A Very Loki Christmas

A bell tower over Loki Hostel during a particularly spectacular Cusquenian sunset

Loki. The Norse god of trickery and chaos.
As I ducked through the balloon infested doorway, chaos seemed about right to describe the current situation. Hundreds of impovrished children from villages around Cusco screamed in delight for the appearance of "Papa Noel"
       Here at Loki, most famous for its hard partying atmosphere, we were finally making good on our promise of a Christmas party. It was truly chaotic, as balloons and screaming kids went streaming past in a whirl of delighted noise. A table full of gifts awaited the kids, complete with paneton (a terrible South American fruitcake concoction) and hot chocolate. Soon, "Papa Noel" or Santa Clause (whom I had the sneaking suspicion might have been in some way related to my large Irish hostel manager, Alan) was scheduled to make an appearance to deliver gifts and sweets to the ecstatic children.
       Alan had shaved his head, one without the touch of scissors or blade for three years, for another charity earlier that week. This was our second event to give back to the community. It was great to see the kids with faces of pure joy as they received gifts and goodies. It felt good to be part of an organization that was doing such wonderful things for a community that has been historically jilted by foreigners and countrymen alike.
     Yeah, Loki is without a doubt the biggest and most crazy party hostel in South America. This was, however, my favorite party to attend so far though!

Bar managers Greg and Dasey wait in the corner to hand out gifts to the children according to age groups.

Papa Noel is rushed by excited children, each eager to hug the big man himself!

Papa Noel with a local Peruvian boy, excited to be so close to the real thing!

The doorway to the bar has been turned into a ballon infested wonder portal!!

A woman does her best to direct the chaos flowing around her.

So many kids! So many balloons! 

Frosty and his cheerleaders rouse the kids to new levels of excitement. Thanks guys! 

Boxes upon boxes of that horrible paneton!