While having lunch with Pablo on Sunday, i asked him how his family got started in the tourist business with the restarant and hostel.
Here is a little history.
I guess Pablos father is orginally from Cabanaconde, but Pablo was born in Lima. His family lived there for many years. It wasnt until Pablo, the youngest of 5, went to Cabanaconde for a holiday. At that time, there was no running water, lights, or anything. And his family decided to stay there. His father worked as a veterinarian in Lima, and for a year, he didnt see his father. His mother started up her own restaurant to cook for the locals. It was around 1989, when a French tourist couple came to Cabanconde. They asked Pablo if he knew where they could get something to eat. He said ,´yes, follow me to my house´. His mother asked, ´what are these people doing here´, and Pablo told her ´they are hungry´. ´Ok, i will cook for them.´ Then after they ate, the Frenchies asked if there was a place they could sleep, and Pablo said ýes, and gave up his room for the night´. This was the start of their tourist idea.
Pablo and 2 other syblings went to University in Lima for a couple of years, and when he returned in 1990, they opened up the hostel and restaurant.
I asked where the name Valle Del Fuego came from and he said his older brother, Jamil, came up with the name. I guess in 1992, all the volcanos around the Colca Canyon, started smoking. No real eruption occured, but still, they were smoking. So his brother came up with the name meaning, the valley of the fire.
I thought this was very interesting. Now, the mother and father own the restaurant. Jamil and the second brother(2) own 2 different hostels down the street. Pablo owns and runs the hostel in the oasis, and Carolina helps with the restaurant and hostels. The other sister and the other brother (2) live in Arequipa. Not sure what they do. I havent met them.
So that is a little history of the place i have found to be apart of now.
Monday, March 29, 2010
I found myself on the beach in Chile today!
March 27, 2010
I had heard from a tourist that i could go to some office in Arequipa to renew my passport visa without having to go to the Bolivian or chile boarder. I talked to Pablo,my boss, and he called his brother who lives in Arequipa to find out. They told me yes, so on Friday I got on the 630am bus leaving Cabanaconde and arriving to Arequipa 6 hours later. Pablo met me at the bus station, and he called his brother to find out which office we needed to go to. This is when we found out, it was not possible. I had to go to the boarder. I was a bit upset and didnt know what to do now. Pablo had offered to take me to a place with traditional Peruvian food, so we decided just to go eat and have some cervezas. I thought the cervezas would calm me down, but they didnt. All i wanted to do it call home or hopefully talk to my mom on line. It has been almost 2 weeks since i talked to anyone live, and i really needed the comfort from home.
The Pervian food was amazing. No rice or pasta. I finally had a real rocoto relleno, stuffed spicy chile peper, a huge cake like square of potatoes and cheese, sweet potato chips, and a huge chunk of pork. I usually wouldnt order pork, but that is what came with the meal and it was good. It rememinded me of the meats in Germany, they all look a little scary but taste really good. This restaurant was a pretty fancy place. Pablos family usually comes here when they are in town. It was a large glass sun house, an open kitchen across the street with all the meats laying out to be cooked or served. A band stage was setting up and music started. Many celebrations were going on. A few birthdays were announced. And when the music started people got up to dance in the center floor. A few older couples, it was cute to watch them.
We talked about me going to Chile this weekend to get a new visa and how long the bus ride would be. We thought it was going to be another 10 hour bus ride, but when we got back to the bus station. They said it was 6 hours to Tacna, (boarder city) and another 40 minutes to get to the boarder. Ok, much better. The last bus to leave Arequipa was at 10pm.
We went back to Pablo´s families apartment to drop off my stuff. He gave me a set of keys and showed me where an internet place was. He had to go meet with his buisness partner about selling the potatoes he had brought to town the night before. I walked down the street to an internet place, and thankfully my mom was online and we could talk though Instant Messenger. (so handy that thing)
I told her my situtation about having to renew my passport visa, and after an hour or so talking to her, felt better. This probably was the best time to do it anyway, Ive already taken one 6 hour bus ride, this way i can break up the trip instead of trying to do it straight through. And i have a place to stay for free in Arequipa. Also, i found out some amazing news. I got my taxes return back and i am getting a good amount of money. More than ive ever got before. So i dont have to worry about traveling anymore. Im not going to go waste it, because i know i have a lot of bills to pay when i get back to the states. But at least i know i have some just incase. Its not a good feeling not having money.
After about 2 hours at the internet, i went back to the apartment, and Pablo wasnt there. I layed around and read for a while and figured by 9 i should get a taxi back to the bus station and go to Chile. I left pablo a note saying i was going to chile and ill be back early sunday. I realized i had no way of contacting him when i got back to i left him my email, and hopefully he will email me. He had told me his favorite futbol club was playing on sunday and that i should go see the game. So i was going to try and get back for that. When i lived in England, i never went to see a game, and i kind of regret it, so i think i will try to see one here in S. America.
So 915, and no Pablo, so i decided just to go. I walked outside the apartment just as a taxi was driving by. I waved him down and off to the bus station i went. Walked into the station, and I bus companies where yelling Tacna Tacna, and waving me over. They want to fill the bus before it leaves. So i got a good price and my ticket, and waited until 10 to leave. I was able to sleep the whole way, and arrived in Tacna at 4am. By 515, i was on another bus that takes me across the boarder and helps you get stamped out of Peru and stamped into Chile. Its pretty easy. Another 30 minutes and i was in Arica, Chile´s bus terminal.
On this bus, which was full, I sat in the back between a large Momasita woman, who seems to have a comment on everyting, or by the tone of her voice, a complaint. I watched as she pulled a hair that was tangled around her erring, and used it as floss. Sitting to my right, was a older, potbelly man, saw the same thing and just turned to look out the window. I laughed.
Within minutes, I am in another country, 2 hours time difference, they use pesos, and i find myself once again at the beach and out of the mountains. This transition was so fast and took me a while to get used to it. Also, Chilians speak so much faster spanish. It was about 8 Peru and 10 Chile time. I was so tired and didnt know what to do. I was too overwhelmed, and really didnt want to spend too much money since Chile is a lot more expencive. So i just started walking. A few blocks down, i found a mini mall with restaurants, internet, and a small bread shop that was the only thing open. So i bought some bread and a large water, asked how far it was to the beach, only 20 minute walk, and decided to spend the day at the beach.
I arrived at the beach and it was still quite and cloudy. Two guys were out on surfboards, but the new ones where you stand on the board and use a paddle to push you. I sat on some rocks, as slowly more cars showed up as more people pulled out surfboards. The waves were small, so not really surfing material. I sit watching, as i see fish jumping, birds floating, and a little seals head pops up to take a look around.
I moved down the beach to laydown in the sand. Slowly, more people began to fill the beach, but never got really crowded. I read, slept, and wished i had my swimsuit with. The sun was hot, and i had to keep reapplying sunscrean. After i while, it was too hot so i went for a walk to find some shade. I found a park and sat on the swings for a while. I really do think swings are my favorite! Then went back and walked along the shore line. The water felt so nice and cool. I walked further down the coast to where only a few people and kids were. After a while, i realized that the kids and 2 guys with them, where Americans. I never did talk to them to find out where they were from, but figured they were on holiday since there was a huge hotel right behing us.
Finally around 5pm, as the sun was starting to go down. I figured it would be best to head back to the little mall i first found. Get some food, use the internet and waste some time. One of the open shops was a betting place and horse races were on the tv. So i stood there with a large group of old men, who were all betting on the races. I got an email from Pablo and i was to call him when i got back to the bus station. The futbol game was at 130, so try to get there before then.
I ordered a hamburger con fritas, and when it came it was probably the biggest burger ive ever seen. The bun itself was wider than my hand. I had no problem eating the whole thing, since all i really had to eat all day was bread and an apple. Around 10, i walked back to the bus terminal. Asked what times the buses left and decided to wait until early morning before crossing over. I knew i had to wait a day before entering Peru again but i wasnt sure if it had to be exactly 24 hours.
Finding a bench, i layed and slept a few hours here and there. Most of the other people were on the other side of the building, so i felt safe where i was. Finally around 4am Peruvian time, some other backpackers arrived. They were going to take a taxi across the boarder, so i got in with them. It costs a little more, but i had to make sure to get back to Arequipa before 1. I met another California guy and a German girl. We made it through the boarders with no problems, and i got another 90 visa stamped in my passport. !!!!
Made it back to the Tacna bus terminal in time to catch the 630 bus. This would get me back to Arequipa by 1230, time for food and a cerveza before the game.
Ive never really cared how long the bus takes, but since this time i had to meet Pablo, i wanted it to be on time. Thats the thing with Peru and South America in general. They run on their own time. This bus inparticular had other problems. Finally leaving the station hour late, we stopped outside of the city and had to turn around and come back to switch buses. I have no idea whats going on, and hope this bus will just go and hurry up. It funny that all the people on the bus are stomping and yelling ´Vamos´, and ´Rapido´... Lets go and Faster!
Out of the city we stop at the same place as before and have another problem. People started to get off to find out whats going on, as they are all gathered around bickering, as it looks like. I really had to go to the bathroom and i didnt want to sit on the bus for 6 hours. So i got off and ran to the back side of the bus. No one saw me and i felt so much better. haha Ok, lets get this bus going and make up some time.
