Here I am in Cusco again. And it´s been raining today. I´m assured it´s a one off and tomorrow will be all sunshine.
I´m already feeling the altitude effects, but takes a few days for the body to adjust, and probably more as we get older. It´s exhausting I can tell you. Need an early night tonight, so no night clubbing for me. Cusco has many discos and night clubs as one would expect for such a touristy place.
Flat is excellent though not quite the same standard as my Lima flat, which is to be expected given the price difference.
I´m rambling. Need to go eat more soon.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Keiko
Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of Fujimori, ex president of Peru, currently in jail here, for corruption. She is standing in the presedential elections next year and has a chance of winning it, though I don't think she is favourite. One of her main policy stances is a pardon for her father. Justice is served again. Though it's not unheard of in USA for pressies to pardon their corrupt pals I seem to recall. Nixon should have been in jail, when alls said and done, along with a few others. Still I would rather Peru did not follow that particular example of democracy at work.
My taxi driver seems like a decent cove. But he doesn't say much and when he does speak its hard to follow and he has an annoying habit of finishing every thing he does say with a little gruntlike sound, so sometimes its best for him to be silent.
The other day I tried to engage him in some political banter as one does, just to get things going. I asked him about Keiko just to gauge his reaction. I asked if her party was a right wing party and whether or not it and she were fascists. I knew the answer of course, its always best in these situatiuons I find. He told me that she was right wing and agreed she and her party are fascist. It was quickly obvious that he was on her side and a supporter of her and her father.
Fujomori is popular because he is seen as having been the man who put an end to Shining Path and all it's works. But there's more to the story than I have time for. My taximnan complains of high prices for basics like sugar and oil. Sugar has gone up by 100 % in 6 months. Oil is also high. He tells me Keiko will reduce prices at once. He doesn't know how.
I was a bit put out to discover I was being driven around by a fascist supporter. I don't think I could describe him as fascist, just misguided and I don't have the time to teach him to be a good socialist. Like gordon brown. No bigots in UK Gordon? You were right of course but it's probably f'ckd ur chances.
Edgar, my taximan is like many folk in these parts. The houses up in the hills in Villa Maria and San Juan are full of Keiko posters. And these are the poorests parts of Lima.
Her party is called Fuerza2011, a nice non fascist sounding name. If you google or youtube her name you will see her. Wish I had more time to say more but maybe later.
My taxi driver seems like a decent cove. But he doesn't say much and when he does speak its hard to follow and he has an annoying habit of finishing every thing he does say with a little gruntlike sound, so sometimes its best for him to be silent.
The other day I tried to engage him in some political banter as one does, just to get things going. I asked him about Keiko just to gauge his reaction. I asked if her party was a right wing party and whether or not it and she were fascists. I knew the answer of course, its always best in these situatiuons I find. He told me that she was right wing and agreed she and her party are fascist. It was quickly obvious that he was on her side and a supporter of her and her father.
Fujomori is popular because he is seen as having been the man who put an end to Shining Path and all it's works. But there's more to the story than I have time for. My taximnan complains of high prices for basics like sugar and oil. Sugar has gone up by 100 % in 6 months. Oil is also high. He tells me Keiko will reduce prices at once. He doesn't know how.
I was a bit put out to discover I was being driven around by a fascist supporter. I don't think I could describe him as fascist, just misguided and I don't have the time to teach him to be a good socialist. Like gordon brown. No bigots in UK Gordon? You were right of course but it's probably f'ckd ur chances.
Edgar, my taximan is like many folk in these parts. The houses up in the hills in Villa Maria and San Juan are full of Keiko posters. And these are the poorests parts of Lima.
Her party is called Fuerza2011, a nice non fascist sounding name. If you google or youtube her name you will see her. Wish I had more time to say more but maybe later.
See saws
When we finish homework and eating we wonder off to the play park. They can play football or try the swings and see saw and other stuff. Why is it called a see saw and not a hee haw or whatever. I seem to recall its in a nursery rhyme and probably has roots somewhere but who knows. And will Peruvian kids understand? No, I don't think so.
I get very nervous when they are on these swings and things in case they do damage to themselves or others. Then I remember that these kids spend their time on the streets in a very dangerous bit of the world and many of them work there too. So this is probably the safest thing they do a lot of the time. Pretty stupid to worry but still its hard not to. I'm always glad when they get tired of using the equipment and play footie or netball, minus the net of course. They do have a basketball and a thingee for aiming at. What's that called now?
