Buenos Dias!!!
Our Peru team of 5 have all arrived safe and sound. We have a very good group of participants (3 from Kamloops BC, 1 from Alberta and 1 from Germany) and I believe that we will get along with each other well. The past few days we have seen a lot of Lima and had some great meals and wine. Today we head to Huancayo on Cruz del Sur on the 1:30pm bus. I spoke with Violeta, our host partner contact at Arguendianos, and she is going to be meet us at the bus depot.
Looking forward to getting started on the project. We will keep you posted.
Tom Fair
DWC Team Leader
Monday, April 11, 2011
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Huancayo Peru: August 2010 - Last day on the project and saying goodbye
Last day of working in Huancayo today and it has proven to be a rewarding experience. although we will not see the completion of the school, we feel good knowing that we helped to get it one step closer. One day it will be full of children and will hopefully be the beginning of a new way of schooling in Huancayo. Be able to working side by side with the foreman, Maestro Augusto, was a rewarding experience in itself. He is an easy going guy with a sense of humor. Communicating was easy, he spoke zero English but with the help of our "pocito espanol" and a lot of hand signals we managed to get quite a bit of work done in the admin building. Its nice to be able to visualize what the entire place will look like when it is completed. The classrooms are already done, they have tiled floors and large windows and big fancy doors... the walkway that we worked on looked something like a labrynth, twisting and turning around what will be gardens and a meditations and chess area. There is a large grassy area for the kids to play if they like. The brick and cement keep the buildings cool in the day time. I am unsure whether or not Lizette and her family will be a permanent residence on the property after the completion of the school. But for the meantime it is necessary and quite a privilege for us to be able to see the daily life of this woman and her child while working at the jobsite. It was a little sad knowing we would not be back the following Monday to keep working with the group, Yessie, Augusto... and have Nancy bring lunch at 1pm. Its so funny how easily one can fall into a routine. But mostly it will be sad that we wont get to see any of them again.
I never thought saying goodbye would be so hard. Its amazing in such a short time the kind of bond you can create with a person. The kindness that our friends in Huancayo showed us is more then I can explain. Each and every one of them made it so comfortable to be there and it felt like home in no time at all. Nancy and Yessie arranged a tour for us on our last day, to see some of the country side we hadn't seen yet. We drove out of Huancayo, through a few small towns and into the country to the beautiful farmlands of the Andes. We stopped to hike up a beautiful cobblestone trail to the top of a mountain to see some ancient Wankan ruins. The Wankas were a civilization that lived in the area in the same time as the Incas (but nowhere near the Incas). They were a much stronger civilization and extremely strategic in the building of there city. It overlooks the mountain in all directions. They were wiped out by the Spanish however, same as the Incas. It was very warm and sunny, and although we were exhausted by the time we reached the top, it was worth it to experience the ruins. As well as the incredible view of Huancayo and surrounding area. The countryside was some of the most beautiful I had ever seen, old tapia and adobe style houses, ruins, freshly plowed fields ready to be planted, some already being harvested by old women wearing traditional layered skirts with aprons vests and hats. Towering over everything were beautiful eucalyptus trees, the air was fresh and clean with the slight scent of eucalyptus. It was quiet and peaceful, not like the city. There were donkeys, sheep and cows grazing on the land.. Its the kind of peaceful and simple life that I dream of. Cristian says its only about 10 soles/meter for land out there. That is less then 5 dollars Canadian!
Driving back down the mountain side, we stopped in a little village to see the oldest church in Huancayo. It is 450 years old. Beautiful, like something you would see in the movies. it was so... incredible. And cobblestone walkway leading over a bridge and all the way up to the front door.
On the ride there and back, I got to sit beside Cristian. It was nice having him near so I could ask questions about things. He and Yessie are so helpful anytime we have questions about the culture or anything. So we chatted a bit and he shared with me some photos of himself when he was younger and his family. It was so nice getting to spend a little extra time getting to know him. Wish I had even a few more days to get to know him better. And Yessie too...
