Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Artworks
Yesterday I visited my friend Luis' flat/studio near San Blas, or should I say above San Blas. Magnificent views of Cusco from his place. Nearly as good as my views of the Pentlands.
I was so inspired that I invested in some artwork. Luis will be famous some day soon, I'm sure, so I will be rich. He has exhibited in lots of South American countries and has won lots of prizes. He currently has an exhibition in Lima but unfortunately it will have moved on by time I'm back there.
A lovely chap and been really good to me since I arrived.
Busy time this week as its my last few days in Cusco so not much time for writing.
Have lots of pictures on my Facebook account. Sounds wierd but there you have it.
I was so inspired that I invested in some artwork. Luis will be famous some day soon, I'm sure, so I will be rich. He has exhibited in lots of South American countries and has won lots of prizes. He currently has an exhibition in Lima but unfortunately it will have moved on by time I'm back there.
A lovely chap and been really good to me since I arrived.
Busy time this week as its my last few days in Cusco so not much time for writing.
Have lots of pictures on my Facebook account. Sounds wierd but there you have it.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sueno de una Noche de Verano
Man U should have been in the final today. Still always next year. I have a wee bet with my pal Kenny, yes Kenny, that Inter will win.
Today I'm doing some cultural activities. Miguel is taking me to La Merced which is one of the museums here I've not been to. Miguel is a guide and also an interpteter and he works mostly with medical missions who come to Peru to work, mostly in remote parts where access to doctors and dentists is limited or non existent. He's off to Puno on Monday to work there for a few weeks. He has an incredible mine of information about Peruvian society and history. I enjoy his company and its a shame he's not in Cusco more often. Looking forward to our visit to La Merced. Apparently it has the third biggest pearl in the world and the only Rubens to be found outside of Europe. I think. More once I've been.
I was having a chat about Shakespeare with Denyse, my Spanish teacher, as one does just to pass the time. She also likes footie, but yet to find out what team she supports in UK. Everyone here who likes footie has a favourite team in Premiership. I've met one mad Celtic fan too.
When she was 16 Denyse played Helena in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, in a place called Puerto Maldonada, where she went to school. Puerto Maldonado is in the Amazon forest and I flew there a few years back on my way to my Amazon adventure. Its good to know that the old bard reaches even to Puerto Maldonado. To see the place it's almost impossible to believe, but so it goes.... I guess Robert B gets there too. Must ask her. and of course Bob D
Denyse is my favourite teacher now for sure, since Claudia left me for Uruguay. She is a constant source of stories about Peru and especially the Andes. She's lived all over Peru, even though she's quite young and all that.
She tells me that there are mermaids to be found in the rivers of the Andes. And here's me thinking they were only to be found in George Mackay Brown country. Though I did once see one playing in the rocks on the shore at Aird Tong. And there was always the rumour that Katag Bheag was one in her spare time. Which probably explains my father's aversion to her company.
There was once an Inca warrior called Ollantay, whom the town of Ollantaytambo is named after, lying in the Sacred valley and worth a visit should you find yourself in these parts. Tambo is Quechua for hostel or hotel. Anyway Ollantay fell in love with the Inca's daughter, called Ima Sumal,I think. The Inca was not keen and things turned out a bit Shakespearean. Pressure of Spanish grammar prevented me from discovering how things turned out, but not too happily. Denyse reckons that there are similar stories in the Andes to many of S's plays. Cuentos de los Andinos.
It's getting time for food again. So off to Granja Heidi. Wonder what he has in store today? Tomorrow I might go the Chi Cha restaurant which is run by Peru's most famous chef,called Gaston Acurio, if I can afford it.
Today I'm doing some cultural activities. Miguel is taking me to La Merced which is one of the museums here I've not been to. Miguel is a guide and also an interpteter and he works mostly with medical missions who come to Peru to work, mostly in remote parts where access to doctors and dentists is limited or non existent. He's off to Puno on Monday to work there for a few weeks. He has an incredible mine of information about Peruvian society and history. I enjoy his company and its a shame he's not in Cusco more often. Looking forward to our visit to La Merced. Apparently it has the third biggest pearl in the world and the only Rubens to be found outside of Europe. I think. More once I've been.