When we walk to and from the park the girls all want to hold my hand, and run to be first, so I end up with a few of them hanging on. What the locals think goodness knows. The boys then want to do the same.
I'm knackered by the time my taximan comes for me. And thats another story btw.
This is Thursday morning and I'm not working today, as it's my last day in Lima this time round. Which is why I have more time for my blog. Hope you all paying attention now. Tomorrow I'm off to Cusco. How do I cope?
I get very nervous when they are on these swings and things in case they do damage to themselves or others. Then I remember that these kids spend their time on the streets in a very dangerous bit of the world and many of them work there too. So this is probably the safest thing they do a lot of the time. Pretty stupid to worry but still its hard not to. I'm always glad when they get tired of using the equipment and play footie or netball, minus the net of course. They do have a basketball and a thingee for aiming at. What's that called now?
When we walk to and from the park the girls all want to hold my hand, and run to be first, so I end up with a few of them hanging on. What the locals think goodness knows. The boys then want to do the same.
I'm knackered by the time my taximan comes for me. And thats another story btw.
This is Thursday morning and I'm not working today, as it's my last day in Lima this time round. Which is why I have more time for my blog. Hope you all paying attention now. Tomorrow I'm off to Cusco. How do I cope?
Homework
Most days I help the kids with homework, at least those that come with homework to do, which many of them don't.
Jose had to describe what some people were wearing in some photos and was given a number of choices. I chuckled when I saw one of his choices was a t-shit. We of course managed to spell it correctly. I waas tempted to send a wee note to his teacher but decided against it. She, I think its a she often marks stuff as corrct when it's not. Still a little learning is better than no learning, or have I got that wrong. Did someone not used to say a little learning is a dangerous thing? Neil probably remembers.
Another time he had to write down all the books of the Old Testament. This was not English homework but religious studies of some sort. It struck me as a bit strange until I realised I had been taught them as a wee boy too, though probably in Sunday school and not in school. I can't imagine that Fury wasted any time on such things. If you don't remember who Fury was you obviously missed the 50s. But ask my wee brother as they were once acquaintances of some sort. I could manange a few but my memory failed me in my hour of need. Of course he didn't know them either and there being no bible on the premises we were kind of stuck, until one of the student volunteers from Lima offerred to help. Between us we managed to do it. Though as Morecambe said to Previn, not necesarily in the right order. And maybe not all of them. How many are there? God knows. Surely.
One of the girls, had some sums to do. I hadn't helped her before and I'd always asked her but it was always "no tengo tarea". I quickly realised why. She had no idea what to so with sums. Simple multiplication and she's 10. Didn't even understand the plus, minus, equals signs etc. So doing her homework was an impossibilty for her. Someone else always did it. We ended up with her learning the 3 times table. I told her she had to memorise before she left. She managed it. Which was nice. Only a few more tables to learn and she'll be a mathematical genius like me.
Is my spelling getting worse? My spell check on blogger is knackered.
Jose had to describe what some people were wearing in some photos and was given a number of choices. I chuckled when I saw one of his choices was a t-shit. We of course managed to spell it correctly. I waas tempted to send a wee note to his teacher but decided against it. She, I think its a she often marks stuff as corrct when it's not. Still a little learning is better than no learning, or have I got that wrong. Did someone not used to say a little learning is a dangerous thing? Neil probably remembers.
Another time he had to write down all the books of the Old Testament. This was not English homework but religious studies of some sort. It struck me as a bit strange until I realised I had been taught them as a wee boy too, though probably in Sunday school and not in school. I can't imagine that Fury wasted any time on such things. If you don't remember who Fury was you obviously missed the 50s. But ask my wee brother as they were once acquaintances of some sort. I could manange a few but my memory failed me in my hour of need. Of course he didn't know them either and there being no bible on the premises we were kind of stuck, until one of the student volunteers from Lima offerred to help. Between us we managed to do it. Though as Morecambe said to Previn, not necesarily in the right order. And maybe not all of them. How many are there? God knows. Surely.
One of the girls, had some sums to do. I hadn't helped her before and I'd always asked her but it was always "no tengo tarea". I quickly realised why. She had no idea what to so with sums. Simple multiplication and she's 10. Didn't even understand the plus, minus, equals signs etc. So doing her homework was an impossibilty for her. Someone else always did it. We ended up with her learning the 3 times table. I told her she had to memorise before she left. She managed it. Which was nice. Only a few more tables to learn and she'll be a mathematical genius like me.