Our farewell was rushed and chaotic. But we hugged and said our thank yous and goodbyes. I cried when I got on the bus. Some people asked what the best part of the trip was, and by far, it was making friends with the locals. I left a piece of my heart in Huancayo today. And one day soon I will be back for it.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
I never thought saying goodbye would be so hard. Its amazing in such a short time the kind of bond you can create with a person. The kindness that our friends in Huancayo showed us is more then I can explain. Each and every one of them made it so comfortable to be there and it felt like home in no time at all. Nancy and Yessie arranged a tour for us on our last day, to see some of the country side we hadn't seen yet. We drove out of Huancayo, through a few small towns and into the country to the beautiful farmlands of the Andes. We stopped to hike up a beautiful cobblestone trail to the top of a mountain to see some ancient Wankan ruins. The Wankas were a civilization that lived in the area in the same time as the Incas (but nowhere near the Incas). They were a much stronger civilization and extremely strategic in the building of there city. It overlooks the mountain in all directions. They were wiped out by the Spanish however, same as the Incas. It was very warm and sunny, and although we were exhausted by the time we reached the top, it was worth it to experience the ruins. As well as the incredible view of Huancayo and surrounding area. The countryside was some of the most beautiful I had ever seen, old tapia and adobe style houses, ruins, freshly plowed fields ready to be planted, some already being harvested by old women wearing traditional layered skirts with aprons vests and hats. Towering over everything were beautiful eucalyptus trees, the air was fresh and clean with the slight scent of eucalyptus. It was quiet and peaceful, not like the city. There were donkeys, sheep and cows grazing on the land.. Its the kind of peaceful and simple life that I dream of. Cristian says its only about 10 soles/meter for land out there. That is less then 5 dollars Canadian!
Driving back down the mountain side, we stopped in a little village to see the oldest church in Huancayo. It is 450 years old. Beautiful, like something you would see in the movies. it was so... incredible. And cobblestone walkway leading over a bridge and all the way up to the front door.
On the ride there and back, I got to sit beside Cristian. It was nice having him near so I could ask questions about things. He and Yessie are so helpful anytime we have questions about the culture or anything. So we chatted a bit and he shared with me some photos of himself when he was younger and his family. It was so nice getting to spend a little extra time getting to know him. Wish I had even a few more days to get to know him better. And Yessie too...
Our farewell was rushed and chaotic. But we hugged and said our thank yous and goodbyes. I cried when I got on the bus. Some people asked what the best part of the trip was, and by far, it was making friends with the locals. I left a piece of my heart in Huancayo today. And one day soon I will be back for it.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Huancayo, Peru: August 2010 - Macchu Picchu
We boarded Inka Rail, en route to Aguas Caliente at the base of Macchu Picchu. The train followed along the Urubamba river through the Sacred Valley of the Inkas and with windows all around, we had a spectacular view of the Valley. We watched as the mountains went from dry, and brown with tall eucalyptus trees, to lush and green, and almost jungle. The mountains here are somewhat different then at home. Our mountains have a much larger base to them, these ones here shoot straight up. We arrived in Aguas Caliente around 5, grabbed our luggage and walked through endless markets up steep and narrow cobblestone streets to our hotel. Our hotel here was called, " Plaza Andina". We went to grab a bite and then call it a night because we had to get up at 3:30 to get in line for the bus to Macchu Picchu.
Karin and I (and everyone else) had requested a wake up call for the next morning. We had also attempted to set the alarm clock... Our wake up was to be at 330. The alarm never went off, and the phone never rang. We woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing. I guess that was our wake up call! We packed our bags and walked down to the bus stop. There was already people in line and more on their way. The bus ride was quite an amazing climb up a switchback up to the high Andes. when we got to the check point, we got out and walked. up a few flights of stairs.. but that was nothing. The most beautiful and overwhelming feeling I have ever had happened when we reached the top of our climb. I have waited and waited, and come all this way. And there it was the ancient Inka city of Macchu Picchu. All I wanted to do was cry. About 20 minutes had passed before I even took a picture. I just sat and stared in awe.
Soon enough, Pursy gathered us up for our history lesson. He is such a thourogh and informative guide. We learned many things about Macchu Picchu. one thing being that the city itself is not named Macchu Picchu, but that is the name of the mountain to the north. The City's name in still unknown but there are some thoughts on what it might be however. The man who discovered it in 1911 was told buy a local farmer that their might be some ruins up there (pointed) on Macchu Picchu. It wasn't, but was in the middle of three mountains. But he decided its name was Macchu Picchu. The man was an American by the name of Hiram Bingham. He found many artifacts, such as pottery, textiles, tools, etc. and He brought them all back to the united states with him and still today they remain in Yale Universtity. Which is tragic for Peru. Their history should be preserved in their own country not the united states.... :( More and more things we learned... the Inkas had an irrigation system running through the entire city, trenches carved out of the stone running down each street and into beautiful fountains. And then, while we were in one of the houses and pursy was telling us what each room was for he showed us a small room with a small hole in the floor... it was a bathroom! There was a completely different pluming system running through the city for sewage. How fantastic is this place!!
