An organization called Un Techo Para Mi Pais, dedicated to helping those suffering from extreme poverty in Latin America, is holding sign-ups for a 4 day trip to the outskirts of Lima where they will build 78 houses. The cost for the 4 days (of course, excluding transportation to Lima) is 40 soles, and includes meals and accommodations. This is a great way for young people to volunteer their time and help in areas where many people cannot afford homes. Volunteer travel is becoming more and more common, and those who have participated in these programs have many positive things to say about them. If you’re looking to do some good while you travel to one of the most interesting places in the world, research how you might be able to volunteer during your visit.

On March 11th, Wall Street celebrated “Peru Day.” This distinction was made in honor of Peru’s remarkable growth and potential for international investors. Those who attended the event and listened to speeches from Peru’s finance minister and central bank president snacked on asparagus and drank Pisco. (Peru is the world’s top exporter of asparagus.) Part of the reason Peru’s economy is booming is due to the growing middle class. There is now a great demand for goods and services throughout Peru. Six other South American countries have received special days on Wall Street, and Peru has finally joined them. There have been very hard economic times in Peru in the past, but right now Peruvians are enjoying a wonderful period of growth and expansion within their own country and international markets.

The Telegraph (the most popular newspaper in the UK) published an article today titled, “Lima, Peru: ‘The City of Kings’ Reigns Again.”  The article points out the changes that have occurred in Lima in recent years, including physical renovations and a renewed connection to Incan heritage and pride. Some of the best restaurants in Lima are mentioned, including Rosa Nautica, which is a must-see for tourists. The restaurant sits at the end of a pier that juts out into the sea, providing incomparable views of the waves and surfers just outside the tastefully-decorated dining room. Also mentioned is Museo Larco, a museum that gives visitors a great introduction to the ancient cultures of Peru with clear English translations. And of course, Larco Mar, the popular shopping mall perched on the cliffs of Lima’s coast, is listed as one of the most popular attractions for tourists. As the city of Lima focuses on continuing to take advantage of its beautiful coastline, more posh hotels, restaurants and attractions are sure to open there.

There are colorful and interesting festivals throughout Peru at almost any time of the year, but this time is particularly eventful, with Peru‘s version of the Mardi Gras holiday. This week the region of Ayacucho held their Carnival Festival, with parades, floats, costumes and music. Cajamarca held a similar festival, which also includes a celebration of the Incan King Momo and his burial in the historic Banos del Inca complex. In Iquitos, locals celebrated the Amazonia Carnival, with traditions like palm tree chopping games and treats for children. The next festival will be the Vendimia, or Grape Harvest Festival in Ica, which includes the Queen of Wine Pageant and pisco tasting booths. There are many festivals and celebrations to attend while visiting Peru, no matter what time of year you go. Be sure to check for events before you travel.

One of the most impressive things about the Artisan Jewelry you’ll find in Peru is the precision and meticulous work that goes into each piece. This bracelet is made with pieces of mother of pearl, which is the part of a shell where pearls grow. Mother of pearl is commonly used in all kinds of jewelry, but not in the way it is used here. Each one of these pieces is polished and cut to fit perfectly inside the silver links of this Artisan Bracelet. I can’t imagine having the patience and skill to ensure that every shell is perfectly positioned and that the setting is perfectly constructed. I admire the master artisans who do this everyday. I always feel good knowing I am purchasing something from the person who made it, because this also ensures that they are always well-compensated for their work. This Mother of Pearl Bracelet is truly a work of art.

This is a great video about Andean Bears, also called Spectacled Bears, the only bear species native to Peru. Their unique facial markings are where they get the “spectacled” name. They are endangered, but programs like the one at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. are being put in place to save them. Many rare, endangered species live in Peru, and unlike these bears which are native to the Andes in general, many are only native to Peru. These include the Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey, the Incan Little Mastiff Bat, and the Andean Night Monkey. With efforts to save them, hopefully the amazing array of rare Peruvian animals will remain strong.

So we’ve talked about how important potatoes are to the Culture of Peru and Peruvian food, but how about a specific example of a great Peruvian potato dish? Aji de Gallina is a classic Peruvian comfort food, and the kind of dish you could expect to be served at a Peruvian’s dinner table. The most traditional way to make it is with hen, which is where it gets the “gallina” name, but it is just as good with chicken. If you buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it you can make Aji de Gallina in minutes. The most important ingredient is Aji Amarillo paste, which is available from Mama Tina’s online. Other than that, evaporated milk, some white bread or saltine crackers, walnuts, and a few basic spices is all is takes for an authentic Peruvian meal. Once all of these ingredients are mixed in a blender and the nuts are completely ground, spread the sauce and chicken mixture over boiled potatoes. Garnish with hard boiled eggs and Peruvian olives, with white rice on the side if desired. Google Aji de Gallina for different recipes, choose your favorite, and enjoy a Peruvian meal tonight.

After a long controversy, Yale University in New Haven, CT (USA) will be returning priceless artifacts to Peru that have been in their possession for a century. The artifacts were taken by Yale historian Hiram Bingham on three trips after he rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. Bingham was backed by the National Geographic Society, and took many crates of artifacts to the United States. The artifacts had been on display in Yale’s Peabody Museum. The Peruvian government argued that the artifacts belong in Peru, and after a dispute Yale has agreed to send them back. The artifacts will be on display for at least a week at the government palace before traveling to a permanent museum location in Peru. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd said, ”These artifacts do not belong to any government, to any institution, or to any university — they belong to the people of Peru.”

Chrysocolla is an interesting stone that is known for its powerful energies. In Peru, it is referred to as Peruvian Turquoise, because of its blue-green hues, and it is used to make high quality Handcrafted Jewelry. It is said to be a healing and calming stone, and is even used to attract love. Chrysocolla jewelry can be a thoughtful gift for someone who is dealing with stress, illness or depression, due to its purported metaphysical properties. Aside from its deeper meaning, it is also a beautiful stone that often has swirls of different hues running through it. It is only found in a few countries throughout the world, and Chile has one of the highest amounts, which is why the stone is also available in Peru. If you ever travel to Peru, a Chrysocolla Necklace makes a great souvenir.