Happy New Year 2013!

Wishing you a VERY happy new year, Hermana Sanders!

We love you very much!

(Please feel free to leave Hermana Sanders a comment to wish her a happy new year!)

"In Peru, New Year's Eve is not only about the party, it's about making sure you start 2013 with the right food to eat. Don't be surprised if after midnight you start seeing people running around the block with a suitcase - they aren't lost - it's one of our several New Year's rituals. Apparently, if you go round the block, you'll be blessed with travelling somewhere fun in the new year. A little tip though: its easier if the suitcase is empty.
Then, there is the food. Here is the shopping list that you'll need:
• 12 grapes (6 red and 6 white)
• Lentils
• Cinnamon sticks
• Wheat
• Limes
• Yellow underwear
And keep the change... you'll need that too!
Here is the how and the why of it all:
Whatever the dress code, wear yellow underwear to attract good energy. Here is the tricky part: some say that you should wear it inside out until midnight and then change it. Now for the shoes, put a coin inside one of them to ensure you are blessed with wealth.
New Year's Eve decoration in Peru is all about the colour yellow. In Lima you'll find specific stalls in the market where you can find everything you need. Mainly, yes, in yellow. But when setting up the party mood in your house, don't forget the limes. It is said that if you put half a lime in each corner of your house it will draw the bad energy away from you.
In Peru, more important than the midnight's New Year Eve kiss, is when the clock hits 12 - that's when we all hide under the table. You need to have six red grapes and six white ones with you. Every grape eaten will grant you a wish. Make a list - you only have 12!
If you are thinking that the lentils, cinnamon and wheat are for preparing a traditional New Year's Eve dish, you couldn't be more wrong. Hopefully people will come and fill your pockets with them. Lentils represent money, wheat is for prosperity and cinnamon is for love. Remember to take them out of your pockets the next day, as you need to keep them safe all year around.  ..."

(You can read the rest of the article HERE as well as watch a great video and recipe on how to make the perfect Don Ceviche!)

Can't wait to hear of your New Year's in the MTC as well as your next new years adventures in Peru!  :oD
Love, Angie & Blake