I was having a chat about Shakespeare with Denyse, my Spanish teacher, as one does just to pass the time. She also likes footie, but yet to find out what team she supports in UK. Everyone here who likes footie has a favourite team in Premiership. I've met one mad Celtic fan too.
When she was 16 Denyse played Helena in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, in a place called Puerto Maldonada, where she went to school. Puerto Maldonado is in the Amazon forest and I flew there a few years back on my way to my Amazon adventure. Its good to know that the old bard reaches even to Puerto Maldonado. To see the place it's almost impossible to believe, but so it goes.... I guess Robert B gets there too. Must ask her. and of course Bob D
Denyse is my favourite teacher now for sure, since Claudia left me for Uruguay. She is a constant source of stories about Peru and especially the Andes. She's lived all over Peru, even though she's quite young and all that.
She tells me that there are mermaids to be found in the rivers of the Andes. And here's me thinking they were only to be found in George Mackay Brown country. Though I did once see one playing in the rocks on the shore at Aird Tong. And there was always the rumour that Katag Bheag was one in her spare time. Which probably explains my father's aversion to her company.
There was once an Inca warrior called Ollantay, whom the town of Ollantaytambo is named after, lying in the Sacred valley and worth a visit should you find yourself in these parts. Tambo is Quechua for hostel or hotel. Anyway Ollantay fell in love with the Inca's daughter, called Ima Sumal,I think. The Inca was not keen and things turned out a bit Shakespearean. Pressure of Spanish grammar prevented me from discovering how things turned out, but not too happily. Denyse reckons that there are similar stories in the Andes to many of S's plays. Cuentos de los Andinos.
It's getting time for food again. So off to Granja Heidi. Wonder what he has in store today? Tomorrow I might go the Chi Cha restaurant which is run by Peru's most famous chef,called Gaston Acurio, if I can afford it.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
El subjuntivo es el corazon de espanol
New Spanish teacher this week. Her name is Denyse and she comes from Arequipa which is the second biggest city in Peru. Her accent is a bit different but I'm used to it now. She is a great teacher. Best I've had since Claudia went back to Uruguay. So that's good. The title of this post is from her. Just means that the subjunctive tense is the heart of the Spanish language, and when she puts it like that who can resist? She tells me its beautiful. I have to believe her, don't you think? So lets get on with that for my last ten days in Cusco. Hard to believe, is it not?
Ewan McGregor paid a visit to Lima last week, so thats at least two Scots in Peru. He was there on behalf of UNICEF, for whom he's an ambassador. Not sure where he visited but El Comercio says he went to one of the poorest districts of Lima to meet and talk to the kids. So maybe he went to Villa Maria. If he did would be a shame to have missed him. Will check it out.
Off to Elim now. Am taking Junior out for a few hours this afternoon. Don't know where to, though I'm sure he will have plenty suggestions. Before that feeding time in Granja Heidi, best restaurant in Cusco. Have I said that before? probably. I like to read there as well as eat, as its only time I seem to get here to do any reading. Chekhov just now. Thanks Gayle.
Ewan McGregor paid a visit to Lima last week, so thats at least two Scots in Peru. He was there on behalf of UNICEF, for whom he's an ambassador. Not sure where he visited but El Comercio says he went to one of the poorest districts of Lima to meet and talk to the kids. So maybe he went to Villa Maria. If he did would be a shame to have missed him. Will check it out.
Off to Elim now. Am taking Junior out for a few hours this afternoon. Don't know where to, though I'm sure he will have plenty suggestions. Before that feeding time in Granja Heidi, best restaurant in Cusco. Have I said that before? probably. I like to read there as well as eat, as its only time I seem to get here to do any reading. Chekhov just now. Thanks Gayle.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Master and Margarita
I read this book on the plane over here. Been meaning to read it for ages, but never got round to it. It's a very strange kind of book, and don't quite know what to make of it.