Next we climbed up Waynapicchu to get a fabulous view of Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Waynapicchu is the tall tall mountain in the background of Macchu Picchu when you see pictures... the Inka trail goes all the way to the top. It was the most difficult hike I have ever done. Mind you I dont do much hiking.... But it switch backed all the way up one side. Inka stonework made stairs all the way up... it was so rewarding getting to the top!
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Karin and I (and everyone else) had requested a wake up call for the next morning. We had also attempted to set the alarm clock... Our wake up was to be at 330. The alarm never went off, and the phone never rang. We woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing. I guess that was our wake up call! We packed our bags and walked down to the bus stop. There was already people in line and more on their way. The bus ride was quite an amazing climb up a switchback up to the high Andes. when we got to the check point, we got out and walked. up a few flights of stairs.. but that was nothing. The most beautiful and overwhelming feeling I have ever had happened when we reached the top of our climb. I have waited and waited, and come all this way. And there it was the ancient Inka city of Macchu Picchu. All I wanted to do was cry. About 20 minutes had passed before I even took a picture. I just sat and stared in awe.
Soon enough, Pursy gathered us up for our history lesson. He is such a thourogh and informative guide. We learned many things about Macchu Picchu. one thing being that the city itself is not named Macchu Picchu, but that is the name of the mountain to the north. The City's name in still unknown but there are some thoughts on what it might be however. The man who discovered it in 1911 was told buy a local farmer that their might be some ruins up there (pointed) on Macchu Picchu. It wasn't, but was in the middle of three mountains. But he decided its name was Macchu Picchu. The man was an American by the name of Hiram Bingham. He found many artifacts, such as pottery, textiles, tools, etc. and He brought them all back to the united states with him and still today they remain in Yale Universtity. Which is tragic for Peru. Their history should be preserved in their own country not the united states.... :( More and more things we learned... the Inkas had an irrigation system running through the entire city, trenches carved out of the stone running down each street and into beautiful fountains. And then, while we were in one of the houses and pursy was telling us what each room was for he showed us a small room with a small hole in the floor... it was a bathroom! There was a completely different pluming system running through the city for sewage. How fantastic is this place!!
Next we climbed up Waynapicchu to get a fabulous view of Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Waynapicchu is the tall tall mountain in the background of Macchu Picchu when you see pictures... the Inka trail goes all the way to the top. It was the most difficult hike I have ever done. Mind you I dont do much hiking.... But it switch backed all the way up one side. Inka stonework made stairs all the way up... it was so rewarding getting to the top!
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Monday, August 23, 2010
Huancayo, Peru: August 2010 - When in Rome
Today is our second last day of working on the school. We finished the walkway we started last week and feels great to be done. A few of us went to help Maestro Augusto lay bricks on the second floor of the admin building, as well as finish off the roof. Laying bricks is kinda fun, we wet the bricks really good, mix up some cement and dirt and water, slop it on ans lay the bricks. After the walls are done they get covered in a layer of cement for a smooth finish which can be painted later. this is a very common way to build here. Haven't seen any 2x4's and drywall yet. Before the walls can get covered, the bricks must be soaked in water. So I had the lovely job of hosing down the walls of the bathroom upstairs. After a bit, Augusto was ready to start wiring. So he tosses up an extension cord and brings up a little circular saw. He motions to Jeff to dry his hands so he can hold the plug in the socket so it wouldn't fall out. It properly fit and had to be held in place in order for it to work. I told him my hands are already dry so I would hold it for him. Augusto grabbed a bucket, turns it over next to the wall and stands on it. I follow him over to the wall with the plug and extension cord in hand right into the massive puddle of water on the floor from wetting the bricks earlier. (but its a good thing my hands weren't wet) I held the plug in place while he dug out a place in the bricks to put the wires for the light, hoping he didn't fall of the tippy bucket. I'm pretty sure they teach you in elementary not to do this kind of thing. Ha ha.. when in Rome...
