This week we studied economics and, for the first time, ventured to a town outside metropolitan Lima.

Peru's economy is "looking good" according to an article we read in the Inca Times. The International Monetary Fund forecasts a 5% increase in output this year. This places Peru among the five fastest-growing nations -- China, Egypt, Qatar and India are the others.

Manuel Rimarachin (Hunter College) and his brother, Miguel (United Nations), offered another perspective. From a macroeconomic standpoint, Peru indeed seems strong when compared to nations like the U.S. that are suffering from recession. The official statistics reveal only part of the picture, however. An uneven distribution of income and a large informal sector mean that a significant proportion of the population suffers from poverty.

Psychologist Nestor Vergara works for the government Ministry for Women, Children and Teens. He described the problems people face when they migrate to the edges of Lima. Those who move to the emerging neighborhoods on the northern, eastern and southern "cones" of the city typically suffer from a lack of public services as well as high rates of domestic violence.

We enjoyed two excursions this week. Students formed travel groups of 4-5 people and had lunch in China Town on their way to a museum operated by Peru's Central Bank. The highlight of the week, however, was an all-day trip to the town of Chincha, home to descendants of African slaves. We feasted at Mamaine, a well-known restaurant that serves Afro-Peruvian cuisine. Then we ventured through farm country, enjoying the view of corn and cotton fields in the El Carmen area until we reached the end of the road.

Our guides, Ronald and Vladimir, two members of a local dance troupe who would later perform for us, led us on foot to a view of the river valley. Then something unexpected happened. One of our guides quietly left the group to climb a nearby hill to gain a better vantage point. Seeing this, one of our students decided to follow his lead. Then others did the same. The pull to follow them up the hill proved irresistible. In a few minutes we had, every one of us, climbed to one of two vantage points on this small mountain. What is it about open space, fresh air and a trail that leads upward?

We were in for a treat after our climb. Our guides led us down the valley to one of their homes where we enjoyed a friendly display of music and dance by the Ballumbrosio Family. The men played an assortment of percussion instruments, including the cajon, or wooden box. An older gentlemen accompanied them on violin while they tapped. And women danced in colorful costumes to the rhythm of the drums. The evening ended with an invitation to join them on the drums and dance floor.