There's a big black six foot cat called Behemoth who is pals with the devil who arrives in Moscow and causes havoc all around. There's also the story of Pontius Pilate meeting Jesus. And there's a character called Archibald Archibaldovich, as I recall. Did he not play for Scotland?
A very odd book and not quite what I expected. It's stuck in my brain, so final analysis is that it must have been good. More on books soon.
There's a big black six foot cat called Behemoth who is pals with the devil who arrives in Moscow and causes havoc all around. There's also the story of Pontius Pilate meeting Jesus. And there's a character called Archibald Archibaldovich, as I recall. Did he not play for Scotland?
A very odd book and not quite what I expected. It's stuck in my brain, so final analysis is that it must have been good. More on books soon.
A Spanish greeting
Que duermas con los angelitos, pero si te encuentras con el diablo solo llamame.
No accents, forget how to, or blogger won't let me.
Those who can't read Spanish will have to guess.
No accents, forget how to, or blogger won't let me.
Those who can't read Spanish will have to guess.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Cienciano del Cusco
Yesterday we took the boys for a swim. Today was mothers day and they had a party. Mothers Day is very important here. I think more so than in UK. All went well. I did a video of the boys rehearsing their contribution yesterday after their swim. Jeremy is going to post it onto you tube so will post a link on here soonish.
Today we played footie and tomorrow night we are taking them to see Cienciano play Alianza from Lima. Should be fun. Bit like celtic v rangers, street fights and lots of police. More soon.
Today we played footie and tomorrow night we are taking them to see Cienciano play Alianza from Lima. Should be fun. Bit like celtic v rangers, street fights and lots of police. More soon.
Tupac Inca Yupanqui
I met my friend Elena today when I was out for lunch. Elena used to work for Maximo Nivel and was the person who introduced me to La Policia de la Familia all these years ago. She taught me a lot about Peru and Cusco. She is a wee gem. Has done lots of work for kids in these parts and stiil does.
She is also an artist of some distinction. She left Maximo Nivel a couple of years ago to concentrate on her art. She has now opened a gallery and cultural centre here in Cusco.
I´ve added a link to the website on here in case anyone is interested. Bits are in English though most is in Spanish.
There´s an exhibition opening on Thursday night and I´ve been invited to go along. There will be wine and music and song. And maybe even some food.
She is also an artist of some distinction. She left Maximo Nivel a couple of years ago to concentrate on her art. She has now opened a gallery and cultural centre here in Cusco.
I´ve added a link to the website on here in case anyone is interested. Bits are in English though most is in Spanish.
There´s an exhibition opening on Thursday night and I´ve been invited to go along. There will be wine and music and song. And maybe even some food.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Spanish Lessons
Started my classes here in Maximo Nivel on Tuesday. After taking the test Jimmy put me in the advanced class. Very flattering but had more to do with the fact that they didn't have an intermediate class in the mornings and I couldn't do an afternoon class because of my commitment to Elim.
I did four days of advanced Spanish and I didn't let the side down. However it was a bit too much for me though I was quite impressed with how much I knew and how well I coped. But I knew there were gaps which needed filling as it were. Fortunately there's an intermediate class starting on Monday morning so I'm switching to that.
My teacher this week was called Esther and next we it's going to be Dante. I had a classmate this week from Oxford called Christina, and like all Christinas she was lovely. We had a good mix of nationalities, including Canada, Holland, USA and England of course. And Scotland of course.
