Jenny Chapman, Peace Corp Volunteer in Peru

Update: June 2, 2003

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I am okay. I made it by the rioters and only experienced a sore throat the next day from the tear gas.

I will try to come into Huaraz some time soon and send another email.

Love,
Jenny

Sent: May 28, 2003
Subject: State of Emergency

Hello everyone! It's been a long time since my last email and unfortunately I can't stay long to write about my latest adventures. I just wanted to inform
you all about what is going on in Peru. I have to ask that for the next month please try not to send me too many emails. Only ones that are important and please take me off any joke lists. The reason... President Toledo has issued a State of Emergency in Peru for the next month. This means that the Army has taken over control. This is because there are several national riots and strikes taking place. One being the teachers (the kids have not been in school for 3
weeks), the other being farmers and there are even others.

I actually really need to leave Huaraz right now, but now I don't think I can. The rioters are passing. I can hear them shouting now. The police obviously used tear gas because all of our eyes, throats and noses are burning in this internet cafe. Hopefully I will be able to get back to Santa Rosa without incident but lately they have been blocking the roads. Last night in my town right in front of my house was a bad accident due to a road block. A public transportation van stopped at the last minute because it didn't see the rocks and tree blocking the road and a dump truck ran into it. A couple of people were injured pretty badly.

Crap... I really need to leave and I don't know how to get past everything.

Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. Needless to say I won't be coming into Huaraz too often over the next month.

Love you all,

Jenny