Hi everyone,
We have now finished with our volunteer work and the children and mothers gave us a party we will never forget. There would have been around 80 children in this very small room. There were games, songs, dances and wonderful food prepared by the mothers and children.
One game was very memorable.... two children had a handful of shaving cream and had to say a Spanish word in English. We knew what was coming...... Rob and I had to stand in the middle of the room and say what the English word was in Spanish. Rob was the one with the shaving cream smothered down his face..... I always wanted to do that!!!
The next day we travelled back to Lima for a couple of nights to rest and organise the next stage of our adventure.
We flew LanChile from Lima to Cusco with one big hiccup. Our travel agent in Huancayo wrote the wrong time for departure on our ticket and we missed the plane. LanChile where very good and put us on the next flight. At first they were going to charge us but realised it was not our fault.
When we arrived in Cusco where were totally stunned by the change in this city from 10 years ago. It was full of up market shops ie. clothing, restaurants, jewellery etc. and tourists from all over the world as the Festival of the Sun was in full progress. This festival is an annual event depicting life as it was 500 years ago in the Inca time. It was very colourful with dances and Inca rituals over 2-3 days. There was also the sacrifice of a llama on the ceremonial stonework table by the kings of all the different Inca tribes. They killed the llama, cut out its stomach, liver, heart etc then pulled out these organs and put them on the burning fire, then tasted these in front of 25,000 people.
That night we caught up with our friend Andres.... he was our guide 10 years ago and we have always kept in touch. He now owns a restaurant in Cusco and was having a BIG party that night. He was so thrilled to see us and were invited to this party as his personal guests. One condition was that everyone wear WINGS, so we had to find the costume shop and buy some wings. Rob had white swan wings with a gold halo over his head and Maxine had pink butterfly wings with matching wand and hair band. The party was outrageous with gold and silver painted nymphs, doing acrobatic moves from the ceiling, strobe lighting everywhere and the loudest DJ we have ever heard. In the middle of the dance floor was a five metre high silver painted angel... the name of the restaurant is the Fallen Angel.... look it up on the Internet!!!!
We spent a few hours there before heading back to our hotel for an early morning departure to Ollantaytambo.. where we are now about one and a half hours drive from Cusco towards Mucchu Picchu.
This town is amazing too. It is as though the Inca people 500 years ago, have just got up and walked away and left it. The streets are so narrow with cobble stones and irrigation systems running beside the footpaths and in between the houses. Once again there are tourists everywhere.
Our hotel, which is absolutely quite unique, has the front door on the platform of the railway station. There are only trains during the day so very quite at night. It is run by an English couple and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is painted white and Spanish influence. We will be here for 4 nights before heading back to Lima.
Until then, it´s bye from the Peruvian travellers. Photos next time.
Maxine and Robert.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Huaytapallana Glacier tour
Today, Thursday 18th there was no school lessons as the children want to clean the room for the BIG party tomorrow. It will be quite an emotional day as it will be hard to say goodbye to these wonderful people.
Ely and Nilton took us to the Huaytapallana Glacier. We travelled by taxi...no ordinary taxi.... a very old Toyota Carollo wagon, rusted, no heater,no suspension and a faulty back hatch and let in all the fumes. In Australia you would travel these roads by 4WD, but not here.....the roads were full of potholes, deep grooves, bad bridges made of rocks, poles etc, ice covered areas and only one car wide, but it was worth every minute to see this magnificent glacier.
Firstly we had to have the traditional ceremony. We had to drink this very potent drink, face the sun and suck coco leaves, smoke the traditional cigarette....7 puffs only and thank the god of the mountain. This will bring you goodluck, health and well being. It is taken very seriously and we respected their tradition.
There were many llamas along the track and they are so tame that we patted them. Lunch was fresh trout straight from the river with rice and potatoes. When we get back home, rice, potatoes and corn will be off the menu for quite some time.
At the base of this glacier the height was 4,900 metres and we could see the top of the mountain which is another 1,000 mt high. Because of our aclimitisation in Chupaca area, it did not effect us at all. Thank goodness.