As i tried to sleep, I get woken up as the bus makes more stops. We were at custums and had to pull out my passport. This bus was taking forever and i was not going to make it back intime. Sitting next to me, was a nice older man and we tried to have a conversation. He ended up getting off a lot sooner than Arequipa and he shook my hand and said goodbye. I then curled up on the seat and went back to sleep.
Finally around 230, we get to Arequipa, and the guy sitting in front of me wakes me up and tells me we are in Arequipa. Finally. I found a phone to call Pablo, but his phone was turned off. ok now what. I dont have the address to the apartment and not sure what i should do. I ask where there is internet, and i go back into the bus terminal. I find some internet in a small restaurant and checked to see if Pablo emailed me at all. Nope. I check to see what times the next buses leave to go back to Cabanaconde, 4 and 430. So i had time to wait and decide what i was going to do. I sat down and ordered a cerveza!!! yes, relax and think. I figured the game would be over around 330, so 340 i tried to call again and if i wasnt able to get ahold of Pablo, i would get the 430 bus back to cabanconde. Well at 340, luckily and thankfully, i was able to get ahold of Pablo, and he came to meet me at the bus station. I really didnt want to get onto another 6 hour bus ride.
So we left the station, and went to get some food. We were only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas so we walked down there. There they have a huge amazingly, beautiful Cathedral and was having a huge ceremony outside as it is the beginning of their easter celebration. They have a week long celebration. So we walked into the church. I bought 2 purple candles for 1sole (30cents), one for me and my family, and one for PAblo and his family. The church was full of people inside, and they started to carry around a huge statue of jesus.
It was a nice early evening as we walked around a bit more and into another church. Here we were able to light the candles. So i light one for all my friends and family! Finally, we decided to head back to the apartment. I was going to take a nap and then we were going to see a movie. I wanted to see Alice in Wonderland, even if it was in spanish. But i was so tired, i only woke up at 1130. I figured Pablo was sleeping, so i went back to sleep and woke up at 6am, 7, and finally got up at 8. I was so tired.
We made a delicous breakfast of eggs, fruit salad, bread, yogart, leftover pork from the other day, and sweetpotatoes fried. So delicios. Im getting the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde today. And as part of my job, meet any tourists and bring them with me back to my hostel.
Ill spend another week in Cabanaconde and witness all the festivites of the holiday, then go to the oasis for a week. And who knows after that!
I had heard from a tourist that i could go to some office in Arequipa to renew my passport visa without having to go to the Bolivian or chile boarder. I talked to Pablo,my boss, and he called his brother who lives in Arequipa to find out. They told me yes, so on Friday I got on the 630am bus leaving Cabanaconde and arriving to Arequipa 6 hours later. Pablo met me at the bus station, and he called his brother to find out which office we needed to go to. This is when we found out, it was not possible. I had to go to the boarder. I was a bit upset and didnt know what to do now. Pablo had offered to take me to a place with traditional Peruvian food, so we decided just to go eat and have some cervezas. I thought the cervezas would calm me down, but they didnt. All i wanted to do it call home or hopefully talk to my mom on line. It has been almost 2 weeks since i talked to anyone live, and i really needed the comfort from home.
The Pervian food was amazing. No rice or pasta. I finally had a real rocoto relleno, stuffed spicy chile peper, a huge cake like square of potatoes and cheese, sweet potato chips, and a huge chunk of pork. I usually wouldnt order pork, but that is what came with the meal and it was good. It rememinded me of the meats in Germany, they all look a little scary but taste really good. This restaurant was a pretty fancy place. Pablos family usually comes here when they are in town. It was a large glass sun house, an open kitchen across the street with all the meats laying out to be cooked or served. A band stage was setting up and music started. Many celebrations were going on. A few birthdays were announced. And when the music started people got up to dance in the center floor. A few older couples, it was cute to watch them.
We talked about me going to Chile this weekend to get a new visa and how long the bus ride would be. We thought it was going to be another 10 hour bus ride, but when we got back to the bus station. They said it was 6 hours to Tacna, (boarder city) and another 40 minutes to get to the boarder. Ok, much better. The last bus to leave Arequipa was at 10pm.
We went back to Pablo´s families apartment to drop off my stuff. He gave me a set of keys and showed me where an internet place was. He had to go meet with his buisness partner about selling the potatoes he had brought to town the night before. I walked down the street to an internet place, and thankfully my mom was online and we could talk though Instant Messenger. (so handy that thing)
I told her my situtation about having to renew my passport visa, and after an hour or so talking to her, felt better. This probably was the best time to do it anyway, Ive already taken one 6 hour bus ride, this way i can break up the trip instead of trying to do it straight through. And i have a place to stay for free in Arequipa. Also, i found out some amazing news. I got my taxes return back and i am getting a good amount of money. More than ive ever got before. So i dont have to worry about traveling anymore. Im not going to go waste it, because i know i have a lot of bills to pay when i get back to the states. But at least i know i have some just incase. Its not a good feeling not having money.
After about 2 hours at the internet, i went back to the apartment, and Pablo wasnt there. I layed around and read for a while and figured by 9 i should get a taxi back to the bus station and go to Chile. I left pablo a note saying i was going to chile and ill be back early sunday. I realized i had no way of contacting him when i got back to i left him my email, and hopefully he will email me. He had told me his favorite futbol club was playing on sunday and that i should go see the game. So i was going to try and get back for that. When i lived in England, i never went to see a game, and i kind of regret it, so i think i will try to see one here in S. America.
So 915, and no Pablo, so i decided just to go. I walked outside the apartment just as a taxi was driving by. I waved him down and off to the bus station i went. Walked into the station, and I bus companies where yelling Tacna Tacna, and waving me over. They want to fill the bus before it leaves. So i got a good price and my ticket, and waited until 10 to leave. I was able to sleep the whole way, and arrived in Tacna at 4am. By 515, i was on another bus that takes me across the boarder and helps you get stamped out of Peru and stamped into Chile. Its pretty easy. Another 30 minutes and i was in Arica, Chile´s bus terminal.
On this bus, which was full, I sat in the back between a large Momasita woman, who seems to have a comment on everyting, or by the tone of her voice, a complaint. I watched as she pulled a hair that was tangled around her erring, and used it as floss. Sitting to my right, was a older, potbelly man, saw the same thing and just turned to look out the window. I laughed.
Within minutes, I am in another country, 2 hours time difference, they use pesos, and i find myself once again at the beach and out of the mountains. This transition was so fast and took me a while to get used to it. Also, Chilians speak so much faster spanish. It was about 8 Peru and 10 Chile time. I was so tired and didnt know what to do. I was too overwhelmed, and really didnt want to spend too much money since Chile is a lot more expencive. So i just started walking. A few blocks down, i found a mini mall with restaurants, internet, and a small bread shop that was the only thing open. So i bought some bread and a large water, asked how far it was to the beach, only 20 minute walk, and decided to spend the day at the beach.
I arrived at the beach and it was still quite and cloudy. Two guys were out on surfboards, but the new ones where you stand on the board and use a paddle to push you. I sat on some rocks, as slowly more cars showed up as more people pulled out surfboards. The waves were small, so not really surfing material. I sit watching, as i see fish jumping, birds floating, and a little seals head pops up to take a look around.
I moved down the beach to laydown in the sand. Slowly, more people began to fill the beach, but never got really crowded. I read, slept, and wished i had my swimsuit with. The sun was hot, and i had to keep reapplying sunscrean. After i while, it was too hot so i went for a walk to find some shade. I found a park and sat on the swings for a while. I really do think swings are my favorite! Then went back and walked along the shore line. The water felt so nice and cool. I walked further down the coast to where only a few people and kids were. After a while, i realized that the kids and 2 guys with them, where Americans. I never did talk to them to find out where they were from, but figured they were on holiday since there was a huge hotel right behing us.
Finally around 5pm, as the sun was starting to go down. I figured it would be best to head back to the little mall i first found. Get some food, use the internet and waste some time. One of the open shops was a betting place and horse races were on the tv. So i stood there with a large group of old men, who were all betting on the races. I got an email from Pablo and i was to call him when i got back to the bus station. The futbol game was at 130, so try to get there before then.
I ordered a hamburger con fritas, and when it came it was probably the biggest burger ive ever seen. The bun itself was wider than my hand. I had no problem eating the whole thing, since all i really had to eat all day was bread and an apple. Around 10, i walked back to the bus terminal. Asked what times the buses left and decided to wait until early morning before crossing over. I knew i had to wait a day before entering Peru again but i wasnt sure if it had to be exactly 24 hours.
Finding a bench, i layed and slept a few hours here and there. Most of the other people were on the other side of the building, so i felt safe where i was. Finally around 4am Peruvian time, some other backpackers arrived. They were going to take a taxi across the boarder, so i got in with them. It costs a little more, but i had to make sure to get back to Arequipa before 1. I met another California guy and a German girl. We made it through the boarders with no problems, and i got another 90 visa stamped in my passport. !!!!
Made it back to the Tacna bus terminal in time to catch the 630 bus. This would get me back to Arequipa by 1230, time for food and a cerveza before the game.
Ive never really cared how long the bus takes, but since this time i had to meet Pablo, i wanted it to be on time. Thats the thing with Peru and South America in general. They run on their own time. This bus inparticular had other problems. Finally leaving the station hour late, we stopped outside of the city and had to turn around and come back to switch buses. I have no idea whats going on, and hope this bus will just go and hurry up. It funny that all the people on the bus are stomping and yelling ´Vamos´, and ´Rapido´... Lets go and Faster!