After work today we were going to a restaurant to eat and learn how to salsa! Yessie brought a friend of hers who knows how to dance really good to teach us how to salsa and merengue. we had the whole upper floor of the restaurant. It was so much fun! we invited everyone from the office and they brought along some friends with them too. Just a we bit into the dance lesson Nancy's husband and little girl came. We see this sweet little girl about 7 or 8 run up the stairs and right to her mothers side and announce, "HELLO MY FRIENDS!" in her best-est English ever! She had so much fun dancing with us. as did everyone! Cristian came, Augusto came all dressed to the nines, and few other friends from the office also showed up. It was really great time with everybody and I have lots of pictures to remember it. Tomorrow will be our last day working at the school. I am really sad to not be returning Monday and also a little sad not knowing when it will be ready for the kids to start attending. But I'm happy knowing we helped to get it closer to that point.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
After work today we were going to a restaurant to eat and learn how to salsa! Yessie brought a friend of hers who knows how to dance really good to teach us how to salsa and merengue. we had the whole upper floor of the restaurant. It was so much fun! we invited everyone from the office and they brought along some friends with them too. Just a we bit into the dance lesson Nancy's husband and little girl came. We see this sweet little girl about 7 or 8 run up the stairs and right to her mothers side and announce, "HELLO MY FRIENDS!" in her best-est English ever! She had so much fun dancing with us. as did everyone! Cristian came, Augusto came all dressed to the nines, and few other friends from the office also showed up. It was really great time with everybody and I have lots of pictures to remember it. Tomorrow will be our last day working at the school. I am really sad to not be returning Monday and also a little sad not knowing when it will be ready for the kids to start attending. But I'm happy knowing we helped to get it closer to that point.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Huancayo, Peru: August 2010 - Team Leader Shalen's thoughts
August 19, 2010
As I sit in my hotel room I think about how every time I vacation to a new exotic country, I feel as though I’m living in a surreal place. Sometimes it seems as though I don’t realize the true magnificence of my experience until much later... upon return... upon reflection... It is as if, I am living a dream; a beautiful dream where I explore wholeheartedly and experience truthfully.
The experience as a Developing World Connections Team Leader has given me a huge understanding and appreciation for the work and effort that other Team Leaders put into making a trip like this successful. When all the others are drinking Cervesas after dinner my mind rolls around budgets, numbers, planning and execution for the following day. This is a job people, don’t kid yourself.
However, having said that, I am extremely thankful for this job. I never said that a challenge wasn’t good. The reason I do new things, go new places, and learn is because I like challenges. I don’t think anything worth doing is ever easy. Great success comes from trauma, turmoil, and drama. And in the midst of all these things, there is so much joy... If you choose to see it.
What amazes me the most on every trip I take, is people. In my life, people around me are always telling me I trust too much, I give too much, and get screwed too much. But, every time I come to a foreign land, I am refreshed in my belief in people. People all over the planet, no matter their race, religion, culture, language, or ethnicity are basically the same. We are all striving to make our lives magnificent. And if we stop for a moment and reflect on our blessings, I think that in every culture, no matter our wealth or standing in society we can realize that our lives truly are as such...Magnificent, glorious, unbelievable, and amazing.
Having said this, let me tell you about my new friends. These are the friends and people that teach me so many more things than I could ever learn in any class or from any book. For me, life is truly about people. And our wow’ed experiences with people create the moments that make life worth living... nothing else.
First, our host partner in Huancayo Peru, Arguedianos has a host of employees. These people are the friendliest and most accommodating people I have ever met. They are so happy to greet us, feed us, take us on tours, plan excursions, party with us, and plan with us... I can tell that they are truly excited and happy to be with us; and rightfully so we are equally excited to spend time with them. Do you know how amazing it feels when you come to another country and you are welcomed by a personal tour guide with open arms? Just imagine, it’s pretty wild... It’s almost like I’ve always had these friends in Peru even though we certainly just got here. Our friends at Arguedianos have brought us lunches each day, cooked for us, danced with us, sang with and for us. I cannot express my thanks to these people, Jessie, Cristian, Nancy, Violeta & the rest of the gang...
