families in the community in which they work.  A big thank you to AfID for making this possible, and of course to HOOP, for such a rewarding experience.

For my last post I thought I would share “ a day in the life” pictorial so you can see Arequipa through the eyes of a volunteer.

An early morning visit to Plaza de Yanuara for some green and coffee.

My daily Spanish lesson was in this beautiful garden.  Many houses are hiding gardens and courtyards behind the high walls alongside the sidewalks.

The office from outside and in!  Working with Cindy.  I had such a great time working with you

For the first two weeks I joined some other volunteers for “menu” lunch which is a two course set menu  for 7 or 8 soles, the equivalent of about $2 to $3.  After that I went to the supermarket and made my own salads for lunch.  Enjoying them on the rooftop patio with colleagues was a nice break in the day.

After work I could change cash on the corner (rate for USD ranges from 3.35 to 3.365), grab a delicious empanada, and/or pick up the laundry.

In the evening there was a myriad of options.  If I didn’t feel like relaxing in Soul Guest House with other guests and volunteers I could go to Plaza de Armas with a new friend; eat delicious food, my favourite restaurant was ZigZag, right across from San Francisco Cathedral; laugh with friends (so much we were asked to be quiet!); or assist in the planning and hosting of a fundraising Quiz Night!  The city feels walkable and safe in the evenings too.

After a month here in Arequipa I can now cross the road without fear; read a menu and successfully order food; negotiate with a taxi driver, and end up where I intended; and communicate un pocotito with local people.  I have also made some very nice friends.

If you have ever visited a place and wondered “What would it be like to live here?” I would highly recommend volunteering.  You are able to easily integrate into a community and experience a place with local support.  I have had so much fun living in and exploring Arequipa with people who have introduced me to so many great experiences and activities I would not have had as a visitor.

This is my last post about volunteering my next posts will be travel related as I continue my journey in Peru.  I will not post to those to Linkedin.  If you are interested please follow my blog!  If not, I will post again on a business/accounting matter after my return