Is my spelling getting worse? My spell check on blogger is knackered.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Another camera
Managed to buy a new camera in the market in downtown Lima. Dangerous place but business is business. Found a second hand Canon for less than $100. Probably paid too much but felt lost without a camera and didn't want to buy a new one here. That can wait for Edinburgh. Will test later this week and post a pic on here see how it looks. Off out for dinner now. It's a hard life.
SATURDAY OUTING
Saturday was fun filled, once I got over losing my camera. I've had that Fuji for a good few years now, well should I say did have. It's been to Peru with me a few times and been everywhere I've been so it's been around a bit. Still I have all the pics I took to remind me of it. And now a nice Peruvian person has it, so I suppose that's fair enough.
So without the camera I have no nice photos to put on here of our trip to Parque de las Leyendas. One of the other volunteers who was helping out took some photos and she has promised to send me some.
There were 26 kids and six student volunteers from a local all female university who are doing some social science course and who help out at INABIF. Plus myself and two workers, Flor and Pedro. We split the kids into small groups and we each supervised 6 kids or thereabouts. I was looking after 6 boys aged about 7 to 12, along with one of the volunteers called Elisabet. The kids were great and all behaved impeccably, apart from one or two minor misdeeds. Flor was expertly in charge. We were not going to lose anybody thats for sure, she had us all under control.
I met lots of new kids on Saturday, as some of the usual ones couldn't make it: work and family commitments etc, even at their age.
We had to go by public transport, which meant two buses, and that was real fun, packed and with a very low roof. I took the first seat that became available, and that took some 20 minutes or more.
At the end of the day I took a taxi back to Miraflores as it made no sense to go back to Villa Maria and then back into Lima. I was swamped by girls wanting kisses and hugs and had to struggle into the taxi. Thought I wasn't going to make it for a bit.
I think we can say a good time was had by all. Thanks to my pals from conversation group at Marians' and to Neville for contributing. Cheers folks. Kids all love you.
So without the camera I have no nice photos to put on here of our trip to Parque de las Leyendas. One of the other volunteers who was helping out took some photos and she has promised to send me some.
There were 26 kids and six student volunteers from a local all female university who are doing some social science course and who help out at INABIF. Plus myself and two workers, Flor and Pedro. We split the kids into small groups and we each supervised 6 kids or thereabouts. I was looking after 6 boys aged about 7 to 12, along with one of the volunteers called Elisabet. The kids were great and all behaved impeccably, apart from one or two minor misdeeds. Flor was expertly in charge. We were not going to lose anybody thats for sure, she had us all under control.
I met lots of new kids on Saturday, as some of the usual ones couldn't make it: work and family commitments etc, even at their age.
We had to go by public transport, which meant two buses, and that was real fun, packed and with a very low roof. I took the first seat that became available, and that took some 20 minutes or more.
At the end of the day I took a taxi back to Miraflores as it made no sense to go back to Villa Maria and then back into Lima. I was swamped by girls wanting kisses and hugs and had to struggle into the taxi. Thought I wasn't going to make it for a bit.
I think we can say a good time was had by all. Thanks to my pals from conversation group at Marians' and to Neville for contributing. Cheers folks. Kids all love you.
A theft
What a bugger!!!! My camera was stolen out of my pocket in Villa Maria on Saturday. My own fault really. Got too confident, forgot where I was. Silly me. Thought I was in Morningside again, not that we don't have our very own thieves there too.
Still that's a lesson for me, and at least not lost anything else, like cards or passport etc. Not that I had it with me to lose.
So no pics from Saturday. More later I'm off out to a secong hand shop in downtown Lima with a pal to look for a cheap camera.
Still that's a lesson for me, and at least not lost anything else, like cards or passport etc. Not that I had it with me to lose.
So no pics from Saturday. More later I'm off out to a secong hand shop in downtown Lima with a pal to look for a cheap camera.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Hasta manana
Tomorrow I have to be up at an unfeasibly early hour. Like at 6 am. I have to be in Villa Maria at 8.15 am so we can set off with the kids at 8.30.
We're going by public transport, as hiring a private bus proved to be too expensive. Shame but just another wee challenge. Should be of though. Flor has laid down the ground rules but I reckon they will be mostly forgotten about.
Need to have an early night but haven't eaten yet. Just about to go out to a restaurant. Bed by 11 I hope.
Will report on trip soon. Will take my camera.
We're going by public transport, as hiring a private bus proved to be too expensive. Shame but just another wee challenge. Should be of though. Flor has laid down the ground rules but I reckon they will be mostly forgotten about.