Secondly, somehow along the way we met a Peruvian guy named Victor. I don’t really even know how we met a military journalist from Lima, but we did. I think it was Laura and Drew who originally randomly met Victor and made friends. Somehow though, serendipitously we had the pleasure of spending some time with him in Huancayo. His English was very good and this made for some entertaining nights with too many Pisco Sours down the hatch and just the right amount of Salsa and Merengue dancing to make you want just a little more... What amazed me about Victor was he truly cared for our safety even though we all had just met. It was like an instantaneous friendship... For example, he walked Nicole back to the hotel one late night when the rest of the gang wanted to stay late at the discoteck. Further, Victor always kept his eye on every individual in the group making sure we kept a close eye on our belongings and one another. If for even one brief moment someone from our group was out of sight, Victor would ask around and search them out to be sure they were always ok. He walked us home several nights, always encouraging the group to walk in the areas where light surrounded us... He shared stories about his heart being broken, his interesting job and his corny jokes. And not once did he ever do anything that appeared self centered, sleezy, or unkind.
These are the people that make life worth living...
Shalen Curle
DWC Team Leader
Huancayo, Peru
August 2010
Huancayo, Peru: August 2010 - Tambo Anya
Today Violeta( Developing World Connections Host Partner) took us to a school where we were to give our donations. The bus drove us out of Huancayo and into a small farm town called, Tambo Anya. When we arrived we were greeted by the principle of the elementary school. There were a few kids peeking around the corner at us and running and hiding when the saw me with my camera. lol. The principle took us into the grade 5-6 class first. They sang us a little song that translated to, "how are you my friends how are you?" and we replied, "very good!" They had a chance to ask us some questions, like where we are from, our names, what our weather is like, what kind of animals we have etc. We also asked them the same kind of questions. Some of the kids said the wanted to attend university, to become things like engineer, architect, doctor. We presented them with our gifts. 4 backpacks for the class room filled with, books, scribblers, pencils, toys, etc. and also a soccer ball and frisbee. none of the kids had ever seen a frisbee before so we did a little demonstration :) Some of the kids got up to try too. Its going to take a little practice :) We noticed that some kids were still wondering in after a while and we were told that the kids come whenever the parents can bring them. Because some live far out of town and also the kids help out on the farms. I think that is typical in any farming community in any culture. but in ours, maybe old fashioned? ..
We then went to the grade 1-2 class, This time after all the Q&A's we played a little game. The over and under game. We divided into two groups and made two rows down the class room and each team got a ball. We had to first pass over our head to the next person and then they have to pass under their legs to the next person. The last person gets to run to the front of the line and start again. Who ever cycles through the group the fastest wins! When Shay asked if they wanted to play a game, and Violeta translated, the kids faces lit up and said SIIIII!!!! And with big smiles they were ready for their game. Next we went to the 3-4 class. This time Andrew played a little Ben E. King on the guitar and we all sang Stand by Me. The kids sang a song back to us too. We passed around the gifts and candy too. The kids were delighted to have us there and asked us lots of questions. Jarret did a little yoyo demo and one of the boys got up to try. Jarret said if He could get it all the way back up again he would win the yoyo! And he did. While they were demonstrating the frisbee I was crouched next to some the desks. I heard a little voice whisper, senorita, senorita, senoritaaa. I finally noticed a little boy was trying to get my attention. he asked me something but I couldn't hear because he was whispering. He was saying, quanto anos? (I had Violeta tell me what he said) quanto anos means how old are you? so I told him, and I guess that is all he needed to know. it was so sweet :) Each of the class rooms were in three separate buildings, and in between was a beautiful courtyard. In the courtyard was also a garden. When we all gathered there one of the teacher's, Ricardo, brought us each glass of inca cola on a tray. Inca cola is bright yellow and taste a bit like bubble gum or cream soda. Some of the kids came out to play with their new soccer balls and Andrew and Jeff played with them. After, we all gathered and Ricardo thanked us for coming and brought out some gifts for us! He explained to us that the town was built on an archealogical site. The Huancas use to live in this valley many many years ago (hence the name Huancayo) And the Incas tried to defeat them but failed. When the school was built, a garden was made in the courtyard which the children tend too. While digging in the garden, the children came across some archaeological finds! Pieces of pottery, tools, and even toys, from the time the Huancas lived there. He told us that as a gift for coming to the school we may each take a piece with us. I was so thrilled to see these, I dug through the box and took so many pictures. What an amazing find! I part of me felt like this history should stay in the country, but another part of me thought what a wonderful memory to take home. and one of the coolest pieces I will ever get from another country. I'm sorry Peru but I'm taking a piece of pottery home with me. And of course it is proper to take a gift when given :)
