Peru Blog Numero 7

Well I finished up my time in Peru with going on the jungle trek to Machu Picchu with 17 people from Ireland who were all graduated and class mates. They were really nice, and I loved hanging with them. I blended quite well, and even picked up on the accent a little. It was a strenuous hike across mountains, giant rock hills of death, rushing rivers, and incan steps. It was so much fun and amazing to see the abandoned city of the Incans. I was overwhelmed with how big it was and just sat and stared in awe. My camera broke on day 2 of the trek, so I have no photos, but hopefully I get some from the others in my group. But I was there.

Then on returning back to Cusco, I headed to Pisaq in the sacred valley of the incans, 30 minutes away. I went to work with an incan family on their farm, and I loved it. It was refreshign to be in a place that didn't just want my money, but wanted to teach me things and work with me. They treated me like a daughter, and I even learned some Qechua the native language. Elke came to join me and we hurded a llama and alpaca and picked beans and corn. It was extrememly cold at night, but the hut we were sleeping in was warm and the days were really hot. I loved being so in the middle of nowhere just being.

Then once again in Cusco I couch surfed with a girl named ViVi and her family, and I had a great time. They even took me out and made me dinner. I slept in a bed and showered, and it felt nice to begin my vacation that way. Now I am writing from the El Salvador airport waiting to go to Guatemala. I know this is short and sweet, but there is too much to expand on. When I get back, I'll tell you about some of my journal entries and everything. But Guatemala here we come.

Peru Blog Numero 6

Por fin in Cusco, and I had no idea where I was going. I had heard the hype of it all and how beautiful it was, and that is true. It is a beautiful city with a lot to do. But what you may not have heard, it is one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in Peru and South America. Don't worry I'm safe, and not stupid, but the reality is, this isn't a city of "oh look at us we have Machu Picchu and tourists and everything is happy, as it is portrade in Plaza de Armas. There is a McDonalds and beautiful gardens and police, so it appears safe and keeps the toursits coming. Which in reality is good for the economy, but that is not the real Peru.

I am in love with the volunteer project I am working with, and the children are wonderful and so sweet. These kids come from working class families of abusive, drunkeness. The families don't have money because usually the father spends all the money he makes on women and alcohol. While the majority of families have satellite television and cable, most don't have a fridge to keep their food in. The influence of western culture is so prominent that they feel to be happy that is what they need. A bigger better television, and don't really know what priorities are. That is where we come in. Los voluntarios de amor at the Yanapay school spend 4 hours a day with these children after school to love on them, and teach them how to live better in simple circumstances which in the long run is cleanliness and education. Most of the children can not read or write, and I am one of the tutors so everyday I work with 4 students 30 minutes each and help with reading and writing and math. We play games and use flash cards. Sometimes I just read to the little kids, but they are learning and getting something they probably don't back home. Then we have a circle of expression and they talk about events in the world and how they are feeling about the classes. Then there is 5 minutes of craziness. My favorite. I taught them the penguin song yesterday and they were so cute dancing to it. Then we go to our family groups (mine is the older kids 11-13, the dinosaurs) and talk about the theme of the week. This week is Christianity and we are doing the parable of the Prodigal Son. We are doing a skit thing today (Friday) and it should be pretty good. We have props and they are excited. Then the children have milk time and then go back home around 7.

It is a great program, and everything is like a story book. Lots of bright colors and fairies and stuffed animals, etc. I am in love with the children and leaving always sucks, but I know I've made a difference and can't wait to see where the program goes from here. 

Peru Blog Numero 5

In my last week at the orphanage, and I'm actually sort of sad. I had a very good day today and am really going to miss the babies I realized. Geraldine was absolutely adorable and my little buddy all day. She just loved being with me, and we played and walked around all day. I read her Green Eggs and Ham in Spanish, and she loved looking at the photos. It made me feel good when we were getting the babies ready for bed and she just wanted me to hold her and we were having a mini conversation. She is so social and will talk to me in baby talk and when I ask her something she responds with ya or other agreeing sounds. She does this thing like a little gasp when she sees something she likes or just when I do it too. She is so smart and just a funny baby. I would adopt her if I could and if a couple from Switzerland weren't wanting her. But it's alright, I have enjoyed having her be my little buddy during my time here. 

I also one day came across a green power-ranger action figure, while spending time with some of the older young kids and sang the power theme song, well just the "Go Go power rangers." And the kids absolutely loved it and now they want me to sing it a dozen times each day I'm there. It is also really cute how when I leave they try to block the door from me leaving, and love giving me hugs and kisses. It's moments like that I realize this is what volunteering is about. Just being yourself and loving on the kids. It doesn't matter who stands in your way or tries to bring you down, it's all you and making a difference. 

Update on this last weekend. Me and Elke went to the centro and just hung out and then went to Cusco Coffee, which is essentially Starbucks, but better. :) And on Thursday she and I made a gratuitous amount of popcorn the natural way with 1/2 kilo of un-popped kernals. It was funny because they were jumping everywhere, and we were calling each batch different species and have just started to refer to things of different types by species. We all in the house do that. It's pretty great. There is also a restaurant called Tacos y Tequilas, and it is my favorite place to go for food. I'm going there my last night here. At least I'm hoping. 

I have also learned to make cool south american bracelets and can't wait to bring them back and maybe sell them like a hippy at the Puyallup Farmers Market or something this summer. I love how much I'm learning, and 25 more days until Guatemala!