Need to have an early night but haven't eaten yet. Just about to go out to a restaurant. Bed by 11 I hope.
Will report on trip soon. Will take my camera.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Crossing the road in Lima
There I was waiting to cross a busy main road in Miraflores when this Peruvian chap walked up to me and said "it's a question of life or death, here you live or you die". I thought bloody hell must be mafia caught up with me finally, so prepare to die as it were.
He was of course talking about the dangers of crossing the road, and not about to kidnap me. He just had a strange way of expressing it. Even at pedestrian lights you take your life in your hands. It's always a challenge. I have to keep reminding myself that traffic comes in all directions but mostly where it shouldn't.
So I got into conversation with my new pal who was pleased to hear I came from Scotland and even more pleased I lived in Edinburgh. So much better to live there than London he told me. Not sure if this was anti English or on aesthetic grounds or just self evidently true. I don't think he was being racist. He spoke excellent English; my first English conversation for a good few days.
Spanish subjunctive tense today. It's is one of those things one has to get on with in life. But it's not easy especially as one's memory is not quite what it was in one's youth. Ruth does a fine job teaching it.
He was of course talking about the dangers of crossing the road, and not about to kidnap me. He just had a strange way of expressing it. Even at pedestrian lights you take your life in your hands. It's always a challenge. I have to keep reminding myself that traffic comes in all directions but mostly where it shouldn't.
So I got into conversation with my new pal who was pleased to hear I came from Scotland and even more pleased I lived in Edinburgh. So much better to live there than London he told me. Not sure if this was anti English or on aesthetic grounds or just self evidently true. I don't think he was being racist. He spoke excellent English; my first English conversation for a good few days.
Spanish subjunctive tense today. It's is one of those things one has to get on with in life. But it's not easy especially as one's memory is not quite what it was in one's youth. Ruth does a fine job teaching it.
Monday, April 19, 2010
450 million Spanish speakers
I should have edited my last post, but I'm sure those of you who are into grammatical correctness will forgive me for any errors you find in it.
It is estimated that there are 450 million Spanish speakers worldwide and growing. Not sure how this compares to English.
This blog has been viewed 11,909 times since I started it way back in 2006.
More later.
It is estimated that there are 450 million Spanish speakers worldwide and growing. Not sure how this compares to English.
This blog has been viewed 11,909 times since I started it way back in 2006.
More later.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Puerto Libre
Monday morning and Ruth my Spanish teacher has just left and Veronica has just arrived. Am off to my supermercado shortly. It's called Vivandas and I guess is Lima's Waitrose. So it's just like home really, except I have to speak in Spanish of course. But they need to learn to slow down for me. Really what do they teach these guys?
Yesterday had a quiet day and watched some footie. Plenty of UK football shown on tele here, live and repeats, and I have it free in my apartment, so don't have to go to the pub to watch it, not that I've watched much, just the occasional man u game. Shame about champions league, I'm sure you will all agree, but league is still on, thanks to two great performances from Spurs. Not that I've much time for their boss man Redknapp. Not a word was said about Ross County, but it got coverage here in Lima in the press.
Been to a great museum, Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropologia y Historia del Perú. Will need to go back as we ran out of time there.
It's in a part of Lima called Pueblo Libre, so called because Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin lived there. They lead the liberation struggle against the Spanish when they arrived here from Venezuela and Argentina.I believe San Martin went to live when he first came here and was followed by Bolivar. The house is in fact a part of the museum and I only got to spend 10 minutes there,which is why I want to go back.
San Martin and Simon Bolivar are regarded by Peruvians as their liberators from Spanish colonial rule,as do many Latin Americanos. Bolivia was named after Bolivar and Chavez gets his Bolivarian revolution,from Bolivar's ideas.
San Martin was first to declare independence from Spain but never actually faught the Spanish in battle. Bolivar did and defeated them twice. They didn't see eye to eye. Bolivar wanted a USA style republic incorporating much of South America. His ideas were too advanced for San Martin who left the country and went to live in France.
Yesterday had a quiet day and watched some footie. Plenty of UK football shown on tele here, live and repeats, and I have it free in my apartment, so don't have to go to the pub to watch it, not that I've watched much, just the occasional man u game. Shame about champions league, I'm sure you will all agree, but league is still on, thanks to two great performances from Spurs. Not that I've much time for their boss man Redknapp. Not a word was said about Ross County, but it got coverage here in Lima in the press.