Before we left some of the children came out and shared their breakfast with us. Each morning the kids get a packaged bun and milk for breakfast. It was so very sweet of them to share with us, it really touched my heart. A bun and milk is so simple.. it was for them, but they shared with us.. :)
After the school we went to work and continued up on the second and top floor of the admin building. We layed bricks, (well, some of us did...) with Augusto, and hauled equipment up to the roof top on a rickety wooden ladder.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
We then went to the grade 1-2 class, This time after all the Q&A's we played a little game. The over and under game. We divided into two groups and made two rows down the class room and each team got a ball. We had to first pass over our head to the next person and then they have to pass under their legs to the next person. The last person gets to run to the front of the line and start again. Who ever cycles through the group the fastest wins! When Shay asked if they wanted to play a game, and Violeta translated, the kids faces lit up and said SIIIII!!!! And with big smiles they were ready for their game. Next we went to the 3-4 class. This time Andrew played a little Ben E. King on the guitar and we all sang Stand by Me. The kids sang a song back to us too. We passed around the gifts and candy too. The kids were delighted to have us there and asked us lots of questions. Jarret did a little yoyo demo and one of the boys got up to try. Jarret said if He could get it all the way back up again he would win the yoyo! And he did. While they were demonstrating the frisbee I was crouched next to some the desks. I heard a little voice whisper, senorita, senorita, senoritaaa. I finally noticed a little boy was trying to get my attention. he asked me something but I couldn't hear because he was whispering. He was saying, quanto anos? (I had Violeta tell me what he said) quanto anos means how old are you? so I told him, and I guess that is all he needed to know. it was so sweet :) Each of the class rooms were in three separate buildings, and in between was a beautiful courtyard. In the courtyard was also a garden. When we all gathered there one of the teacher's, Ricardo, brought us each glass of inca cola on a tray. Inca cola is bright yellow and taste a bit like bubble gum or cream soda. Some of the kids came out to play with their new soccer balls and Andrew and Jeff played with them. After, we all gathered and Ricardo thanked us for coming and brought out some gifts for us! He explained to us that the town was built on an archealogical site. The Huancas use to live in this valley many many years ago (hence the name Huancayo) And the Incas tried to defeat them but failed. When the school was built, a garden was made in the courtyard which the children tend too. While digging in the garden, the children came across some archaeological finds! Pieces of pottery, tools, and even toys, from the time the Huancas lived there. He told us that as a gift for coming to the school we may each take a piece with us. I was so thrilled to see these, I dug through the box and took so many pictures. What an amazing find! I part of me felt like this history should stay in the country, but another part of me thought what a wonderful memory to take home. and one of the coolest pieces I will ever get from another country. I'm sorry Peru but I'm taking a piece of pottery home with me. And of course it is proper to take a gift when given :)
Before we left some of the children came out and shared their breakfast with us. Each morning the kids get a packaged bun and milk for breakfast. It was so very sweet of them to share with us, it really touched my heart. A bun and milk is so simple.. it was for them, but they shared with us.. :)
After the school we went to work and continued up on the second and top floor of the admin building. We layed bricks, (well, some of us did...) with Augusto, and hauled equipment up to the roof top on a rickety wooden ladder.
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Huancayo, Peru: August 2010 - San Jeronimo and cooking
On Sunday we went to the Sunday market, which is the biggest market in Huancayo. A street shuts down for about 5 or 6 blocks. and is lined with 2 rows of vendors. Most of the goods were the typical Peruvian handcrafted goods, such as silver, painted gourds, cheesy souvenirs, and alpaca blankets and sweaters. There were some foods and a special spot designated to manufactured items, like shoes. I had fun walking around and did manage to find a few great things. One of which came from a man who made some purses out of recycled leather. they were one of a kind and just what I was after. There were a few vendors who made one of a kind items such as Jewelry and purses wallets etc. Mostly men, and very funky hippy like people. I liked them, they were right up my ally :) I wasn't feeling well so I didn't stay to long. And I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that about 4 vendors told us to turn around and go back the other way because there was a man following us. they warned us to keep our bags close in front of us and to ignore if anyone tries to, for example, spill water on us, spit on us, or ask us to hold a baby. Because that is when they will try to rob us. The people were very kind to help us out. Again with the kind people... so wonderful. Nothing came of that man, at least not for us.