Out of the city we stop at the same place as before and have another problem. People started to get off to find out whats going on, as they are all gathered around bickering, as it looks like. I really had to go to the bathroom and i didnt want to sit on the bus for 6 hours. So i got off and ran to the back side of the bus. No one saw me and i felt so much better. haha Ok, lets get this bus going and make up some time.
As i tried to sleep, I get woken up as the bus makes more stops. We were at custums and had to pull out my passport. This bus was taking forever and i was not going to make it back intime. Sitting next to me, was a nice older man and we tried to have a conversation. He ended up getting off a lot sooner than Arequipa and he shook my hand and said goodbye. I then curled up on the seat and went back to sleep.
Finally around 230, we get to Arequipa, and the guy sitting in front of me wakes me up and tells me we are in Arequipa. Finally. I found a phone to call Pablo, but his phone was turned off. ok now what. I dont have the address to the apartment and not sure what i should do. I ask where there is internet, and i go back into the bus terminal. I find some internet in a small restaurant and checked to see if Pablo emailed me at all. Nope. I check to see what times the next buses leave to go back to Cabanaconde, 4 and 430. So i had time to wait and decide what i was going to do. I sat down and ordered a cerveza!!! yes, relax and think. I figured the game would be over around 330, so 340 i tried to call again and if i wasnt able to get ahold of Pablo, i would get the 430 bus back to cabanconde. Well at 340, luckily and thankfully, i was able to get ahold of Pablo, and he came to meet me at the bus station. I really didnt want to get onto another 6 hour bus ride.
So we left the station, and went to get some food. We were only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza de Armas so we walked down there. There they have a huge amazingly, beautiful Cathedral and was having a huge ceremony outside as it is the beginning of their easter celebration. They have a week long celebration. So we walked into the church. I bought 2 purple candles for 1sole (30cents), one for me and my family, and one for PAblo and his family. The church was full of people inside, and they started to carry around a huge statue of jesus.
It was a nice early evening as we walked around a bit more and into another church. Here we were able to light the candles. So i light one for all my friends and family! Finally, we decided to head back to the apartment. I was going to take a nap and then we were going to see a movie. I wanted to see Alice in Wonderland, even if it was in spanish. But i was so tired, i only woke up at 1130. I figured Pablo was sleeping, so i went back to sleep and woke up at 6am, 7, and finally got up at 8. I was so tired.
We made a delicous breakfast of eggs, fruit salad, bread, yogart, leftover pork from the other day, and sweetpotatoes fried. So delicios. Im getting the 2pm bus back to Cabanaconde today. And as part of my job, meet any tourists and bring them with me back to my hostel.
Ill spend another week in Cabanaconde and witness all the festivites of the holiday, then go to the oasis for a week. And who knows after that!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mother Nature
As i sat at the bottom of the canyon, i had plenty of time to think, write, and do nothing. I mentioned earlier in a blog, i was going to talk to Mother Nature to see what she had to say. This is what i came up with.
I sit with Mother Nature and absorb her beauty. A small creek flows before me with no idea where it goes. Birds fly, flowers bloom, with a smell of sweet perfume.
I sit with Mother Nature as she speaks to me. Why are you hurting, i ask? Is it the people who abuse you and destroy you? Slowly we are learning and trying to take back our damage. No? Then why all the earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding lately?
There is a change, a shift that needs to occur. It may hurt at first but will be better in the end. You´ll strengthen and see what there is to be. Keep going and continue with the flow-as we all will become a better person, each day we grow.
I sit with Mother Nature as she cries, for she is sad. to see the destruction her shifting has caused. But the good of the people have risen and we forget our place, as we all become one. Together we recreate- a new home, new school, a new community. And together we´ve grown. A special place in our hearts will always remember those memories we share, as we continue on to live, no matter where.
I sit with Mother Nature as she begins to smile, because she knows someday soon she will be happy to see a child´s laughter, a puppy playing, and people loving once again. As she knows she will continue to rotate and flow, as will our lives once more.
I sit with Mother Nature and i know i am safe. For my love for her and her love for me will never break. She has so much to offer- her beauty and strength. I only hope to continue to appreciate, what i can not create!
I sit with Mother Nature and absorb her beauty. A small creek flows before me with no idea where it goes. Birds fly, flowers bloom, with a smell of sweet perfume.
I sit with Mother Nature as she speaks to me. Why are you hurting, i ask? Is it the people who abuse you and destroy you? Slowly we are learning and trying to take back our damage. No? Then why all the earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding lately?
There is a change, a shift that needs to occur. It may hurt at first but will be better in the end. You´ll strengthen and see what there is to be. Keep going and continue with the flow-as we all will become a better person, each day we grow.
I sit with Mother Nature as she cries, for she is sad. to see the destruction her shifting has caused. But the good of the people have risen and we forget our place, as we all become one. Together we recreate- a new home, new school, a new community. And together we´ve grown. A special place in our hearts will always remember those memories we share, as we continue on to live, no matter where.
I sit with Mother Nature as she begins to smile, because she knows someday soon she will be happy to see a child´s laughter, a puppy playing, and people loving once again. As she knows she will continue to rotate and flow, as will our lives once more.
I sit with Mother Nature and i know i am safe. For my love for her and her love for me will never break. She has so much to offer- her beauty and strength. I only hope to continue to appreciate, what i can not create!
Friday, March 19, 2010
My very own Paradise! and no Gansta about it!
Here i am, alone at my own paradise resort. Sitting in front of a pool with 2 waterfalls flowing into the center of the pool. A chocolate lab pup played joyfully with a 5 gallon bucket and bamboo huts are spread out across the land. Mine is empty inside besides a doublesized bed and table. A firepit just waiting to be usd, and a bar with wood log seats and bottles of cervesas waiting to be woken alive with new storis and laughter through the night. 2 beautiful brown horses graze in the pasture in front of my hut. Now the puppy wont leave my side, as i throw raisens to get him away, he keeps coming back for more. Hundreds of dragonflies float above my head in the sky, moments later, they all disappear. Wishing now i didnt take my book out at the last minute to save room in my pack.
The sun is hidden and the clouds are rolling in. A few sprinkles drop and i hope it doesnt pour. The pool temp was chilly at first but felt warm after a few laps. It feels good to swim, epecially aftr hiking for 2.5 hours. I stare up at the mountains surrounding me knowing they are 1000 meters high or more. The reds, yellows, and orange rocks scattered with green, what looks like moss. A closer look shows cactus, flowers, and various plants, mis within the rocks. A few more sprinkles and the wind picks up. I move to another woodlog bench under a fruita tree. An old man and the same kid from before, come out of the kitchen and sit in the grass, as the puppy comes to play.
As night fell, complete darkness surrounds. No stars, moon, or light can be seen. I used my torch to follow a path throught the pasture past the horses, over a small crick, past the bar and swimming pool to the kitchen. Inside 3 candles stuck inside empty beer bottles, light the room with shadow dancers on the wall. The young boy was making dinner and i asked to help. All he had was a carrot to peal, so he let me do that. I sat on a small plactic stool, listening to nice relaxing music and trying to have a conversation with him in my broken spanish. He lives outside of Cuzco, has been working here at the Oasis logde for 3 months, plays the guitar, and would like to learn english and someday study-travel in the STates.
I invited him to eat with me so i wasnt eating alone, and he would just sit there. He brought over the DVD that was playing music and asked if i wanted to watch a movie. My options were, The day after tomorrow 1,2,or3, Independence day, or Apocolypse. I told him to choose. We watched the beginning of Day after Tomorrow 3 i think, and when we were finished eating, he asked if i wanted a bonfire. Yeah, if its not too much trouble. So we went out, and there were already sticks together just waiting to be light. Just after we got the fire going, it started to sprinkle. We sat there for a while, and when the rain picked up, we moved to sit under the bar. I sat and watched at the flames danced in the rain drops as the kid set up his DVD again and put on a Top Ballods Hits from the 80s. Sweet! I sat there watching all these videos to songs that, some i havent heard since the 80s. AFter a while of that, i decided to go to bed and walked back to my hut.
I woke up Thursday morning, with sunshine rays sneaking into my hut, the sound of the roaring river below me, and the snorting of the horses outside my door. I walked outside and as i was doing some yoga stretches, I noticed a huge boulder and a grassy clearing down below me. I grabbed my shoes and journal, and found a path down there. I was able to sit on this huge rock and see the raging river below. After a while, the sun finally peaked through the thick layer of fog, hidding the tops of the mountains that surround me. Already im not looking foward to the 3-4 hour hike back up to the top.
Sitting along side the pool with the warm sun on my back, i enjoy a cup of tea and bread and jam. The first tourists ive seen, walk down into the resort. They talk to the kid, buy a coke, and continue on some path. For some reason, i hvae no desire to find out where this path leads. Im quite content sitting next to the pool listening to the sounds of the waterfalls.
I found a cryptoquip game in my bag, thankful i found something to take up some of my time. Im even more thankful my brain is working and i can figure out the puzzle. ¨What is the system for overlaying plastic on a certain vowel? The process of E-lamination!!! haha. For some reason, earlier on my travels, i couldnt figure these out.
I look up to see some birds soaring along the cliffs of the mountains. Im guessing they are Condors, since they are famous around here. There is a certain tourist spot where at 6am and 6pm, if your lucky, you can see the condors soaring along through the currents of the wind. Another tourist attraction im not interested in seeing. But thankful i can see them right where im at.