Been to a great museum, Museo Nacional de Arqueologia, Antropologia y Historia del Perú. Will need to go back as we ran out of time there.
It's in a part of Lima called Pueblo Libre, so called because Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin lived there. They lead the liberation struggle against the Spanish when they arrived here from Venezuela and Argentina.I believe San Martin went to live when he first came here and was followed by Bolivar. The house is in fact a part of the museum and I only got to spend 10 minutes there,which is why I want to go back.
San Martin and Simon Bolivar are regarded by Peruvians as their liberators from Spanish colonial rule,as do many Latin Americanos. Bolivia was named after Bolivar and Chavez gets his Bolivarian revolution,from Bolivar's ideas.
San Martin was first to declare independence from Spain but never actually faught the Spanish in battle. Bolivar did and defeated them twice. They didn't see eye to eye. Bolivar wanted a USA style republic incorporating much of South America. His ideas were too advanced for San Martin who left the country and went to live in France.
Parque de las Leyendas
We are organising an outing/expedition for the kids for this Saturday. We are taking about 40 street kids from Villa Maria to Parque de Las Leyendas for the day. So we will have a busy week preparing for it.
Flor reckons about 40 will want to go but we don't know for sure just yet how many will go. Neither do I know how many adults are coming along to help. So far only Flor,Pedro and myself. Lets hope more will come along to help out.
Watching out for 40 of these kids ain't gonna be a walk in the park, so to speak. Or maybe it will be a walk in the park. Lets hope they all get back to Villa Maria.
The park is a zoo exhibiting animals and birds native to Peru, with lots of stuff for the kids to do and learn about. More later with some photos of hippos and jaguars (hopefully with no kids in their gobs) and whatever else we can photo.
Flor reckons about 40 will want to go but we don't know for sure just yet how many will go. Neither do I know how many adults are coming along to help. So far only Flor,Pedro and myself. Lets hope more will come along to help out.
Watching out for 40 of these kids ain't gonna be a walk in the park, so to speak. Or maybe it will be a walk in the park. Lets hope they all get back to Villa Maria.
The park is a zoo exhibiting animals and birds native to Peru, with lots of stuff for the kids to do and learn about. More later with some photos of hippos and jaguars (hopefully with no kids in their gobs) and whatever else we can photo.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Scorchio
Its hot here, just waiting for my taxi to arrive. Guess the heat is better than volcanic ash though.
I've put couple of pics on here of Villa Maria where I go to work for about 3 hours Tuesday to Thursday. Not sure about tomnorrow. Flor wants me to go to another place where she works every Friday. It's further out of Lima than Villa Maria and if anything poorer. Also means a later finish. Will have to see how it goes today.
We are organising an outing for all the kids with the money that Marian and co gave me and a little from me. The kids from both centres are coming so I guess I should go meet the other lot tomorrow, just to get to know them.
More later. Hope you all enjoy the debate now over there in Escocia.
I've put couple of pics on here of Villa Maria where I go to work for about 3 hours Tuesday to Thursday. Not sure about tomnorrow. Flor wants me to go to another place where she works every Friday. It's further out of Lima than Villa Maria and if anything poorer. Also means a later finish. Will have to see how it goes today.
We are organising an outing for all the kids with the money that Marian and co gave me and a little from me. The kids from both centres are coming so I guess I should go meet the other lot tomorrow, just to get to know them.
More later. Hope you all enjoy the debate now over there in Escocia.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Football is everywhere
We have a wee park and playground at INABIF. Today we played football. Boys insisted I had to play. They choose teams just like we used to over in Cnoc Mhor all these few years ago. Worth a visit for those of you who never been. It was the scene of many great games. Epoch making I think you could fairly say.
Wilber won their version of stone, scissors, paper and I was his first selection. Silly boy believed me when I told him I was brilliant at footie.
Had to play the waiting game, as it's just a tad hot in these parts. Maybe 25 or 26 today. Anyway too damned hot for me to be running around. So had to play a Scholes type game, hanging about waiting for the ball to come my way, then incisive defence splitting passes. I think we lost.
My dinner is just about ready so better go and eat. Having lomo saltado, home cooked. Nice.
Wilber won their version of stone, scissors, paper and I was his first selection. Silly boy believed me when I told him I was brilliant at footie.
Had to play the waiting game, as it's just a tad hot in these parts. Maybe 25 or 26 today. Anyway too damned hot for me to be running around. So had to play a Scholes type game, hanging about waiting for the ball to come my way, then incisive defence splitting passes. I think we lost.
