Feeding Frenzy has a Peruvian character, and Peru has a piece of my heart. Long before Loon Lake existed, this blog recorded my Spanish studies, the 2007 earthquake that struck a dear friend's hometown, and my travels to visit family and friends in Peru. These archive entries, gathered here in one place, are the real-world research behind the fiction.
Spanish Second Language Suggestions (September 2006)
Do you speak French? Do you want to learn Spanish? I have a book to recommend: La Méthode Assimil: Le Nouvel Espagnol Sans Peine. The good thing about this book is that it teaches Spanish by comparing it to French. If you already know French grammar, this book points out the differences so that you don’t need to go through every rule from scratch. Tricks for finding the equivalent Spanish words help you use your current French vocabulary to learn Spanish quicker. This light, compact book contains readings, exercises and cartoons. My copy was revised in 1981 and purchased at the Librairie Champlain in Toronto.Second language tip: You want to improve your Spanish or French but you don’t have much time due to family and work. Try watching kiddie DVDs with the Spanish/ French sub-titles switched on. Your child likes videos better when you keep him company. Now you can learn something and make him happy too.
Upcoming review: Oh Pure and Radiant Heart by Lydia Millet.
My close friend has lost her town (August 2007)
I direct your attention to the Earthquake affecting Peru's costal towns. A close friend told me that, although her relatives survived, her town (Pisco) is gone. Their homes are destroyed and their livelihoods are in jeopardy. People and businesses in Peru cannot obtain insurance because earthquakes are frequent. Many Peruvians are poor to begin with and have few resources to fall back on.Early reports of casualties were lower but as the rescue efforts cease, the death toll is over 500, according to the BBC. Here is what this article said about my friend's city:
"As he toured Pisco on Sunday with his Colombian counterpart, Alvaro Uribe, [Peruvian President] Mr Garcia faced angry protesters. 'We need food. We are hungry. There's no water,' a crowd of about 100 people shouted."
The Royal Bank of Canada is accepting donations to help with international relief efforts. I just hope that Peru's needs are not forgotten as Mexico braces itself for hurricane Dean.
If you are interested, there are many ways of giving International or Canadian relief. If you give even a small amount through the bank, it sends a message to your government that this issue is important. If enough voters do so, the administration will be more likely to reserve humanitarian relief for Peru.
Less than a year ago I sponsored a child in Lima. I wonder how he is doing right now.
Earthquake concert a success (August 2007)
I attended a wonderful concert at Mel Lastman Square this Sunday to raise money for earthquake relief in Peru. The music ranged from jazz to contemporary, traditional to pop. Many performers were local, others flew into Toronto specifically for the benefit. The concert was arranged by unidos-por-peru.com/. There are articles about the concert in Spanish at Correo Canadiense or Torontohispano (which has photos and a handy translate-to-English button). You can still give International or Canadian relief to the victims of the earthquake.
Mel Lastman square held hundreds of people enjoying the music, dancers and typical Peruvian foods. I enjoyed trying to order in Spanish (even though the volunteers spoke English!). As you can see, my motives were not entirely pure. It was a great chance to combine Spanish immersion with a fun family outing.
Peru, Chile, Mexico, Bolivia were represented by traditional dance troupes. Folklore Inka had the most unusual costumes, with long sleeves that could be waved like flags.
Of the groups listed on the program, I especially enjoyed the Tequila Band, Somos Peru, De Rompe y Raja, Manuel Cardenas, Rosario Arce, Grupo Difusion, Grupo Pisco, Grupo Placaso and Alex Bello, with his hit "Sin Ti." It was a moving end to a talent-filled concert 'marathon.'
Off to Peru! (January 2014)
I will be spending most of the month of February in Peru, socializing with my sister-in-law's family and friends and learning as much Spanish as I can. As a Canadian, I have French but my Spanish so far is just what I've picked up here and there from hobby courses or books. Time to get serious!In the meantime, I've started a new novel but with the whirlwind of preparations for my trip, progress is slow. It's plotted out roughly and I know what kind of tone I want. I know the ending I'm building to and the characters. There is no reason not to work, except I can't concentrate on anything but my trip. Maybe I should be writing about that instead.
Hasta luego!
Maaja