6. What are the current economic and social issues in Cusco? What are some of the political issues being talked about? As an engineering in the future-how do you think this would influence you if you were to conduct a program here

     One night at dinner, we talked about politics with Mamatia. After explaining how none of us were Donald Trump supporters, thankfully, she told us a little bit about Peru’s political situation. The country is currently in the middle of a presidential election which is scheduled for its second of two rounds on June 5. One of the candidates is Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori. President Fujimori is currently serving a 25 year prison sentence for embezzlement, bribery, and human rights abuses. Mamatia explained that Peru’s government has a long history of corruption and that it is still a problem today. She did not really seem to favor any of the candidates, citing different problems with all of them. I find it interesting as I have very similar feelings of disfavor for the majority of candidates in the American presidential election.
     As an engineer, I would be careful in conducting a program in this country because of the possible political instability. However, I did not notice any serious political tension in this country. I doubt that I would have to cancel any future programs in Peru do to political issues.