My dinner is just about ready so better go and eat. Having lomo saltado, home cooked. Nice.
Coffee with Heidi
Sunday afternoon I spent with Heidi. Heidi was the first person I worked for in Cusco, when I used to go to La Policia de Familia. We chatted about old times in Cusco. Hard to believe I've been coming here so long. Maybe I should move permenantly. Mind you I suppose I will have to keep my promise to Gavin and work full time for a bit. Don't worry Gavin I'll be there.
Heidi is now a student here in Lima, doing an MBA. Hopes to work eventually for an NGO. She will be good at whatever she does. Very talented lady. Peru needs lots like her.
I was hoping she might have news of my wee pal Fernando from La Policia, but she didn't. Those of you who have been reading this blog for past few years might remember him. I will try to find him when I'm back in Cusco but don't hold out much hope.
He was in Lima for a while but didn't stay for long. Ran away to Cusco. He could be anywhere now.
Heidi is now a student here in Lima, doing an MBA. Hopes to work eventually for an NGO. She will be good at whatever she does. Very talented lady. Peru needs lots like her.
I was hoping she might have news of my wee pal Fernando from La Policia, but she didn't. Those of you who have been reading this blog for past few years might remember him. I will try to find him when I'm back in Cusco but don't hold out much hope.
He was in Lima for a while but didn't stay for long. Ran away to Cusco. He could be anywhere now.
Spanish lessons
Just finished my Spanish class. Ruth arrives every morning at 9 am to give me my daily lesson. She's just left and the cleaner has arrived. Life is hard in these parts.
My Spanish is coming on nicely but these pronouns are a menace. They crop up all over the place. Will have to do something about them. Maybe learn how to use them better would be a good idea.
Went to the theatre on Saturday night. First time I've been to see something I had not already seen in English. Followed most of it, more than I expected to. Its a great feeling to be able to communicate in Spanish. I hardly speak any English at all now. I think I'm forgetting how to. This blog might become a Spanish language blog someday soon.
I'm waiting for my taxi to arrive to take me to Villa Maria. It's about a 45 minute ride in the taxi. My old taximan Francisco isn't up to it anymore. He just likes to do a couple of wee jobs a day nowadays. He came to the airport to meet me though. Nice to see him there, makes it easier.
Anyway he got his pal Edgar to be my driver for a very reasonable price. I'm just waiting for him now. He speaks Spanish very fast. Muy rapido.
The kids at Villa Maria are great. They remembered me from last year which was good. Some of them from last year have disappeared, though it's possible they may be back. We never get same number of kids every day. I guess it depends what they are up to.
Will try to post more regularly from now on, but been very busy getting settled and getting things organised here.
My Spanish is coming on nicely but these pronouns are a menace. They crop up all over the place. Will have to do something about them. Maybe learn how to use them better would be a good idea.
Went to the theatre on Saturday night. First time I've been to see something I had not already seen in English. Followed most of it, more than I expected to. Its a great feeling to be able to communicate in Spanish. I hardly speak any English at all now. I think I'm forgetting how to. This blog might become a Spanish language blog someday soon.
I'm waiting for my taxi to arrive to take me to Villa Maria. It's about a 45 minute ride in the taxi. My old taximan Francisco isn't up to it anymore. He just likes to do a couple of wee jobs a day nowadays. He came to the airport to meet me though. Nice to see him there, makes it easier.
Anyway he got his pal Edgar to be my driver for a very reasonable price. I'm just waiting for him now. He speaks Spanish very fast. Muy rapido.
The kids at Villa Maria are great. They remembered me from last year which was good. Some of them from last year have disappeared, though it's possible they may be back. We never get same number of kids every day. I guess it depends what they are up to.
Will try to post more regularly from now on, but been very busy getting settled and getting things organised here.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Butterpuffs in Lima
It's impossible to find a packet of butterpuffs in Lima. Jock Wallace had a similar problem with oranges in Seville I'm told. However despite that handicap my diabetes is well under control. I've found a legal substitute and all is well. I can see why it could be necessary to build up a stockpile though for hard times. Amazing how things become clearer as life changes perceptions.
It's been a hot few days here and it's Easter weekend which the Peruvians take very seriously so not done much.
Am going out tonight with some friends and all is well. Gotta go now. More later.
It's been a hot few days here and it's Easter weekend which the Peruvians take very seriously so not done much.
Am going out tonight with some friends and all is well. Gotta go now. More later.
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