Stayed up very late last night, 12 pm, to watch the results coming in. By time I got in it was 8 pm here and 2 pm UK time, so things were well underway. It was odd watching Dimbleby and Paxo, sitting here in my flat in Peru. Couldn't phone my wee bro to let him know what I thought, not that there was any great excitement to call about. And who let that guy whats his name, Tory chairman, tax dodger, on to the BBC? Have we no standards at all now? Just think what we could do with all the tax he didn't pay? And then there's Zak Goldsmith another tax dodger. God help us all, with that lot in charge. Absolutely no morals. Two faced thieving bastards. And Clegg wants to help them?
But at least Griffin didn't get elected. I was very pleased to see old Hodge do well there.
We got all the BBC coverage and it was still ongoing when I got up at seven o'clock.
I did four days of advanced Spanish and I didn't let the side down. However it was a bit too much for me though I was quite impressed with how much I knew and how well I coped. But I knew there were gaps which needed filling as it were. Fortunately there's an intermediate class starting on Monday morning so I'm switching to that.
My teacher this week was called Esther and next we it's going to be Dante. I had a classmate this week from Oxford called Christina, and like all Christinas she was lovely. We had a good mix of nationalities, including Canada, Holland, USA and England of course. And Scotland of course.
Stayed up very late last night, 12 pm, to watch the results coming in. By time I got in it was 8 pm here and 2 pm UK time, so things were well underway. It was odd watching Dimbleby and Paxo, sitting here in my flat in Peru. Couldn't phone my wee bro to let him know what I thought, not that there was any great excitement to call about. And who let that guy whats his name, Tory chairman, tax dodger, on to the BBC? Have we no standards at all now? Just think what we could do with all the tax he didn't pay? And then there's Zak Goldsmith another tax dodger. God help us all, with that lot in charge. Absolutely no morals. Two faced thieving bastards. And Clegg wants to help them?
But at least Griffin didn't get elected. I was very pleased to see old Hodge do well there.
We got all the BBC coverage and it was still ongoing when I got up at seven o'clock.
Elim's new home
Started at Elim on Tuesday. I go there in the afternoons and spend about 4 hours there depending on how I feel and what's happening; could be more or less. Nice wee semicolon there.
It was great to be back there and see all the kids again and to be given such a brilliant welcome. Very touching. Edgar didn't recognise me at first as he was busy with home work. He turned round and looked at me and it suddenly dawned on him who I was. He shouted ahh donald and came over to give me a huge hug, he was so pleased to see me I was taken aback. He lives there with his brother Efraim. There is a photo of the two of them from last year on here, and a new one this year.
My first day there I went with Anderson and Edgar to collect Anderson's trainers from the trainer repair man. His trainers were in some state. I didn't even realise these things were repairable. It's certainly not done in Edinburgh. The repairman did an excellent job of the tattered old things so that they were again serviceable and once we'd bought insoles for him he was delighted. Edgar wanted insoles as well. But put him off till we was wearing his trainers.
The repairman was a young guy who wanted to know all about Glasgow. It's very unusual for people here to know any place other than Edinburgh, if they know any place at all. So we had a chat about the wonderful footie teams in that fine old city. And about kilts, which can be a pain sometimes. They think we all wonder aound in skirts. His dream is to visit some day, so I gave him Gayle's address and phone number!! He can repair all your shoes and trainers, I'm sure Ben would love that.
It's times like that make it all worthwhile. To see them so happy with so little. Makes one glad to be alive to be able to put a smile on a wee face every now and then. When I think of all these rich bastards with their obscene bonus culture, and pure greed I know that we have let them down badly and we all bear responsibility for that. Some day all that will change.
Yesterday went with Jeremy to see the new boys' home being built on the site of the old one. Edgar came with us though he was not meant to, we were giving him a lift to a dancing class at 3.30 pm but by time we got there he was at least 40 minutes late so he didn't go.
The new place is very impressive and very big. It's funded through Jeremy's fundraising and some church in USA is paying most of it. There will be room for 40 boys in two dorms, three classrooms, an auditorium, dining room, kitchen, and rooms on the top floor for volunteers, who will be paying towards the running costs. These are private rooms, so I guess I will have to come back to check it all out. I've shown Jeremy the room I want when I come. He hopes to move in this year. They also plan to invite local children to use the classrooms for lessons free of charge. Overall a huge achievement. I can't wait to see the kids there and I'm sure they can't wait to be there. Edgar was very imppressed. As you can tell from the photo.
