Peruvian Census

So, it looks like I get to participate in the Peruvian census next weekend. Check out this notice we got from the US Embassy about it:

"Sunday, October 21, 2007 is National Census Day in Peru . Peru ’s National Statistics Institute (INEI) will conduct a nationwide census on Sunday, October 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Embassy has been informed that all public establishments (markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, gas stations, and all commercial establishments) will be closed during census hours. All cultural activities, sporting events, church services, and access to museums and archeological parks will be suspended during census hours. In addition, the sale and/or excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited during the census hours. The government of Peru has directed that the population of Peru remain in their homes during census hours. U.S. citizens in Peru are subject to Peruvian law and must comply with any legal restrictions imposed by the government."

Crazy, huh? I guess it makes sense to force everyone to stay in their homes to be counted. I've never participated in a national census before, so this should be interesting. That and the fact that the census people will be speaking Spanish and I'll be speaking English. Got to love it! I can give the basics - name, age, job - in Spanish, but there is no guarantee we'll understand each other after that. I'll let you know how it goes. And obviously I'll be home between the hours of 8am and 6pm next Sunday, so feel free to give me a call. :)