The arrival of Sherman

Friday not only marked the start of Cajabamba's 10-day-long fiesta patronal, but was also Jessica's birthday - double cause for celebration! With the help of both Peruvian and volunteer friends, we made it a night to remember.

The birthday reina and Katy's adorable puppy Max.

The day's first big event came in the form of a birthday gift from Edwin: Sherman the bunny. 

While the original plan for the night was to have a bonfire, before making our way to the plaza for the music and fireworks of the fiesta, a heavy downpour from about 4:00 to 9:00pm necessitated a plan B. So we had some pollo a la brasa delivered for dinner, turned on some tunes, and settled in to wait out the rain. We played some improvised four-square, danced to some huayno and danza kuduro, and found some fun props.

Ciro and Edwin :)

As the evening wore on, three of the CEFOP students arrived in bow ties, coerced by Edwin and company to act as birthday bartenders. They definitely upped the elegance factor, and made some delicious pisco sours, Cuba libres, and the colorful "Machu Picchu:"

No Peruvian birthday gathering is complete without some palabras (speeches), and Elí was happy to oblige:

After singing happy birthday in both English and Spanish, we headed into town to join the even bigger party getting underway in the streets of the plaza - more to come soon about the fiesta!

Cajabamba and Cauday sitemates: José, Katy, Jess, and me.