We walked around the lake till we reached the glacier. Sadly there will be no photos as the batteries ran out in the camera, on the way to the top, but it is all on film.
Until next week. bye all.
Ely and Nilton took us to the Huaytapallana Glacier. We travelled by taxi...no ordinary taxi.... a very old Toyota Carollo wagon, rusted, no heater,no suspension and a faulty back hatch and let in all the fumes. In Australia you would travel these roads by 4WD, but not here.....the roads were full of potholes, deep grooves, bad bridges made of rocks, poles etc, ice covered areas and only one car wide, but it was worth every minute to see this magnificent glacier.
Firstly we had to have the traditional ceremony. We had to drink this very potent drink, face the sun and suck coco leaves, smoke the traditional cigarette....7 puffs only and thank the god of the mountain. This will bring you goodluck, health and well being. It is taken very seriously and we respected their tradition.
There were many llamas along the track and they are so tame that we patted them. Lunch was fresh trout straight from the river with rice and potatoes. When we get back home, rice, potatoes and corn will be off the menu for quite some time.
At the base of this glacier the height was 4,900 metres and we could see the top of the mountain which is another 1,000 mt high. Because of our aclimitisation in Chupaca area, it did not effect us at all. Thank goodness.
We walked around the lake till we reached the glacier. Sadly there will be no photos as the batteries ran out in the camera, on the way to the top, but it is all on film.
Until next week. bye all.
Tour of the glaciers
Wed. 10th June.
Today Rob and I went to San Jeronimo. This is a very small town, about 45 ks from Chupaca and is a mining district for silver. There are many jewelley shops selling silverware and filagree. Boy, did Maxine have a great time in them.
After lunch is was back to teaching the children. The lessons are Mon to Fri, commencing at 3.30pm till around 6.pm. By the time we arrive home... usually around 7pm.... we have a light dinner of soup or pasta and head off to bed.
Things will have to change when we are home in Benalla. Imagine going to bed at 8.30pm.
Our spanish lessons are going rather well, but we still have a little trouble understanding the Peruvians when they speak as they speak rather quickly and we can only get in a few words. At least we know what they are talking about.... no secrets anymore.
Sat. 13th June.
Saturday is usually sleep in morning... but with the animal market just down the road, trucks, animals, dogs, farmers etc, all pass by our window, so we are up around 7am.
Today we went into the main town of Huancayo and bought the medicines for Merado. That night he came for tea and what a lovely lad he is. With all the problems he has with his skin, he can still find the time to study hard and hopes to make university next year on a scholarship. His hands, arms, legs, back and bottom are so blistered it is so unbelievable. He was quite emotional when we gave him 3 months supply of creams etc.
Today Rob and I went to San Jeronimo. This is a very small town, about 45 ks from Chupaca and is a mining district for silver. There are many jewelley shops selling silverware and filagree. Boy, did Maxine have a great time in them.
After lunch is was back to teaching the children. The lessons are Mon to Fri, commencing at 3.30pm till around 6.pm. By the time we arrive home... usually around 7pm.... we have a light dinner of soup or pasta and head off to bed.
Things will have to change when we are home in Benalla. Imagine going to bed at 8.30pm.
Our spanish lessons are going rather well, but we still have a little trouble understanding the Peruvians when they speak as they speak rather quickly and we can only get in a few words. At least we know what they are talking about.... no secrets anymore.
Sat. 13th June.
Saturday is usually sleep in morning... but with the animal market just down the road, trucks, animals, dogs, farmers etc, all pass by our window, so we are up around 7am.
Today we went into the main town of Huancayo and bought the medicines for Merado. That night he came for tea and what a lovely lad he is. With all the problems he has with his skin, he can still find the time to study hard and hopes to make university next year on a scholarship. His hands, arms, legs, back and bottom are so blistered it is so unbelievable. He was quite emotional when we gave him 3 months supply of creams etc.
Monday, June 15, 2009
2nd attempt.....
Some children receiving their Australian gifts.
Maxine, Ely, Robert, Nilton and little Andre on our way to the Jungle.
A few photos of our time in Chupaca
All the instructions are in Spanish, so here we go.... hope you find them interesting.
