Re Fernando pics

I've been trying to make his next move a positive experience for Fernando. No-one ever seems to talk to him about his next new home. He is just told on the day and off he goes. It seems that there are no orphanages left in Cusco, which are prepared to take him, but I'm hoping something turns up for him rather than have to go to a hospital in Lima.

These pictures were taken earlier this week. I usually do some writing with him. Not much more than writing his name, but he can do that quite well, better than last year, and he can also write the numbers up to 10. Doesn't seem a lot I know, but for Fernando a major achievement, especially considering his lack of an education.

After we finish writing I ask him to draw a picture of what he wants his new home to look like. He draws the mountains first; his home in San Salvador is in the Sacred Valley and overlooked by some spectacular mountains. He then draws the sun, shining down with a smiley face. Then comes the house, and the two stick figures are him and me apparently. I've asked him what he most wants in his new house and guess what he wants a Dad ( un papá) who will be nice to him.

You can see from these photos how hard he concentrates, and for Fernando concetration is a major problem. In the photo where he is showing it off you can see how proud he is off his work and at the same time he is pointing out his new Cienciano top (our local profesional football team in Cusco). He wants to be sure that you notice. He doesn't get given much so the new clothes for him are very special.

A larger version can be seen by clicking on the photo.

As I write this there is a salsa class going on in the cafe next door. I like the music but bailar is beyond me at this altitude, or probably at any altitude nowadays. Its a beautiful dance to watch, very energetic, with fast complex steps. There are lots of places in Cusco where one can salsa the night away. So I guess this lot are preparing for a night on the dance floor tonight, being as its Saturday. I might visit Mandela's bar and see what music is on there. Miller has just arrived, so will probably go with him if he fancies it. A few people from Maximo Nivel go there at the weekend.

Saw Ebert and Fernando at La Policia this morning before going to visit Basilio at Jesus mi Luz at 11 and back at 3 to watch his football tournament. For those who can't wait for the scores his team played two games and won both. He wore the number 7 shirt of course; Ronaldo or Beckham, but he played a Keane type of game in the middle and with keane type tackles to boot.

More later all being well.