I spent the next evening and most of the next day at the hotel because I came down with a terrible cold and wanted to sleep it off so I could just be better. When every one got back from working I was told that Jessie and Lisbeth had arranged to take us in our bus to see a few things around the area. I thought I should try and get out of the room and attempt to feel better so I tagged along. And was so glad I did. The driver drove us out of Huancayo and into a small village where there was a family who spun alpaca wool and would weave wall hangings, blankets, sweaters etc. Here is the fantastic part. Not only is it all handmade by them but it is dyed using only natural plant dyes and in no part of the process at all are chemicals used. This is just what I've been looking for! She showed us how she spun the yarn and what plants were used for dying. There were two types of plants used for a few different colors, (cant remember which ones) A certain type of wood used for the blue and small bugs on who burrow themselves on a cactus for the red. you squish them of course for the red color :) She then showed us how to weave on these beautiful wooden machines, all done by a foot pedel. I had a hard time controlling myself in here. It was my goal this year to start investing in more natural fibers and dyes for my own clothing. I ended up spending and total of... 535 soles. Two blankets, 5 sweaters, and half a kilo of alpaca yarn.... oh yeah.. by the way.. does anyone know how to knit? All but three are gifts for people. No, Im not telling who, you can wait :P This amazing shop was run out of their home and looked to be in the courtyard of the home. It was a typical South American home, of you can imagine what you've seen in the movies. the front was gated and when you walked in it opened into the courtyard. The house itself was at the front of the compound (above the gate) and their were stairs to go up into the home. on the ground floor under the stairs, there was the most beautiful terra cotta, very large sink. Which every home I have seen so far always has one in the yard. I intend on having one too one day :P
Afterwards we went to a town called, San Jeronimo. There was a festival going on there. It is the festival of their patron saint. The festival lasts 6 days and is very lively with, dancers, beer gardens, carnival rides, games, vendors and more. There was a parade of people dressed in costumes and masks dancing wildly down the street followed by a live band playing some traditional tunes. The dance was called Avelino and is traditional to the festival. Will have to research some more info on that.. After that we drove to see a very very big statue of the virgin Mary in a town called Concepción.
Tuesday was a normal day at work, except for the amount my nose was running. And after work we were going to attend a cooking class. I was so excited to learn a traditional Peruvian dish!! We met up with the teacher and he took us to a the traditional market where we were going to buy fresh ingredients for the class. There was many beautiful fruits, vegetables and grains etc. And of course lots of fresh meat, cheeses, dairy products. I was happy that what we were making was a vegetarian dish because I was hungry and I was looking forward to eating it! Also, I wouldn't trust the meat in the meat market just because of how long it sits out for. Amoung other reasons... Many people in the group were shocked at the sight of the meat market. But really, its just where people go to buy their meat. After all, meat is dead animal remember? And here they use all parts of the animal, at home, most of it is wasted. I must admit the smell was a little offensive, but you guys sure enjoy the smell after its cooked and covered in spices don't you? Nobody wanted me to remind them that the meat they have been eating for the last week in the restaurants came from there. Haha, people are so silly. Welcome to the meat market.
We went to a friend of the chefs home and cooked up a wonderful traditional Huancayo meal. Here is the recipe:
Papas a la Huancaina- potatoes with Huancaina sauce
13 plates
26 medium potatoes (new potatoes and yellow are best)
1kg of cheese (white "fresco" Mexican or Peruvian cheese works ok but you could use feta for a stronger flavor)
3/4kg, small hot peppers ( yellow aji mirisol works best but you could use yellow Mexican chili too)
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2cup vegetable oil
8 soda crackers
1 onion
salt
lettuce
3 hard boiled eggs
black olives
Parsley
lime
picante pepper
boil and peel potatoes and allow to cool. in a blender, blend the cheese, peppers, milk, oil, crackers and salt.
The sauce should be fairly thick, if not add more crackers, of too thick add more milk.
slice onion in bowl and squeeze lime over top. add finely chopped picante pepper.
lay a bed of lettuce in a serving dish and place the potatoes on top. cover with the sauce. Cut the hard boiled eggs in half and place the side. add black olives if desire and sprinkle with chopped parsley. add onion salad to the side.
This dish can be served slightly cold.