One photo is of Morado.. the boy who has the skin problem. He is a lovely boy and his hands, arms, back and bottom are always in pain. The skin peels off constantly.
Another photo is of the book case being carried into the school room.
Their is also a photo of a Peruvian mother and her children. They are very poor and we gave her some clothes that were donated.
This is our last week here in Chupaca and it will be very hard to say goodbye.
One photo is of Morado.. the boy who has the skin problem. He is a lovely boy and his hands, arms, back and bottom are always in pain. The skin peels off constantly.
Another photo is of the book case being carried into the school room.
Their is also a photo of a Peruvian mother and her children. They are very poor and we gave her some clothes that were donated.
This is our last week here in Chupaca and it will be very hard to say goodbye.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A day in the town of Chupaca
Afer another night of deep sleep owing to the altitude, we woke to the sun filtering through our bright orange terylene curtains and the sound of roosters, pigs, cattle and the usual barking dogs. After showering in luke warm water (we have no actual hot water system) we came back to our room to read and study our Spanish before our breakfast. We sit on our small balcony which overlooks a small courtyard to catch the morning sun.
Breakfast consisted of tea, bread, one fried egg and 2 saveloys (which were left over from last night). At 9.00am our Spanish teacher, Miguel, arrived for a two hour lesson. Everything went okay but at the end of consistent reading and speaking Spanish, we feel washed out.
At 11.15am we caught a taxi to the main city of Huancayo (about 30 mins away, the cost being 40 cents each). We went straight to the new big shopping centre with a huge supermarket. To watch the Peuvian people in such a complex, we realise how lucky we are. They are amazed at the size of the building and the vast array of goods, most just stand in awe. Also the escalators... most are very wary to step on them.
Anyway, after getting a few nessecities and a cup of coffee (they really don´t make coffee like us Aussies) aaah... for a latte, we caught another taxi back to Chupaca for lunch at 1.15am. It consisted of rice, potatoes, a SMALL piece of chicken along with fruit juice and tea.
After lunch we cannot wash any dishes as between 11am and 5 pm the water is cut off everyday. I don´t know why because tthere are 2 rivers running through the town. From 2.15 to 3.30pm we read and prepare our lesson for the afternoon school day.
At 3.40 we don our back packs, each loaded with books, raincoat (we haven´t had to use these yet) scarves, jumper, jacket, camera , water and miscellaneous items and wait out the front for a taxi to take us to the main taxi centre in Chupaco. Cost 8 cents.
Elly, Antonio, Maxine and I wait here for Nilton who will arrive shortly. HERE HE COMES!!!
Arriving in a 1984 Nissan taxi station wagon with a steel book case on top , tied to the roof. We were able to donate 2 steel bookcases with doors approx 2 metres high, along with 50 English-Spanish dictionaries from donations we bought from Australia.
We all got into the taxi , the driver, Antonio, and another passenger in the front, Maxine, Ely, Nilton and myself in the back seat. We drove through villages for 20 mins along very steep gravel roads until we reached the school of Alanya, we then proceeded to unload the book case The children from this school had begun the trek to the school of Andamarka about 5 km away, another 600 metres further up in the mountains. After travelling about 1 km we came across the children walking along the road (not much better than a goat track). After much exciement at seeing the 5 teachers in the taxi with the driver and still the extra passenger, the taxi came to a stop and YES... 18 children piled into the taxi ie. 25 people in this small station wagon for 4 kms.
On stopping in the village square, I bundled Maxine and one child out of the taxi to capture the unloading of all the passengers on film with so much laughter.
Unfortunately at this school of Andamarka, the local government have taken our run down dilapidated room off us, so we have to have lessons outside in the village square. Maxine and Nilton teach 5-6years, Rob and Elly teach 3-4 and Antonio teaches kindergarden. It is all extremely difficult but fun.
With Alanya and Andamarka schools combined on this day we had 34 children.
On finishing the lessons, the years 1-6 played sport while Antonio continued with the kindy.
