Celebrating a birthday – Peruvian style

Seven of 15 students will have birthdays while in Peru during the Study-Service Term for Spring 2014.  Since we will be taking a field trip Friday, we celebrated the first of those birthdays a day early.

Malaina is the uncomfortable center of attention as her birthday is celebrated.
Malaina is the happy but uncomfortable center of attention as her birthday is celebrated.

We sang “Happy Birthday” to Malaina in both English and Spanish. She blew out a candle and then followed Peruvian tradition by cutting the cake – in this case, a cheesecake topped with deep-purple sauco (elderberry), a Peruvian speciality. It was delicious. Malaina said she appreciated the pre-birthday cheer and well wishes.

Members of the Peru SST unit for Spring 2014 enjoy spending breaks together, usually in a large circle.
Members of the Peru SST unit for Spring 2014 enjoy spending breaks together, usually in a large circle.

Students in this SST unit truly enjoy opportunities for celebrations and savor each other’s company. While on breaks, they tend to form one big circle – either standing or sitting – and converse intently until summoned back to lectures or Spanish class. They continued that pattern Thursday during the afternoon break and then while enjoying cheesecake and Malaina’s birthday (one student was under the weather and recovered at home). And all ate every last bite.