I lay beside the pool on the concret slab, surprising that is is comfortable. I begin to daydream. I came up with a pleasant idea. What if i did go home early from my travels. I would hopefully be able to find some work and spend a month or two with my friends and family. Then after a while, continue on traveling to other places that ive thought about. As much as i love to travel, i do miss home and sadly i ran out of money before i ran out of time. In the time ive spent in South America, ive been lucky to see Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Ill probably have to make another trip to see the rest of Chile, Argentina, Uruaguay and Brazil.
I got a message from a friend i had traveled with in Colombia. When i said i was just getting to the Colca Canyon. She said, Wow, your a slow traveler, i was there 6 weeks ago. I realized, that yes, i probably could have seen more countries on this trip if i moved faster, but i dont consider myself the typical touristic traveler. i like to become apart of the culture and if i find a place that is truely amazing with the culture, nature, and people. I like to stay and enjoy it. And not just stay a day or two just to say ive been there. I can truely say, i have lived and been apart of some amazing places and some amazing peoples lives.
3 more tourists walk down the steps into the resort. I noticed one girl was limping. I went to the bathroom and when i came back, she was sitting alone on the grass. I walked up to her and asked what happened. She had sprained her ankle the night before and rode a horse down the canyon. Its quite expensive and didnt want to pay for a horse ride up, so i offered to look at her ankle. No questions asked, she said yes. Already it was pretty swollen and tender. I gently worked to put the fibula back into place and checked a few other bones. It was a minor sprain. I asked if she knew what arnica was, and to my surprise she did and had some with her. Ive found a lot of travelers know about arnica, mainly because most of them are European. I told her a few things she can do to help it heal and wrapped her ankle back up in the bandage. When she stood, she already could put more weight on it and be stable. It was still tender, but already felt a little better. Hopefully it will heal fast for her. I said goodbye and walked to my hut to lay down for a bit before getting the motiviation to hike back up the canyon.
Walking up took me 3 hours, most tourists 4. Along the way, i met three different Peruvians. At various times, we would all stop to rest as the other would pass. Fianlly i came up to some rocks where all 3 of the were sitting. So i sat down with them. An older man with only 2 lower teeth asked me where i was from. He continued to tell some story as he laughed and had a twinkle in his eyes. I found a lot of Peruvians all have beautiful eyes full of life and stories. No matter how old, rugged, or poor they look. Their eyes are amazingly happy. He had a thicker accent so i didnt understand most of what he was saying, but i still laughed because he was laughing at his own story.
I stood up, stretched, and continue on. I said, Hasta luego, meaning, ill see you later, because i knew when ever they would start walking, they would catch up to me. Finally, i made it to the top and did my own little victory dance. As i turned around, 2 of the Peruvians were right behind me. I said, Finito! and they both laughed! Now an level, rocky path back to Cabanaconde for about 25 minutes. Walking behind the Peruvians, I couldnt even keep up to them on level ground. I dont know how they walk to fast, when they look so slow.
Back at the hostel, I met Jamel, Pablos brother, and he fixed me a cup of coca tea. I had found a broken, old rusted horseshoe on the trail and gave it to him for decoration of the hostel. We sat there talking, and i had my coca leaves out on the table. A Peruvian tradition, is to read the coca leaves to see the future. He dropped a few leaves on the table and picked on up. He said this leave resembles the shape of the heart,meaning love, and the tip of the leave was bent foward meaning, i have loved this much of my life so far. Which was kinda of sad, because it was only a little bit, but the rest of the leave showed how much i will love in the future. Also, since the shape of the leave resembled the heart, and a strong line down the center showed good health and wealth in the future. Not sure if this is true, but sounds great! Ill take it!
After i showered and cleaned up, i met with Pablo in the restaurant and he explained to me all the tourist info i would need to know. He said if i worked for one week in the restuarant and attracted tourists of the buses when they came in, i can get 3 days off to spend in the canyon. Either doing more of the hiking or just relaxing at the Oasis. Tired already from just the 3 hour hike, i think i might just take it easy and do the small trails around the Oasis hostel.
This place is amazing, and i meet new tourists that come into the restaurant everyday. I get to give them info i know, and learn about places they have been. Also, i get to sleep and eat for free. How amazing. Im so happy, i took the chance to just ask about working for my accomodation. I feel very fortunate that Pablo took me in!
The sun is hidden and the clouds are rolling in. A few sprinkles drop and i hope it doesnt pour. The pool temp was chilly at first but felt warm after a few laps. It feels good to swim, epecially aftr hiking for 2.5 hours. I stare up at the mountains surrounding me knowing they are 1000 meters high or more. The reds, yellows, and orange rocks scattered with green, what looks like moss. A closer look shows cactus, flowers, and various plants, mis within the rocks. A few more sprinkles and the wind picks up. I move to another woodlog bench under a fruita tree. An old man and the same kid from before, come out of the kitchen and sit in the grass, as the puppy comes to play.
As night fell, complete darkness surrounds. No stars, moon, or light can be seen. I used my torch to follow a path throught the pasture past the horses, over a small crick, past the bar and swimming pool to the kitchen. Inside 3 candles stuck inside empty beer bottles, light the room with shadow dancers on the wall. The young boy was making dinner and i asked to help. All he had was a carrot to peal, so he let me do that. I sat on a small plactic stool, listening to nice relaxing music and trying to have a conversation with him in my broken spanish. He lives outside of Cuzco, has been working here at the Oasis logde for 3 months, plays the guitar, and would like to learn english and someday study-travel in the STates.
I invited him to eat with me so i wasnt eating alone, and he would just sit there. He brought over the DVD that was playing music and asked if i wanted to watch a movie. My options were, The day after tomorrow 1,2,or3, Independence day, or Apocolypse. I told him to choose. We watched the beginning of Day after Tomorrow 3 i think, and when we were finished eating, he asked if i wanted a bonfire. Yeah, if its not too much trouble. So we went out, and there were already sticks together just waiting to be light. Just after we got the fire going, it started to sprinkle. We sat there for a while, and when the rain picked up, we moved to sit under the bar. I sat and watched at the flames danced in the rain drops as the kid set up his DVD again and put on a Top Ballods Hits from the 80s. Sweet! I sat there watching all these videos to songs that, some i havent heard since the 80s. AFter a while of that, i decided to go to bed and walked back to my hut.
I woke up Thursday morning, with sunshine rays sneaking into my hut, the sound of the roaring river below me, and the snorting of the horses outside my door. I walked outside and as i was doing some yoga stretches, I noticed a huge boulder and a grassy clearing down below me. I grabbed my shoes and journal, and found a path down there. I was able to sit on this huge rock and see the raging river below. After a while, the sun finally peaked through the thick layer of fog, hidding the tops of the mountains that surround me. Already im not looking foward to the 3-4 hour hike back up to the top.
Sitting along side the pool with the warm sun on my back, i enjoy a cup of tea and bread and jam. The first tourists ive seen, walk down into the resort. They talk to the kid, buy a coke, and continue on some path. For some reason, i hvae no desire to find out where this path leads. Im quite content sitting next to the pool listening to the sounds of the waterfalls.
I found a cryptoquip game in my bag, thankful i found something to take up some of my time. Im even more thankful my brain is working and i can figure out the puzzle. ¨What is the system for overlaying plastic on a certain vowel? The process of E-lamination!!! haha. For some reason, earlier on my travels, i couldnt figure these out.
I look up to see some birds soaring along the cliffs of the mountains. Im guessing they are Condors, since they are famous around here. There is a certain tourist spot where at 6am and 6pm, if your lucky, you can see the condors soaring along through the currents of the wind. Another tourist attraction im not interested in seeing. But thankful i can see them right where im at.
I lay beside the pool on the concret slab, surprising that is is comfortable. I begin to daydream. I came up with a pleasant idea. What if i did go home early from my travels. I would hopefully be able to find some work and spend a month or two with my friends and family. Then after a while, continue on traveling to other places that ive thought about. As much as i love to travel, i do miss home and sadly i ran out of money before i ran out of time. In the time ive spent in South America, ive been lucky to see Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Ill probably have to make another trip to see the rest of Chile, Argentina, Uruaguay and Brazil.
I got a message from a friend i had traveled with in Colombia. When i said i was just getting to the Colca Canyon. She said, Wow, your a slow traveler, i was there 6 weeks ago. I realized, that yes, i probably could have seen more countries on this trip if i moved faster, but i dont consider myself the typical touristic traveler. i like to become apart of the culture and if i find a place that is truely amazing with the culture, nature, and people. I like to stay and enjoy it. And not just stay a day or two just to say ive been there. I can truely say, i have lived and been apart of some amazing places and some amazing peoples lives.
3 more tourists walk down the steps into the resort. I noticed one girl was limping. I went to the bathroom and when i came back, she was sitting alone on the grass. I walked up to her and asked what happened. She had sprained her ankle the night before and rode a horse down the canyon. Its quite expensive and didnt want to pay for a horse ride up, so i offered to look at her ankle. No questions asked, she said yes. Already it was pretty swollen and tender. I gently worked to put the fibula back into place and checked a few other bones. It was a minor sprain. I asked if she knew what arnica was, and to my surprise she did and had some with her. Ive found a lot of travelers know about arnica, mainly because most of them are European. I told her a few things she can do to help it heal and wrapped her ankle back up in the bandage. When she stood, she already could put more weight on it and be stable. It was still tender, but already felt a little better. Hopefully it will heal fast for her. I said goodbye and walked to my hut to lay down for a bit before getting the motiviation to hike back up the canyon.