Nilton grabbed an Aussie football, donated by Russell from Moyhu P.S. via Wangaratta, and the game began. Not quite Aussie rules but so much fun. While the game was in progress, Maxine and I had a good chance to have a personal chat with Elly. On mentioning to her about the presence in every village square of old fashioned loud speakers, she told us that during the 1980´s and early 90´s they were erected to warn the people when the local guerilla movement was nearby. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as this has never been mentioned by anyone. I knew who she was talking about... The Shinning Path Guerillas - a maoist group, more fierce than the present day insurgents. I have read they were responsible for 20,000 deaths of government people and farmers. Her family have witnessed mass executions and she herself has seen bombs go off in Huancayo.
As the setting sun glistened in the moisture of her reddened eyes, I thought it was time to move on.
Before long, it was quite dark (about 6pm) with a full moon rising, so it was quite light.
We headed back to Alanya school with 18 children for the 5 k walk (no taxis this time of night). The little ones are really struggling. The bigger children knew the short cuts ie. back aneways, over earthen walls and along concrete walls only a shoewidth wide. All along the way they would disappear into the darkness to their individual homes.
Maxine had another near miss when a wild dog went for her. It was a wonder you couldn´t hear her scream back home.
Back down in the village we were ab le to get a taxi and head home. Dinner that night was soup and bread.
DEFINITIONS.......
taxi..... very old cars, very dirty with dust everywhere.
roads..... all unmade, except around the village squares.
school..... dilapidated old buildings consisting of earthen floors, with plastic and hay lined ceilings. Some have electricity, no running water or toilets.
Cheers everyone, kind regards, Robert. (with the help of Maxine´s typing)
Breakfast consisted of tea, bread, one fried egg and 2 saveloys (which were left over from last night). At 9.00am our Spanish teacher, Miguel, arrived for a two hour lesson. Everything went okay but at the end of consistent reading and speaking Spanish, we feel washed out.
At 11.15am we caught a taxi to the main city of Huancayo (about 30 mins away, the cost being 40 cents each). We went straight to the new big shopping centre with a huge supermarket. To watch the Peuvian people in such a complex, we realise how lucky we are. They are amazed at the size of the building and the vast array of goods, most just stand in awe. Also the escalators... most are very wary to step on them.
Anyway, after getting a few nessecities and a cup of coffee (they really don´t make coffee like us Aussies) aaah... for a latte, we caught another taxi back to Chupaca for lunch at 1.15am. It consisted of rice, potatoes, a SMALL piece of chicken along with fruit juice and tea.
After lunch we cannot wash any dishes as between 11am and 5 pm the water is cut off everyday. I don´t know why because tthere are 2 rivers running through the town. From 2.15 to 3.30pm we read and prepare our lesson for the afternoon school day.
At 3.40 we don our back packs, each loaded with books, raincoat (we haven´t had to use these yet) scarves, jumper, jacket, camera , water and miscellaneous items and wait out the front for a taxi to take us to the main taxi centre in Chupaco. Cost 8 cents.
Elly, Antonio, Maxine and I wait here for Nilton who will arrive shortly. HERE HE COMES!!!
Arriving in a 1984 Nissan taxi station wagon with a steel book case on top , tied to the roof. We were able to donate 2 steel bookcases with doors approx 2 metres high, along with 50 English-Spanish dictionaries from donations we bought from Australia.
We all got into the taxi , the driver, Antonio, and another passenger in the front, Maxine, Ely, Nilton and myself in the back seat. We drove through villages for 20 mins along very steep gravel roads until we reached the school of Alanya, we then proceeded to unload the book case The children from this school had begun the trek to the school of Andamarka about 5 km away, another 600 metres further up in the mountains. After travelling about 1 km we came across the children walking along the road (not much better than a goat track). After much exciement at seeing the 5 teachers in the taxi with the driver and still the extra passenger, the taxi came to a stop and YES... 18 children piled into the taxi ie. 25 people in this small station wagon for 4 kms.
On stopping in the village square, I bundled Maxine and one child out of the taxi to capture the unloading of all the passengers on film with so much laughter.
