We´ve been here nearly two weeks now and the time is flying by! I have never known physical exertion and the resultant exhaustion quite like this, but damn does it feel good to helping out and getting exercise in the sunshine. We´ve been on demolition projects, bamboo roof builds, bricklaying jobs, rebar and cement foundation jobs as well as helping out (aka being a human climbing frame) at a Unicef kids centre in Pisco. Leon and I have also started taking Spanish lessons with the founder´s brother, his American wife and their pet pigeon! Life sure isn´t standard anymore! Apparently there was a small earthquake last night, but knowing us we slept right through it. Problems with electricity and water still plague the town as well as our living arrangements, but we all just laugh about it now because it happens so often.
We have decided that the hard earned cash we raised from all of you nearest and dearest will be put towards community water projects around Pisco where people have no access to running water. This will make a massive difference to their lives and we are delighted that it will be used in such an effective way. The project will involve installing water taps in very poor, semi-rural communities. If anyone would like to make an independent donation to this very worthwhile cause, the Pisco Sin Fronteras website is as follows: www.piscosinfronteras.org/donations
In the few meagre free hours that we have not tending to our wounds, to the dirt or to our washing, we occasionally have time to enjoy ourselves and get out and about. Lately, this has involved trips to the very colourful local market, where one can procure (I kid you not) fresh frog straight from a tank milkshakes (very popular with the Aussies here), fresh squealing cuy (guinea pigs) or even Bin Laden cockroach killer! Additionally, I made a fantastic field trip to an Inca Adobe complex called Tambo Colorado in the foothills of the Andes where the caretaker let us explore the site on our own and lock up behind us when we were finished. There is no way that will happen at Machu Picchu! You´ve got to love the Peruvian way after all the nanny state rules we adhere to in the West. Last Sunday night we also got to experience the local Pisco Saint have his day. This involved a heavy Jesus type statue being carried around the town all night by 30 tired looking monks. The procession was bizarre as it felt both mournful and celebratory all at once. There was a lot of sweetbreads and knicknacks to buy, but we decided to invest our money in a hearty taco from Taco King instead. Ummmm, tasty!
We´re really enjoying our time here, learning something new everyday in the shining sun. We´ve also met some fabulous travellers from around the world and made some good friends. The local people continue to amaze with their gifts, smiles and thankyous! So far, so good (and so exhausted!)
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