Walking up took me 3 hours, most tourists 4. Along the way, i met three different Peruvians. At various times, we would all stop to rest as the other would pass. Fianlly i came up to some rocks where all 3 of the were sitting. So i sat down with them. An older man with only 2 lower teeth asked me where i was from. He continued to tell some story as he laughed and had a twinkle in his eyes. I found a lot of Peruvians all have beautiful eyes full of life and stories. No matter how old, rugged, or poor they look. Their eyes are amazingly happy. He had a thicker accent so i didnt understand most of what he was saying, but i still laughed because he was laughing at his own story.
I stood up, stretched, and continue on. I said, Hasta luego, meaning, ill see you later, because i knew when ever they would start walking, they would catch up to me. Finally, i made it to the top and did my own little victory dance. As i turned around, 2 of the Peruvians were right behind me. I said, Finito! and they both laughed! Now an level, rocky path back to Cabanaconde for about 25 minutes. Walking behind the Peruvians, I couldnt even keep up to them on level ground. I dont know how they walk to fast, when they look so slow.
Back at the hostel, I met Jamel, Pablos brother, and he fixed me a cup of coca tea. I had found a broken, old rusted horseshoe on the trail and gave it to him for decoration of the hostel. We sat there talking, and i had my coca leaves out on the table. A Peruvian tradition, is to read the coca leaves to see the future. He dropped a few leaves on the table and picked on up. He said this leave resembles the shape of the heart,meaning love, and the tip of the leave was bent foward meaning, i have loved this much of my life so far. Which was kinda of sad, because it was only a little bit, but the rest of the leave showed how much i will love in the future. Also, since the shape of the leave resembled the heart, and a strong line down the center showed good health and wealth in the future. Not sure if this is true, but sounds great! Ill take it!
After i showered and cleaned up, i met with Pablo in the restaurant and he explained to me all the tourist info i would need to know. He said if i worked for one week in the restuarant and attracted tourists of the buses when they came in, i can get 3 days off to spend in the canyon. Either doing more of the hiking or just relaxing at the Oasis. Tired already from just the 3 hour hike, i think i might just take it easy and do the small trails around the Oasis hostel.
This place is amazing, and i meet new tourists that come into the restaurant everyday. I get to give them info i know, and learn about places they have been. Also, i get to sleep and eat for free. How amazing. Im so happy, i took the chance to just ask about working for my accomodation. I feel very fortunate that Pablo took me in!
Amazing!
After 2 long days and 3 buses later, i arrive at Cabanaconde, which is a small village at the top of the Colca Canyon. I get in around 7pm, in the dark and pouring rain. As i get off the bus, im immediately called Gringo by some kid and get handed tons of flyers for hostels. I go around to the other side of the bus to get my bag as i run into the french couple that was also on my bus. I asked where they were going and he didnt know, but just waved me along. Ok, so i went. The lady said 8soles for the night. Perfect. She showed us to the hostel, and showed me my own room with 3 single beds, and my own bath. Perfect. The room felt so nice, and after she left i didnt know what to do, either to laugh or cry. As i did a little happy dance i think i might have done both! I went to the restaurant connected to the hostel, but wasnt hungry so i went back to my room. I noticed on the flyer they have 24 hrs of hot water. Perfect. I took a nice long shower and got ready for bed. It may have been early, but i didnt care, i was tired from traveling and didnt sleep much the last 2 nights.
In the morning, i went back to the restaurant to ask about hiking down into the Colca Canyon. I was talking to Pablo, who owns the hostel Oasis down on the bottom. For some reason i thought i would just ask him about working at the hostel to pay for my accomodation. If not, no bid deal. At first he was confused, but then got really excited. Yes, I can work for him. A few days here in Cabanaconde at this hostel attracting new tourists to the hostel, and helping in the bar-restaurant and then a few days down at the Oasis hostel. But first, today is my holiday and i should go down into the Canyon for the night. He told me, now i am not a tourist. Now i am family and gave me a reciept for a free night stay, dinner and breakfast. Wow! and on Thursday after I hike back up, I will meet with him and he will give me all the information i need to work at the hostel in exchange for free bed and food and probably some drink.
This is amazing. I never expected this much of a responce. Thank you french couple for bringing me along to this hostel.
As i hiked down into the Colca Canyon, all i could say was Amazing! Both to Pablo for letting me work for him and at how beautiful the Canyon is. I took my time walking, taking photos and enjoying the amazing view. For a minute, i thought that i was actually enjoying this more than the Inca Trail. But i think that is only because my mind and body must have been on autopilot just to make it through the trail. I was so exhausted the whole time, i still cant believe i actually made it through the 7 days. Not that i would give that experience up for anything in the world.
This hike, is different. Im hiking it alone. I asked to make sure, but yes it is safe. It nice to be here on my own. If this was earlier on my trip, i probably wont feel as comfortable to do it. But now, i am fine and glad to be enjoying the view. I met a few people who were hiking up, but didnt see anyone else.
Finally when i get closer, i can see the pools. Im getting excited, and tired and i just want to get there. I make it to my pool, hand the kid my reciept Pablo wrote for me, and he showed me my cabin. I was the only tourist when i arrived, and turned out to be the only one while i was there. It was so beautiful and quite relaxing.
My next blog is my description of my very own paradise.
In the morning, i went back to the restaurant to ask about hiking down into the Colca Canyon. I was talking to Pablo, who owns the hostel Oasis down on the bottom. For some reason i thought i would just ask him about working at the hostel to pay for my accomodation. If not, no bid deal. At first he was confused, but then got really excited. Yes, I can work for him. A few days here in Cabanaconde at this hostel attracting new tourists to the hostel, and helping in the bar-restaurant and then a few days down at the Oasis hostel. But first, today is my holiday and i should go down into the Canyon for the night. He told me, now i am not a tourist. Now i am family and gave me a reciept for a free night stay, dinner and breakfast. Wow! and on Thursday after I hike back up, I will meet with him and he will give me all the information i need to work at the hostel in exchange for free bed and food and probably some drink.
This is amazing. I never expected this much of a responce. Thank you french couple for bringing me along to this hostel.
As i hiked down into the Colca Canyon, all i could say was Amazing! Both to Pablo for letting me work for him and at how beautiful the Canyon is. I took my time walking, taking photos and enjoying the amazing view. For a minute, i thought that i was actually enjoying this more than the Inca Trail. But i think that is only because my mind and body must have been on autopilot just to make it through the trail. I was so exhausted the whole time, i still cant believe i actually made it through the 7 days. Not that i would give that experience up for anything in the world.
This hike, is different. Im hiking it alone. I asked to make sure, but yes it is safe. It nice to be here on my own. If this was earlier on my trip, i probably wont feel as comfortable to do it. But now, i am fine and glad to be enjoying the view. I met a few people who were hiking up, but didnt see anyone else.
Finally when i get closer, i can see the pools. Im getting excited, and tired and i just want to get there. I make it to my pool, hand the kid my reciept Pablo wrote for me, and he showed me my cabin. I was the only tourist when i arrived, and turned out to be the only one while i was there. It was so beautiful and quite relaxing.
My next blog is my description of my very own paradise.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Finally moving on!!!
Im sad to say, its time to go. I came to Pisco Sin Fronteras(PSF), a volunteer organization designed to help rebuilt houses and other projects for the community for the people who lost everything in the earthquake in 2007. I came here for 4-5 days and stayed almost 3 weeks. While here i have met some great new friends that i hope to keep in touch with for ever. People from all over the world which makes it easier to travel.
I havent been feeling myself for the past 3-4 weeks or so and i had no direction where i should go. I guess, i just needed to chill and relax in one place for a while, which is why im very grateful for PSF. But now, after some good times here, and a perfect send off night of a dance party at the beach. I feel strong, confident, and ready to continue on my travels. And ready for the next part of my adventure. Only excited to see what will come.
I wasnt able to go to Puno, Arequipa, and colca canyon, so im heading back in that direction. And since im so close to Cuzco, im just going to go back there and visit some of the people i still know there. Maybe get a job. I could use one about now! ha
First in the Colca canyon, im going to sit at the bottom of the deepest canyon of the world and just be. Connect with the earth. Talk to her, love her. Maybe ask why she is hurting so much now and whats going on with all the earthquakes and other natural disasters these days. Pretty much we know why, but still, i will ask. Maybe by giving her some love, she will feel better.
Well, hopefully from here i will have some good adventures and some good stories to share.
Hope your all well and if i havent mentioned lately. I love you all and thank you for all your comments and support.
I havent been feeling myself for the past 3-4 weeks or so and i had no direction where i should go. I guess, i just needed to chill and relax in one place for a while, which is why im very grateful for PSF. But now, after some good times here, and a perfect send off night of a dance party at the beach. I feel strong, confident, and ready to continue on my travels. And ready for the next part of my adventure. Only excited to see what will come.
I wasnt able to go to Puno, Arequipa, and colca canyon, so im heading back in that direction. And since im so close to Cuzco, im just going to go back there and visit some of the people i still know there. Maybe get a job. I could use one about now! ha
First in the Colca canyon, im going to sit at the bottom of the deepest canyon of the world and just be. Connect with the earth. Talk to her, love her. Maybe ask why she is hurting so much now and whats going on with all the earthquakes and other natural disasters these days. Pretty much we know why, but still, i will ask. Maybe by giving her some love, she will feel better.