Unfortunately at this school of Andamarka, the local government have taken our run down dilapidated room off us, so we have to have lessons outside in the village square. Maxine and Nilton teach 5-6years, Rob and Elly teach 3-4 and Antonio teaches kindergarden. It is all extremely difficult but fun.
With Alanya and Andamarka schools combined on this day we had 34 children.
On finishing the lessons, the years 1-6 played sport while Antonio continued with the kindy.
Nilton grabbed an Aussie football, donated by Russell from Moyhu P.S. via Wangaratta, and the game began. Not quite Aussie rules but so much fun. While the game was in progress, Maxine and I had a good chance to have a personal chat with Elly. On mentioning to her about the presence in every village square of old fashioned loud speakers, she told us that during the 1980´s and early 90´s they were erected to warn the people when the local guerilla movement was nearby. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as this has never been mentioned by anyone. I knew who she was talking about... The Shinning Path Guerillas - a maoist group, more fierce than the present day insurgents. I have read they were responsible for 20,000 deaths of government people and farmers. Her family have witnessed mass executions and she herself has seen bombs go off in Huancayo.
As the setting sun glistened in the moisture of her reddened eyes, I thought it was time to move on.
Before long, it was quite dark (about 6pm) with a full moon rising, so it was quite light.
We headed back to Alanya school with 18 children for the 5 k walk (no taxis this time of night). The little ones are really struggling. The bigger children knew the short cuts ie. back aneways, over earthen walls and along concrete walls only a shoewidth wide. All along the way they would disappear into the darkness to their individual homes.
Maxine had another near miss when a wild dog went for her. It was a wonder you couldn´t hear her scream back home.
Back down in the village we were ab le to get a taxi and head home. Dinner that night was soup and bread.
DEFINITIONS.......
taxi..... very old cars, very dirty with dust everywhere.
roads..... all unmade, except around the village squares.
school..... dilapidated old buildings consisting of earthen floors, with plastic and hay lined ceilings. Some have electricity, no running water or toilets.
Cheers everyone, kind regards, Robert. (with the help of Maxine´s typing)
Monday, June 8, 2009
The jungle troupers in Peru
Boy oh boy what a jam packed week we have had.
Thurs. 4th June. Today was the day to deliver one of the book cases to the village school called Alayna. Ely, Nilton, Antonio, Rob and myself organised a taxi... which is a small station wagon..... and tied the metal bookcase on top. The roads to the villages are BAD.... nothing more than animal tracks. Here we are with 7 adults in this tiny car holding onto ropes to make sure the book case does not come off. After unloading it we picked up 18 children and loaded them into the back of the taxi and took off to the next school. 25 PEOPLE ON BOARD. This is all on film... very funny.
Fri. 5th June. Ely Rob and I took 12 of these village children into the main town of Huancayo to see a film. This time we travelled by two taxis. These children have never ever seen the large town of Huacayo ... let alone a huge shopping centre and cinema. The expressions on their faces is something we will never forget. They could not believe the escalators, the toilets and the urinals in the boys toilet and the hand dryers. They kept wanting to wash their hands and use the dryers. After the film, which was a first for them all .... a cartoon which was all in Spanish but we could understand most of it..... we took them to Burger King and they had a hamburger and Pepsi... another first. We all returned to the village at 7.30pm and had to travel home along these animal tracks. It is really a fantastic experience.
Sat. 6th June. We woke up at 5.am to catch a bus for 4 hours to Tamar where we had breakfast. This town is the flower capital of Peru. Hidden in a small valley surrounded by huge mountains. We took a taxi to Gruta de Huagapo where we did cave climbing. No helmets or safety equipment supplied, only one rope that the guide uses to help us up or down the sides of the cave. This cave supposedly travels to Macchu Picchu.... because many years ago dye was put in the water and was found in Macchu Picchu.... 350 k away.
We travelled for 300 metres inside the cave.
Outside the cave are trout farms..... the family that owns the restaurant there, have there own trout farm and kill the fish in front of you when you order your lunch. The food was divine. Back to Tamar for a 2 hour trip to a beautiful waterfall. Yet another hours climbing.
We were so tired we headed to our hotel in La Merced... a jungle town and very very humid.