It was great to be back there and see all the kids again and to be given such a brilliant welcome. Very touching. Edgar didn't recognise me at first as he was busy with home work. He turned round and looked at me and it suddenly dawned on him who I was. He shouted ahh donald and came over to give me a huge hug, he was so pleased to see me I was taken aback. He lives there with his brother Efraim. There is a photo of the two of them from last year on here, and a new one this year.
My first day there I went with Anderson and Edgar to collect Anderson's trainers from the trainer repair man. His trainers were in some state. I didn't even realise these things were repairable. It's certainly not done in Edinburgh. The repairman did an excellent job of the tattered old things so that they were again serviceable and once we'd bought insoles for him he was delighted. Edgar wanted insoles as well. But put him off till we was wearing his trainers.
The repairman was a young guy who wanted to know all about Glasgow. It's very unusual for people here to know any place other than Edinburgh, if they know any place at all. So we had a chat about the wonderful footie teams in that fine old city. And about kilts, which can be a pain sometimes. They think we all wonder aound in skirts. His dream is to visit some day, so I gave him Gayle's address and phone number!! He can repair all your shoes and trainers, I'm sure Ben would love that.
It's times like that make it all worthwhile. To see them so happy with so little. Makes one glad to be alive to be able to put a smile on a wee face every now and then. When I think of all these rich bastards with their obscene bonus culture, and pure greed I know that we have let them down badly and we all bear responsibility for that. Some day all that will change.
Yesterday went with Jeremy to see the new boys' home being built on the site of the old one. Edgar came with us though he was not meant to, we were giving him a lift to a dancing class at 3.30 pm but by time we got there he was at least 40 minutes late so he didn't go.
The new place is very impressive and very big. It's funded through Jeremy's fundraising and some church in USA is paying most of it. There will be room for 40 boys in two dorms, three classrooms, an auditorium, dining room, kitchen, and rooms on the top floor for volunteers, who will be paying towards the running costs. These are private rooms, so I guess I will have to come back to check it all out. I've shown Jeremy the room I want when I come. He hopes to move in this year. They also plan to invite local children to use the classrooms for lessons free of charge. Overall a huge achievement. I can't wait to see the kids there and I'm sure they can't wait to be there. Edgar was very imppressed. As you can tell from the photo.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Software problem
Had laptop wifi connection problems past few days so not been able to use my laptop. Percy our tech guy here in Maximo Nivel came along today to fix it for me. Good job he did too. Says I had a software problem, and here's me thinking I was in fine fettle. BP is 120/80, just like a baby, though babies don't take tablets.
Am busy here with classes and work and other stuff. Will write a blog update tomorrow. Am off to Elim now and Jeremy is taking me to see the progress on the new home for the boys. It's looking good. Jermey does a pile of work for these kids, he should be knighted for it. Do they do that back at Buck House these days?
Hope you all been to vote, early and often, I hope. Can someone put one on for me? First time I've missed since voting became legal. Here in Peru you get fined for not voting and you can vote online.
Will watch results on BBC World when I get in tonight. By which time all will be clear. Or not.
More tomorrow....
Am busy here with classes and work and other stuff. Will write a blog update tomorrow. Am off to Elim now and Jeremy is taking me to see the progress on the new home for the boys. It's looking good. Jermey does a pile of work for these kids, he should be knighted for it. Do they do that back at Buck House these days?
Hope you all been to vote, early and often, I hope. Can someone put one on for me? First time I've missed since voting became legal. Here in Peru you get fined for not voting and you can vote online.
Will watch results on BBC World when I get in tonight. By which time all will be clear. Or not.
More tomorrow....
Sunday, May 02, 2010
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