Well, hopefully from here i will have some good adventures and some good stories to share.
Hope your all well and if i havent mentioned lately. I love you all and thank you for all your comments and support.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pisco Sin Fronteras
Pisco Sin Fronteras is a volunteer organization that was created after 2 other organizations who had origially came to Pisco to help after the earthquake in 2007. They help out in the community to build houses, toilets, schools, or whatever project needs help with. People from all over the world come to work with this organization to help out.
We start each morning off with breakfast and a meeting about which projects are available to work on. You choose which one you want to work on, and head out for the day. Usually, if your working for a family, they cook you lunch, which is pretty good, then come back for dinner at PSF.
My first job was to build three classrooms, including walls and a roof for a new school in a poor neighborhood. When we got there, there was only estera walls (made out of bamboo sheets). Inside, we messured off the size to make 3 classrooms and started digging into sand to put up posts. We had to wet the sand to keep it from falling back into the hole we just dug. It was extremely hot, and sweety work. We walked around the neighborhood to collect larger rocks to fill in the holes after we set in the posts. Some of the wood we had was donated which helped in the cost of this project. After setting in the posts, we attached smaller poles horizontally to connect the posts together. 3 across at different levels. Two are to attach the estera walls and a higher one for the ceiling. Building this school is nothing you would ever do in the States, the supplies they had to work with was mind blowing to me. I had to ask what they were talking about because i couldnt imagine using a bamboo sheet as a wall.
Anyway, we got a lot done that morning, in time for the woman who is going to live and teach in the school, to come get us for lunch. We walked a few blocks down the road to her house, which she shared with about 4 other families. Had a delicous lunch, rested in the shade, and took a nice break before heading back out into the sun and heat. Within the one day, we had all the posts, and beams up ready to attach the walls and roof the next day. It was quite impressive how much work we were able to do so quickly.
The next day, Ashley came with me to this project. We started to attached the walls and add a plastic tarp roof. A plastic tarf for a roof. crazy. It had some holes in it and i asked about rain. Well, apparently it doesnt rain here and if it does, it is only sprinkles that last a short time. So no worries about a few holes. The tarps were also donated, so we have to use the supplies we have. You would think it would get really hot inside too, under black tarp, but it isnt so bad. Its shade and that is so much better than being out in the sun.
We had 2 really hard days of work at PSF and finally it was saturday. Ashley´s last day before catching a bus up to Lima to fly home that night back to MN. We had planned to get a tuctuc (small motorcycle taxi) into town to the Plaza de Armas, walk around the market and take it easy before she had to go back. But guess again. Everyone in the house was woken up with the news that there had been a huge 8.8 earthquake in Chile and that there was a Tsunami on the way. So we all had to pack a small bag, and abandon our house and head inland more. They actaully sent us to the same school i had worked on for the past 2 days. It was a bit crazy that morning, as i had to quickly say goodbye to Ashley as i got into a taxi with the people i was sharing a room with to head to the school. Thankfully, another peruvian girl had to go to Lima that day anyway, and Ashley was able to go with her. I knew she would be safe and Lima is higher ground so they shouldnt have a problem. I felt terrible having to leave her, and worried about her all day.
The rest of the volunteers arrived at the school in a huge delivery truck with people just standing in the back end of it. It was funny to see the truck coming down the road with heads sticking out on the top. We all just waited around in the shade for a few hours until we were told, that the same lady who cooked me lunch for the past two days, had invited everyone over for some fruit salad. There were about 60 of us. Back at her house, we sat around in the shade in some comfortable chairs and had a delicous fruit salad. She also offered to make lunch for everyone. We said no, but she wouldnt hear it. She made another amazing meal, and we all piched in a few soles to pay for it. She wouldnt accept the money, so we told her to put it towards supplies for the school. She was very touched by that. Around 4 we heard we were in the clear and that only a foot high Tsunami had hit the beach. And there was nothing else to worry about. So we jumped onto a bus and headed back to our house. We decided to have people on the roof to watch the beach just incase something did happen. So we had a little party on the roof. I saw a beautiful sunset from there and you can look around at all the half built/half destroyed buildings. Such a crazy view.
So on this trip, i have surrvived a flooding and avalanches and now earthquakes and tsunami. Almost makes me want to come home where i think it is safe.
My next days of volunteering have been to update a powerpoint presentation to send out to people and companies to inform them what PSF is all about and to ask for donations. I hope to send that presentation out for anyone who is interested in helping those families who dont have a home. I also started working on a mural at another school. The last 3 days, i have been at this school where we finished one wall that has a train, boat, and little girl holding balloons as they are all floating in the sky. The next 2 walls are side by side going to be a jungle scene. We started yeterday drawing different animals on the wall and starting to paint a few with the colors we had availble. I drew the head of an elephant, a tucan, a cheeta, and helped with the hippos mouth. I really liked the tucan and started to paint the beak all different colors. Already, it looks great and will be amazing to see finished.
PSF is a great organization working hard everyday to find new people who need homes or have projects they need finished and either dont have enough money for supplies or labor. We provide the free labor, and help with donations for supplies.
Last night we had a silent auction after dinner. People donated things they didnt want anymore and we walked around bidding on the different objects. We kept a few great objects for the end to be properly auctioned off. It was crazy how much people were spending for random objects. The few i remember that went for the most were ínto the wild´book. A CD of all the different lanuages, an official number 1 vulunteer certificate, and a backpack with waterpoouch in the back. As backpackers, who dont generally have that much money to spare. We raised over $1000 soles last night. It was truely amazing and a fun night to be apart of.
People come here for a few days and end up staying for weeks to months. It such a good environment and you feel so good at the end of the day after a hards days work helping someone who needs it. The families are so grateful and love to try to communicate and tell their stories, usually while enjoying their amazing lunch.
We start each morning off with breakfast and a meeting about which projects are available to work on. You choose which one you want to work on, and head out for the day. Usually, if your working for a family, they cook you lunch, which is pretty good, then come back for dinner at PSF.
My first job was to build three classrooms, including walls and a roof for a new school in a poor neighborhood. When we got there, there was only estera walls (made out of bamboo sheets). Inside, we messured off the size to make 3 classrooms and started digging into sand to put up posts. We had to wet the sand to keep it from falling back into the hole we just dug. It was extremely hot, and sweety work. We walked around the neighborhood to collect larger rocks to fill in the holes after we set in the posts. Some of the wood we had was donated which helped in the cost of this project. After setting in the posts, we attached smaller poles horizontally to connect the posts together. 3 across at different levels. Two are to attach the estera walls and a higher one for the ceiling. Building this school is nothing you would ever do in the States, the supplies they had to work with was mind blowing to me. I had to ask what they were talking about because i couldnt imagine using a bamboo sheet as a wall.
Anyway, we got a lot done that morning, in time for the woman who is going to live and teach in the school, to come get us for lunch. We walked a few blocks down the road to her house, which she shared with about 4 other families. Had a delicous lunch, rested in the shade, and took a nice break before heading back out into the sun and heat. Within the one day, we had all the posts, and beams up ready to attach the walls and roof the next day. It was quite impressive how much work we were able to do so quickly.
The next day, Ashley came with me to this project. We started to attached the walls and add a plastic tarp roof. A plastic tarf for a roof. crazy. It had some holes in it and i asked about rain. Well, apparently it doesnt rain here and if it does, it is only sprinkles that last a short time. So no worries about a few holes. The tarps were also donated, so we have to use the supplies we have. You would think it would get really hot inside too, under black tarp, but it isnt so bad. Its shade and that is so much better than being out in the sun.
We had 2 really hard days of work at PSF and finally it was saturday. Ashley´s last day before catching a bus up to Lima to fly home that night back to MN. We had planned to get a tuctuc (small motorcycle taxi) into town to the Plaza de Armas, walk around the market and take it easy before she had to go back. But guess again. Everyone in the house was woken up with the news that there had been a huge 8.8 earthquake in Chile and that there was a Tsunami on the way. So we all had to pack a small bag, and abandon our house and head inland more. They actaully sent us to the same school i had worked on for the past 2 days. It was a bit crazy that morning, as i had to quickly say goodbye to Ashley as i got into a taxi with the people i was sharing a room with to head to the school. Thankfully, another peruvian girl had to go to Lima that day anyway, and Ashley was able to go with her. I knew she would be safe and Lima is higher ground so they shouldnt have a problem. I felt terrible having to leave her, and worried about her all day.
The rest of the volunteers arrived at the school in a huge delivery truck with people just standing in the back end of it. It was funny to see the truck coming down the road with heads sticking out on the top. We all just waited around in the shade for a few hours until we were told, that the same lady who cooked me lunch for the past two days, had invited everyone over for some fruit salad. There were about 60 of us. Back at her house, we sat around in the shade in some comfortable chairs and had a delicous fruit salad. She also offered to make lunch for everyone. We said no, but she wouldnt hear it. She made another amazing meal, and we all piched in a few soles to pay for it. She wouldnt accept the money, so we told her to put it towards supplies for the school. She was very touched by that. Around 4 we heard we were in the clear and that only a foot high Tsunami had hit the beach. And there was nothing else to worry about. So we jumped onto a bus and headed back to our house. We decided to have people on the roof to watch the beach just incase something did happen. So we had a little party on the roof. I saw a beautiful sunset from there and you can look around at all the half built/half destroyed buildings. Such a crazy view.