Had a typical Peruvian dinner and then crashed.
Sun. 7th June.
Here we go to the jungle...... Very humid day. For breakfast we walked to the market, sat on stools and had the most delicious fruit drink, empanads etc. The fruit market in Melbourne is very small compared to these markets. Every farmer from the villages are selling their fruit and vegs.
Next stop was an Indian village where we had to dress up, put on the face paint and dance while the Head Indian spoke of the wonders of natural medicine which they grow themselves and sell.
Then on to two more waterfalls..... oh for a rest........ lunch was not served till 4.00pm. This was the most fantastic lunch. All the fish are caught on the spot and melt in the mouth. The restaurant was right on the hugh Chapapmayo River so our next excitement was a journey in a long boat up the river at 6.pm ... dusk. The long boat is a huge canoe with an outboard motor on the back, and I am sure there was more water in the boat than in the river. ha ha.
The bird life was beautiful. saw no snakes or spiders thank goodness.
Back to our hotel for a rest before our 5 hour journey home to Chapuca. This bus left the depot at midnight and we arrived home exhausted and slept in till 10am Mon.
Whilst boarding the bus out in the dark street, three men encircled Rob and I. Nilton could see what was happening and came in beside us. One of these men tried to open the pocket of Robs hiking pants and Rob heard the valcrose open. Thank goodness because his wallet was in there. He immediately pushed the mans hand away and Nilton pushed us into the bus.
Another day in the life of the Roach adventures, but we love every minute of it.
We will definately send photos next time. I am about to buy a USP so I can save the photos and send them to you. Our internet at the house was down this morning so I couldn´t send the photos and this internet cafe is not up to date with mod cons.
We met some great South African and German young people. They are also doing volunteer work in Peru but with other organisations. It was great to be able to speak English again.
We seem to bump into them all the time in the supermarket or at the village plaza.
That´s all for now. Hope you are all well. Rob and Maxine. xxxx
Thurs. 4th June. Today was the day to deliver one of the book cases to the village school called Alayna. Ely, Nilton, Antonio, Rob and myself organised a taxi... which is a small station wagon..... and tied the metal bookcase on top. The roads to the villages are BAD.... nothing more than animal tracks. Here we are with 7 adults in this tiny car holding onto ropes to make sure the book case does not come off. After unloading it we picked up 18 children and loaded them into the back of the taxi and took off to the next school. 25 PEOPLE ON BOARD. This is all on film... very funny.
Fri. 5th June. Ely Rob and I took 12 of these village children into the main town of Huancayo to see a film. This time we travelled by two taxis. These children have never ever seen the large town of Huacayo ... let alone a huge shopping centre and cinema. The expressions on their faces is something we will never forget. They could not believe the escalators, the toilets and the urinals in the boys toilet and the hand dryers. They kept wanting to wash their hands and use the dryers. After the film, which was a first for them all .... a cartoon which was all in Spanish but we could understand most of it..... we took them to Burger King and they had a hamburger and Pepsi... another first. We all returned to the village at 7.30pm and had to travel home along these animal tracks. It is really a fantastic experience.
Sat. 6th June. We woke up at 5.am to catch a bus for 4 hours to Tamar where we had breakfast. This town is the flower capital of Peru. Hidden in a small valley surrounded by huge mountains. We took a taxi to Gruta de Huagapo where we did cave climbing. No helmets or safety equipment supplied, only one rope that the guide uses to help us up or down the sides of the cave. This cave supposedly travels to Macchu Picchu.... because many years ago dye was put in the water and was found in Macchu Picchu.... 350 k away.
We travelled for 300 metres inside the cave.
Outside the cave are trout farms..... the family that owns the restaurant there, have there own trout farm and kill the fish in front of you when you order your lunch. The food was divine. Back to Tamar for a 2 hour trip to a beautiful waterfall. Yet another hours climbing.
We were so tired we headed to our hotel in La Merced... a jungle town and very very humid.
Had a typical Peruvian dinner and then crashed.
Sun. 7th June.