It was delicious! Please enjoy!!
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
I spent the next evening and most of the next day at the hotel because I came down with a terrible cold and wanted to sleep it off so I could just be better. When every one got back from working I was told that Jessie and Lisbeth had arranged to take us in our bus to see a few things around the area. I thought I should try and get out of the room and attempt to feel better so I tagged along. And was so glad I did. The driver drove us out of Huancayo and into a small village where there was a family who spun alpaca wool and would weave wall hangings, blankets, sweaters etc. Here is the fantastic part. Not only is it all handmade by them but it is dyed using only natural plant dyes and in no part of the process at all are chemicals used. This is just what I've been looking for! She showed us how she spun the yarn and what plants were used for dying. There were two types of plants used for a few different colors, (cant remember which ones) A certain type of wood used for the blue and small bugs on who burrow themselves on a cactus for the red. you squish them of course for the red color :) She then showed us how to weave on these beautiful wooden machines, all done by a foot pedel. I had a hard time controlling myself in here. It was my goal this year to start investing in more natural fibers and dyes for my own clothing. I ended up spending and total of... 535 soles. Two blankets, 5 sweaters, and half a kilo of alpaca yarn.... oh yeah.. by the way.. does anyone know how to knit? All but three are gifts for people. No, Im not telling who, you can wait :P This amazing shop was run out of their home and looked to be in the courtyard of the home. It was a typical South American home, of you can imagine what you've seen in the movies. the front was gated and when you walked in it opened into the courtyard. The house itself was at the front of the compound (above the gate) and their were stairs to go up into the home. on the ground floor under the stairs, there was the most beautiful terra cotta, very large sink. Which every home I have seen so far always has one in the yard. I intend on having one too one day :P
Afterwards we went to a town called, San Jeronimo. There was a festival going on there. It is the festival of their patron saint. The festival lasts 6 days and is very lively with, dancers, beer gardens, carnival rides, games, vendors and more. There was a parade of people dressed in costumes and masks dancing wildly down the street followed by a live band playing some traditional tunes. The dance was called Avelino and is traditional to the festival. Will have to research some more info on that.. After that we drove to see a very very big statue of the virgin Mary in a town called Concepción.
Tuesday was a normal day at work, except for the amount my nose was running. And after work we were going to attend a cooking class. I was so excited to learn a traditional Peruvian dish!! We met up with the teacher and he took us to a the traditional market where we were going to buy fresh ingredients for the class. There was many beautiful fruits, vegetables and grains etc. And of course lots of fresh meat, cheeses, dairy products. I was happy that what we were making was a vegetarian dish because I was hungry and I was looking forward to eating it! Also, I wouldn't trust the meat in the meat market just because of how long it sits out for. Amoung other reasons... Many people in the group were shocked at the sight of the meat market. But really, its just where people go to buy their meat. After all, meat is dead animal remember? And here they use all parts of the animal, at home, most of it is wasted. I must admit the smell was a little offensive, but you guys sure enjoy the smell after its cooked and covered in spices don't you? Nobody wanted me to remind them that the meat they have been eating for the last week in the restaurants came from there. Haha, people are so silly. Welcome to the meat market.
We went to a friend of the chefs home and cooked up a wonderful traditional Huancayo meal. Here is the recipe:
Papas a la Huancaina- potatoes with Huancaina sauce
13 plates
26 medium potatoes (new potatoes and yellow are best)
1kg of cheese (white "fresco" Mexican or Peruvian cheese works ok but you could use feta for a stronger flavor)
3/4kg, small hot peppers ( yellow aji mirisol works best but you could use yellow Mexican chili too)
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2cup vegetable oil
8 soda crackers
1 onion
salt
lettuce
3 hard boiled eggs
black olives
Parsley
lime
picante pepper
boil and peel potatoes and allow to cool. in a blender, blend the cheese, peppers, milk, oil, crackers and salt.
The sauce should be fairly thick, if not add more crackers, of too thick add more milk.
slice onion in bowl and squeeze lime over top. add finely chopped picante pepper.
lay a bed of lettuce in a serving dish and place the potatoes on top. cover with the sauce. Cut the hard boiled eggs in half and place the side. add black olives if desire and sprinkle with chopped parsley. add onion salad to the side.
This dish can be served slightly cold.
It was delicious! Please enjoy!!
Amber Lee
DWC Participant
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)