So on this trip, i have surrvived a flooding and avalanches and now earthquakes and tsunami. Almost makes me want to come home where i think it is safe.
My next days of volunteering have been to update a powerpoint presentation to send out to people and companies to inform them what PSF is all about and to ask for donations. I hope to send that presentation out for anyone who is interested in helping those families who dont have a home. I also started working on a mural at another school. The last 3 days, i have been at this school where we finished one wall that has a train, boat, and little girl holding balloons as they are all floating in the sky. The next 2 walls are side by side going to be a jungle scene. We started yeterday drawing different animals on the wall and starting to paint a few with the colors we had availble. I drew the head of an elephant, a tucan, a cheeta, and helped with the hippos mouth. I really liked the tucan and started to paint the beak all different colors. Already, it looks great and will be amazing to see finished.
PSF is a great organization working hard everyday to find new people who need homes or have projects they need finished and either dont have enough money for supplies or labor. We provide the free labor, and help with donations for supplies.
Last night we had a silent auction after dinner. People donated things they didnt want anymore and we walked around bidding on the different objects. We kept a few great objects for the end to be properly auctioned off. It was crazy how much people were spending for random objects. The few i remember that went for the most were ínto the wild´book. A CD of all the different lanuages, an official number 1 vulunteer certificate, and a backpack with waterpoouch in the back. As backpackers, who dont generally have that much money to spare. We raised over $1000 soles last night. It was truely amazing and a fun night to be apart of.
People come here for a few days and end up staying for weeks to months. It such a good environment and you feel so good at the end of the day after a hards days work helping someone who needs it. The families are so grateful and love to try to communicate and tell their stories, usually while enjoying their amazing lunch.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mulf's Visit
My friend Ashley Mulford came to visit me for 10 days. At first i wasnt ready to leave Cusco. Its one of those towns you just get sucked into and feel so comfortable you dont want to leave. I had made some good friends there and have nice relaxing yet eventful days. I had hoped to leave early enough to head south to visit Puno and lake Ititikaka then through the Colca canyon. But unfortunetely, ran out of time, and had to the the 26 hour bus from Cuzco straight to Lima.
I got to Lima, was attacked by all the taxi guys, which i just walk away from until i find one a bit further down the road who isnt going to charge me as much. I walked away and talked to a police officer for directions when a guy sitting in his Volvo stationwagon asked me if i needed help. He spoke english, which was nice. i talked to him for a bit, while trying to avoid the harrassing taxi drivers. eventually, he offered to give me a ride to my hostel. so i accepted. He was very talkative. I told him i had a volvo like his back home in the states. He was excited. His passenger side window didnt roll down either, just like one of the old ones i used to drive. Funny how volvos around the world all have the same problems.
I made it safely to my hostel, found my friend Sylvia and walked around Plaza de Armas to get some food. She helped me find the right bus to get to the airport to go pick Ashley up. I thought i would have to get off and get onto another, but i was luckily dropped off on the side of the road right across the street from the airport. i just had to walk up to it. I waited with a bunch of other people and i even made a sign saying MULFORD, but in the excitment of seeing her, i forgot to hold it up. We somehow made our way back to the hostel, and chilled their for the rest of the night.
The next day, we walked around downtown lima, streets a few blocks from the main streets, and china town. just did some touristy walking around and took it easy. We both decided one day in the city was enough, so Friday morning we decided to catch a bus to Cerro Azul. We decided to have another relaxing night at the hostel. We got a few beer bottles, meet Sylwia, and layed out on the roof top talking for a few hours. It was so nice.
We got a taxi from our hostel to the bus station, and people were so nice and helped us get the bus to Cerro Azul. On the bus, Ashely pulled out her ipod. I hadnt listened to music for such a long time, it was nice and relaxing. The second song that came on was by Dave Matthews. Immediately, i was happy and thought of my good friend Angela. We both have a thing for Dave. Great music!
After an hour or so we arrive at Cerro Azul, got dropped off on the side of the road and started walking into town. This is a tiny little town, so people all stare at the new gringos. We just walked down towards the beach until we met someone who spoke some english and asked if we needed help finding a hostel. So we followed and found a nice place. It was a small room, double bed and tiny bathroom. It worked so we took it. We put our stuff down and headed out to the beach. I knew my friend Isaac(from the inca trail) was in town so we set out to look for him. Just walking along the beach, we luckily ran into him right before he was going to head out to go surfing. So we layed on the beach and i think took a little nap. Ike offered his surf board so with my one lesson in Montanita, i was going to teach Ashley how to surf. On the way out into the water i remembered, i should probably show her how to stand up first. So i quickly demonstrated and had her do it. She stood up once, perfect!, so into the water we went.
Through Ike, we met a few of the locals and that evening walked around the Plaza de Armas where food vendors and people just roamed around all night. We heard there might be a rugby tournament on the beach the next day. Sweet! Ike was planning on catching a night bus to head to lima, so we convinced him to stay a few more hours. There is this place along the beach where the water rushes in between two huge rocks. And when the water goes back out, the small rocks on the ground make an amazing sound. He wanted to record that sound so we walked over there and just sat along the rocks for a while. At midnight, the power went off in the whole city, which made our view even more beautiful. We could see some sort of plant/animal in the water that let off a neon glow. So as the waves came in, you saw beautiful glowing light in the water.
We helped Ike pack up his stuff which included a box, a basket, and a surfboard. Not the most easy traveling luggage. He had sent his backpack home with one of his brothers and had only the clothes on his back plus a few new purchases. surfboard and juicer. We each carried one item up to the main road to wait for a bus to pass that was heading to Lima. We flagged one down, put his stuff one, quickly said goodbye again, and he was on his way to Lima to the airport to go back to California. Ashley and I were on our own again. We went home to bed and had hopes to find the rugby tourney in the morning.
Saturday is a Rugby DAy!!! We packed a bag for the beach and headed down to find where this tournament was going to be. And to our surprise...it was there!!! There were tents set up and a huge stage where music was playing and they announced the teams. We watched a mens 7s game for a bit and decided to go ask if there were girls games going on to see if we could play. We walked up to the first tent and saw some girls. We asked if they were playing today and asked if we can join. When we told them we played back in the States, they got really excited and said yes! Turns out they only had 7 girls and really needed some extra. So we were sorted. On a team and they found us rugby shorts and a matching yellow top. Yes. Beach rugby!
The first game we played in, they had us go in on the second half. Right away Ashley and I dominated tackling, running the ball, and almost had a try that was held up. I was nervous at first, like usualy. But its crazy how natural it is to get right into the game. We ended up losing this game but it was fun. Our second game, they started us to play the full next game. I got a pass from Ashley and we scored our first try in this game. We missed our kick and ended up losing because of that kick. So we were done. There were only 3 girls teams and if we were to win we would play for the championship. But we didnt so we were done. Which was ok,. It was so hot, and that was the most exercise ive had in a long time. So i didnt feel good that night. A bit of heat exhaustion. I needed more water, sleep, and i of course took a remedy to help`with feeling like crap. Not good heat exhaustion. I should have known better. By morning I felt a ton better, thanks to the remedy and we could enjoy another day on the beach before catching a late bus to Ica which is only about an hour up the road.
In Ica, we got a taxi to Huacachina which is in the dessert and there is a oasis. A natural pond that the city built up around. The taxi driver drove us right up on the the front steps of the hostel. Almost thought he was going to drive inside. Kind of funny. We got a room, which was a bit bigger, and went to bed. In the morning, it was crazy to find out that we were completely surrounded by sand dunes. The night before we couldnt see what was around us so it was a surprise to finally see where we were at. This hostel had a pool, which was nice to lay by and rest. That is pretty much all we did for the first half of her trip. Rest and relaxed. We walked around the oasis which had restuarants and shops built up around it. And you could rent a little boat to go out on. Our hostel offered to go dunebuggying and sand boarding. So we negotiated a price with the front desk guys and got a good deal on room and buddying. It was nothing i would have expected. The drivers of these dunebuggys were crazy and we drove up and down over these sand dunes. It was like a rollercoaster. Then they would stop at a few spots to take pictures or to get the boards out and either surf down or ride down on your belly. It was a lot harder than snowbaording, so after one attempt, i rode down on the belly. They took us to another spot, and these dunes so so tall, the only way to go down was on your belly. So fun. I just laughed the whole way down. We took photos of us jumping and it looked like we were flying in the air. A group of girls from Australia thought it was great and we took photos of them doing the same thing.
When we got back, the front desk guy told us that that evening they were doing a pisco wine tour, which only happens for 3 weeks out of the year. I dont really believe that, but we joined. Taking the buggies again, they took us to vinyard to see the process of how they make pisco wine. We even got to stomp on some grapes which smelt and felt so not appealing. There were 3 buggies that went, and all the drivers race and try to beat each other. On our way to one of the vineyards, our buggie blew a pipe in the engine, which shifted the fan, which broke all the blades to the fan, and it sprayed out some liquid. We were on the side of the road as another buggie flew past us. Crazy, we had to wait for a buggie to come back and pick us up. Impressively though, some of the guys were able to work on it right there and get it together enough to drive it. Dont know how they did it.