Here we go to the jungle...... Very humid day. For breakfast we walked to the market, sat on stools and had the most delicious fruit drink, empanads etc. The fruit market in Melbourne is very small compared to these markets. Every farmer from the villages are selling their fruit and vegs.
Next stop was an Indian village where we had to dress up, put on the face paint and dance while the Head Indian spoke of the wonders of natural medicine which they grow themselves and sell.
Then on to two more waterfalls..... oh for a rest........ lunch was not served till 4.00pm. This was the most fantastic lunch. All the fish are caught on the spot and melt in the mouth. The restaurant was right on the hugh Chapapmayo River so our next excitement was a journey in a long boat up the river at 6.pm ... dusk. The long boat is a huge canoe with an outboard motor on the back, and I am sure there was more water in the boat than in the river. ha ha.
The bird life was beautiful. saw no snakes or spiders thank goodness.
Back to our hotel for a rest before our 5 hour journey home to Chapuca. This bus left the depot at midnight and we arrived home exhausted and slept in till 10am Mon.
Whilst boarding the bus out in the dark street, three men encircled Rob and I. Nilton could see what was happening and came in beside us. One of these men tried to open the pocket of Robs hiking pants and Rob heard the valcrose open. Thank goodness because his wallet was in there. He immediately pushed the mans hand away and Nilton pushed us into the bus.
Another day in the life of the Roach adventures, but we love every minute of it.
We will definately send photos next time. I am about to buy a USP so I can save the photos and send them to you. Our internet at the house was down this morning so I couldn´t send the photos and this internet cafe is not up to date with mod cons.
We met some great South African and German young people. They are also doing volunteer work in Peru but with other organisations. It was great to be able to speak English again.
We seem to bump into them all the time in the supermarket or at the village plaza.
That´s all for now. Hope you are all well. Rob and Maxine. xxxx
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Another week on Peruvian food
This past week we have worked with the children each day... Mon to Fri. We teach them all about the parts of the body, what you can buy in a supermarket, the meanings of words showing the opposites .... all in English. It really helps us with our Spanish. Each Friday we have sports and Rob loves being the umpire for the Aussie rules... a mixture of all football games... I think. I hate playing the volley ball as my arms ache for days.
Every two months the children with the highest marks get a gift. Last Friday we had to wrap up about 20 gifts and distribute these to the children. The look on their faces are something we will always remember.
Over the past week Rob and I have been cooking some of he meals. We have done scrambled eggs, Italian pasta, plain meat and vegs and fruit cocktail .... many fruits done in the blender. Nilton and Ely just love the food... I guess it is just different to them. Poor little Andre.... their 5 year old son.... was not too sure of it.
In Huancayo.... about 20 mins drive from here, they have built a large modern shopping centre and supermarket. The local people are absolutely amazed by it. The children just look at the elevator and watch people go up and down. Next week we are taking 16 children from the poor villages to this centre as there is a cinema and they have never seen the large town, not to mention a cinema.
Last night we went to a typically Perivuan cafe and Rob and I had our first taste of ox heart kebabs. Very nice but Rob could not come at the tripe. ugh....
That is all for now. I will try a few photos later.
Maxine and Robert. xxx
Every two months the children with the highest marks get a gift. Last Friday we had to wrap up about 20 gifts and distribute these to the children. The look on their faces are something we will always remember.
Over the past week Rob and I have been cooking some of he meals. We have done scrambled eggs, Italian pasta, plain meat and vegs and fruit cocktail .... many fruits done in the blender. Nilton and Ely just love the food... I guess it is just different to them. Poor little Andre.... their 5 year old son.... was not too sure of it.
In Huancayo.... about 20 mins drive from here, they have built a large modern shopping centre and supermarket. The local people are absolutely amazed by it. The children just look at the elevator and watch people go up and down. Next week we are taking 16 children from the poor villages to this centre as there is a cinema and they have never seen the large town, not to mention a cinema.
Last night we went to a typically Perivuan cafe and Rob and I had our first taste of ox heart kebabs. Very nice but Rob could not come at the tripe. ugh....
That is all for now. I will try a few photos later.
Maxine and Robert. xxx
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