Lobos del mar
Friday, April 30th was the official start of the Rotary Conference that we´ve been preparing for since our first meetings back in November.
We started the day with an amazing tour of the islands of Ballestas. One of the most popular draws on the southern coast of Peru, Ballestas is a home to over 700,000 birds including 160 species including penguins and pelicans. Sea lions and dolphins join the fun in this extravaganza of nature, seen only from one´s tour boat. You see, humans are not allowed on the island except for every seven years when guano (mineral-rich bird droppings) is collected as fertilizer. I was lucky enough to collect some on my shirt from our winged friends flying above. Souvenir.. sweet! Thank you Maricio from Arequipa for arranging the tour.
Salud!
In the afternoon, our friends Julio and Lilliana from Ica Rotary club took us to a delicious lunch in wine country. There are many bodegas (vineyards) within 30 minutes of downtown Ica. Peru´s first vineyards were planted near Ica in the 1550´s from Spanish seedlings. At the Tamaca vineyard, we sampled wines and piscos before departing to visit the home of our new friends Juan and Rosario. Their daughter Maria is currently in Colorado with the Peruvian team visiting District 5450.
At 7pm, we were ready to go for the Rotary conference. We are very proud to represent the district and of course, our country. After words of welcome and inspiration from multiple dignitaries including District President Roberto Monzon and Juan Godoy from Chile, the business of having a good time was at hand. The festivities included fireworks, live music, a talent show put on by the Rotary clubs, and more.
We were sad to leave around midnight but we were in need of a full night´s rest for Saturday´s activities. Not only do the Rotarians know how to make the world a better place, they know how to throw a party!
Justin