We were planning on catching a late bus to get to Pisco, but we got back to late from the wine tour that the front desk guy offered a free night stay as long as we left before 8am. It wasn´t safe to travel so late at night, they didnt want us to leave. So we stayed, and left by 730am.
Back to Ica to catch a hour bus to Pisco to head to the Pisco Sin Fronteras (PSF), which is a volunteer organization to help build houses and other projects for the people who lost everything in the earthquake in 2007. We arrived at the PSF house around 9am, as everyone was scattering around and heading out to work. We had just missed the morning meeting. So we set our stuff in the corner, they told us where we could get some breakfast, and to wait for someone to tell us where our room would be. We walked up the street to the gas station, bought some crap food, and had a little picknic at one of the tables. Used the internet and took our time going back to the house. Luckily, when we got back we met Alice who helped us find a bed so we could put our stuff down and take a nap.
The nap was well needed, and afterwards meet a few other people who didnt have jobs or finished their jobs early. They were all going to the beach, so we joined them. So many new people arrive all the time, that you just blend right into the crowd and people are nice talking to you, asking where you came from and ect.
We had dinner with them, found out a little of how things run around here, then relxed in our room, so we would be ready the next morning for our first real day at PSF.
I got to Lima, was attacked by all the taxi guys, which i just walk away from until i find one a bit further down the road who isnt going to charge me as much. I walked away and talked to a police officer for directions when a guy sitting in his Volvo stationwagon asked me if i needed help. He spoke english, which was nice. i talked to him for a bit, while trying to avoid the harrassing taxi drivers. eventually, he offered to give me a ride to my hostel. so i accepted. He was very talkative. I told him i had a volvo like his back home in the states. He was excited. His passenger side window didnt roll down either, just like one of the old ones i used to drive. Funny how volvos around the world all have the same problems.
I made it safely to my hostel, found my friend Sylvia and walked around Plaza de Armas to get some food. She helped me find the right bus to get to the airport to go pick Ashley up. I thought i would have to get off and get onto another, but i was luckily dropped off on the side of the road right across the street from the airport. i just had to walk up to it. I waited with a bunch of other people and i even made a sign saying MULFORD, but in the excitment of seeing her, i forgot to hold it up. We somehow made our way back to the hostel, and chilled their for the rest of the night.
The next day, we walked around downtown lima, streets a few blocks from the main streets, and china town. just did some touristy walking around and took it easy. We both decided one day in the city was enough, so Friday morning we decided to catch a bus to Cerro Azul. We decided to have another relaxing night at the hostel. We got a few beer bottles, meet Sylwia, and layed out on the roof top talking for a few hours. It was so nice.
We got a taxi from our hostel to the bus station, and people were so nice and helped us get the bus to Cerro Azul. On the bus, Ashely pulled out her ipod. I hadnt listened to music for such a long time, it was nice and relaxing. The second song that came on was by Dave Matthews. Immediately, i was happy and thought of my good friend Angela. We both have a thing for Dave. Great music!
After an hour or so we arrive at Cerro Azul, got dropped off on the side of the road and started walking into town. This is a tiny little town, so people all stare at the new gringos. We just walked down towards the beach until we met someone who spoke some english and asked if we needed help finding a hostel. So we followed and found a nice place. It was a small room, double bed and tiny bathroom. It worked so we took it. We put our stuff down and headed out to the beach. I knew my friend Isaac(from the inca trail) was in town so we set out to look for him. Just walking along the beach, we luckily ran into him right before he was going to head out to go surfing. So we layed on the beach and i think took a little nap. Ike offered his surf board so with my one lesson in Montanita, i was going to teach Ashley how to surf. On the way out into the water i remembered, i should probably show her how to stand up first. So i quickly demonstrated and had her do it. She stood up once, perfect!, so into the water we went.
Through Ike, we met a few of the locals and that evening walked around the Plaza de Armas where food vendors and people just roamed around all night. We heard there might be a rugby tournament on the beach the next day. Sweet! Ike was planning on catching a night bus to head to lima, so we convinced him to stay a few more hours. There is this place along the beach where the water rushes in between two huge rocks. And when the water goes back out, the small rocks on the ground make an amazing sound. He wanted to record that sound so we walked over there and just sat along the rocks for a while. At midnight, the power went off in the whole city, which made our view even more beautiful. We could see some sort of plant/animal in the water that let off a neon glow. So as the waves came in, you saw beautiful glowing light in the water.
We helped Ike pack up his stuff which included a box, a basket, and a surfboard. Not the most easy traveling luggage. He had sent his backpack home with one of his brothers and had only the clothes on his back plus a few new purchases. surfboard and juicer. We each carried one item up to the main road to wait for a bus to pass that was heading to Lima. We flagged one down, put his stuff one, quickly said goodbye again, and he was on his way to Lima to the airport to go back to California. Ashley and I were on our own again. We went home to bed and had hopes to find the rugby tourney in the morning.
Saturday is a Rugby DAy!!! We packed a bag for the beach and headed down to find where this tournament was going to be. And to our surprise...it was there!!! There were tents set up and a huge stage where music was playing and they announced the teams. We watched a mens 7s game for a bit and decided to go ask if there were girls games going on to see if we could play. We walked up to the first tent and saw some girls. We asked if they were playing today and asked if we can join. When we told them we played back in the States, they got really excited and said yes! Turns out they only had 7 girls and really needed some extra. So we were sorted. On a team and they found us rugby shorts and a matching yellow top. Yes. Beach rugby!
The first game we played in, they had us go in on the second half. Right away Ashley and I dominated tackling, running the ball, and almost had a try that was held up. I was nervous at first, like usualy. But its crazy how natural it is to get right into the game. We ended up losing this game but it was fun. Our second game, they started us to play the full next game. I got a pass from Ashley and we scored our first try in this game. We missed our kick and ended up losing because of that kick. So we were done. There were only 3 girls teams and if we were to win we would play for the championship. But we didnt so we were done. Which was ok,. It was so hot, and that was the most exercise ive had in a long time. So i didnt feel good that night. A bit of heat exhaustion. I needed more water, sleep, and i of course took a remedy to help`with feeling like crap. Not good heat exhaustion. I should have known better. By morning I felt a ton better, thanks to the remedy and we could enjoy another day on the beach before catching a late bus to Ica which is only about an hour up the road.
In Ica, we got a taxi to Huacachina which is in the dessert and there is a oasis. A natural pond that the city built up around. The taxi driver drove us right up on the the front steps of the hostel. Almost thought he was going to drive inside. Kind of funny. We got a room, which was a bit bigger, and went to bed. In the morning, it was crazy to find out that we were completely surrounded by sand dunes. The night before we couldnt see what was around us so it was a surprise to finally see where we were at. This hostel had a pool, which was nice to lay by and rest. That is pretty much all we did for the first half of her trip. Rest and relaxed. We walked around the oasis which had restuarants and shops built up around it. And you could rent a little boat to go out on. Our hostel offered to go dunebuggying and sand boarding. So we negotiated a price with the front desk guys and got a good deal on room and buddying. It was nothing i would have expected. The drivers of these dunebuggys were crazy and we drove up and down over these sand dunes. It was like a rollercoaster. Then they would stop at a few spots to take pictures or to get the boards out and either surf down or ride down on your belly. It was a lot harder than snowbaording, so after one attempt, i rode down on the belly. They took us to another spot, and these dunes so so tall, the only way to go down was on your belly. So fun. I just laughed the whole way down. We took photos of us jumping and it looked like we were flying in the air. A group of girls from Australia thought it was great and we took photos of them doing the same thing.
When we got back, the front desk guy told us that that evening they were doing a pisco wine tour, which only happens for 3 weeks out of the year. I dont really believe that, but we joined. Taking the buggies again, they took us to vinyard to see the process of how they make pisco wine. We even got to stomp on some grapes which smelt and felt so not appealing. There were 3 buggies that went, and all the drivers race and try to beat each other. On our way to one of the vineyards, our buggie blew a pipe in the engine, which shifted the fan, which broke all the blades to the fan, and it sprayed out some liquid. We were on the side of the road as another buggie flew past us. Crazy, we had to wait for a buggie to come back and pick us up. Impressively though, some of the guys were able to work on it right there and get it together enough to drive it. Dont know how they did it.
We were planning on catching a late bus to get to Pisco, but we got back to late from the wine tour that the front desk guy offered a free night stay as long as we left before 8am. It wasn´t safe to travel so late at night, they didnt want us to leave. So we stayed, and left by 730am.
Back to Ica to catch a hour bus to Pisco to head to the Pisco Sin Fronteras (PSF), which is a volunteer organization to help build houses and other projects for the people who lost everything in the earthquake in 2007. We arrived at the PSF house around 9am, as everyone was scattering around and heading out to work. We had just missed the morning meeting. So we set our stuff in the corner, they told us where we could get some breakfast, and to wait for someone to tell us where our room would be. We walked up the street to the gas station, bought some crap food, and had a little picknic at one of the tables. Used the internet and took our time going back to the house. Luckily, when we got back we met Alice who helped us find a bed so we could put our stuff down and take a nap.
The nap was well needed, and afterwards meet a few other people who didnt have jobs or finished their jobs early. They were all going to the beach, so we joined them. So many new people arrive all the time, that you just blend right into the crowd and people are nice talking to you, asking where you came from and ect.
We had dinner with them, found out a little of how things run around here, then relxed in our room, so we would be ready the next morning for our first real day at PSF.
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