Only three more days to go here in Peru. I can hardly believe I've been here nearly three months and how much I've done since being here. Not to mention all the people I've met and spent time with. Will miss so many people it's not possible to mention them all, but thanks to all for being such good friends and giving me of your time.
I'm meeting Heber tomorrow and will spend the day with him. He came to see me 10 days ago and we bought him some clothes etc. He's living in Villa Maria with his sister, husband and their daughter aged five. They live in one room in a house up in the Cerros,or barrios as they are called elsewhere. They have no electricity, so no tele or light or other things we all take for granted. They have gas delivered for cooking. But nothing else. He is grateful to have his own bed. He never complains about things. Not easy to share one room but he seems happy enough.
I first met him 4 years ago in La Polcia, when he was 11 years old. He will be 16 next month.I will always remember the day his mother came to tell him and his brother that she was leaving them there and that they would need to go into a home. They both cried their eyes out im my arms and ever since he has been very special to me, as has his brother. But thats another story, for another day.
He's working in a restaurant in Villa Maria, so that's good. I get the impresion that he will go back to Cusco sometime. I think his heart is there. Only problem is his brother's influence. He tells he he's left his stuff in his dad's house, where I visited him last year. I think his living conditions in Cusco were a bit better. At least he had electricity. However he has no one there to look after him.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hogar de Cristo, latest
I spoke to Lidia a few days ago. She tells me things are coming to a head there. More volunteers have come forward to make reports. The authorities have visited and the home for elderly has been closed.
The orphanage is also being closed. Twenty of the kids have been moved out and only four of the older boys are left and they are waiting to be placed. Its poor stuff for all these boys, for whom life has not been exactly a bed of roses, in the first place. Lets hope that they find a peaceful place to settle down in for the next few years.
I was looking forward to seeing them again but that's not going to be possible now. Lidia tells me that the local press and tv companies are at the gate constantly and advises against a visit, even to see the last four boys. She has invited me to visit her at her home and I'm hoping to go before I leave on Wednesday.
It's very disappointing the way things have worked out.
The orphanage is also being closed. Twenty of the kids have been moved out and only four of the older boys are left and they are waiting to be placed. Its poor stuff for all these boys, for whom life has not been exactly a bed of roses, in the first place. Lets hope that they find a peaceful place to settle down in for the next few years.
I was looking forward to seeing them again but that's not going to be possible now. Lidia tells me that the local press and tv companies are at the gate constantly and advises against a visit, even to see the last four boys. She has invited me to visit her at her home and I'm hoping to go before I leave on Wednesday.
It's very disappointing the way things have worked out.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Waiting for the party to get going....
I think Orlando was being pressganged into this photo.... or maybe not...
Thank you kids from NATS
NATS stands for Ninos y Adolescentes Trabajodres, which essentially means Working Children, which they all are in one way or another.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Farewell to thee Villa Maria
Today was my last day working at Villa Maria and I know I'm going to miss these kids as well as Flor and Pedro.
We had a little party at the centre. I bought a couple of chocalate cakes and lemonade, and Flor brought along some sweeties. It was a swell party indeed.
Flor made a speech of course and told the kids I'd be back soon, and how much they all are going to miss me. I felt I had to say a few words in my lovely Spanish, especially after Flor left me with no option.
Didn't say much except to thank them for being so welcoming and kind, and how much I'm going to miss them, and promised to be back if I can save enough for my fare. It was enough to merit a round of applause apparently, which is first time I've been applauded for a speech in Spanish. Suppose there's a first time for everything, and of course its never too late to try something new. I can recommend it.
I think it may have been my best farewll party of all time. The kids were so friendly and kind. I was very pleased to have been with them even for the wee while I was here.
Finally one of the older girls, Gina,who actually comes along to help out, sang a song for me. Quite frankly I was close to tears and then she gave me a big kiss and told me she loves me. So a nice way to end my time in Villa Maria.
Some photos to follow and for those of you who have Facebook, there will be more tonight or maybe tomorrow.
We had a little party at the centre. I bought a couple of chocalate cakes and lemonade, and Flor brought along some sweeties. It was a swell party indeed.
Flor made a speech of course and told the kids I'd be back soon, and how much they all are going to miss me. I felt I had to say a few words in my lovely Spanish, especially after Flor left me with no option.
Didn't say much except to thank them for being so welcoming and kind, and how much I'm going to miss them, and promised to be back if I can save enough for my fare. It was enough to merit a round of applause apparently, which is first time I've been applauded for a speech in Spanish. Suppose there's a first time for everything, and of course its never too late to try something new. I can recommend it.
I think it may have been my best farewll party of all time. The kids were so friendly and kind. I was very pleased to have been with them even for the wee while I was here.
Finally one of the older girls, Gina,who actually comes along to help out, sang a song for me. Quite frankly I was close to tears and then she gave me a big kiss and told me she loves me. So a nice way to end my time in Villa Maria.
Some photos to follow and for those of you who have Facebook, there will be more tonight or maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Who am I?
I really like this little fellow and love the pic. I don't know who he is and he never says a word to me. Just looks and gets on with things. His wee face says it all really and some more....
Subo
Saw this pic in a shop window along the road and couldn't resist taking pic for my West Lothian readers. Seems she is well known in these parts too, and it's been reported in Peru press that she's going to sing for the holy father soon, which of course goes down well hereabouts. Good for you Subo.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Heber
This is my third post tonight. My dinner is being cooked for me so might as well keep busy.
Only reason for my third post is that Heber turned up today. He came to meet me at INABIF. Or at least just outside. I took him in for a few minutes.
I was so pleased to see him, over the moon as they don't say in Scottish football circles.
Anyway so much for me doubting him and believing all the crap about him. I knew deep down that he would not let me down. I'm ecstatic really. My trip would not have been the same without seeing him.
I gave him some money to pay his fare into Miraflores tomorrow, so more once we've had more time together. He seems happy.
Only reason for my third post is that Heber turned up today. He came to meet me at INABIF. Or at least just outside. I took him in for a few minutes.
I was so pleased to see him, over the moon as they don't say in Scottish football circles.
Anyway so much for me doubting him and believing all the crap about him. I knew deep down that he would not let me down. I'm ecstatic really. My trip would not have been the same without seeing him.
I gave him some money to pay his fare into Miraflores tomorrow, so more once we've had more time together. He seems happy.
Working in Villa Maria
I've been back at work here now for two weeks. The kids all seemed glad to see me back. They just take my presence there now for granted. Some days are better than others. Today was a high point in my time here.
When I arrived at the INABIF centre the security woman let me in and handed me the keys saying that Flor was not at work today and Pedro had to go out, so I was on my own.
I was somewhat taken aback so to speak but decided I just had to get on with it. So off I went to open up, soon to be followed by a load of kids. They all know me now of course and none of them seemed surprised to see me on my own, though they probably thought that Flor was not far away. When the older girls began to arrive they did ask, but were quite happy when I told them that I didn't have a clue where either Flor or Pedro was.
They all settled down to their usual stuff, which usually means us all going to the kitchen to collect lunch and bring it back to the centre to eat. There was a wee argument because one of the boys took one of the girls meals by mistake. I had to tell her it was as much her fault as his, but she was not too happy. Eventually, an hour later, she ate her lunch, and gave me a kiss before she left, so no hard feelings. I forget her name. Bad.
Pedro eventually arrived after about an hour and all was well. He's a nice guy Pedro but he didn't seem to find anything unusual about me having to open up and be on my own so I didn't bring it up either. So I'm fully integrated as it were, so to speak. I felt quite pleased to be frank and reckon it was a fair old achievement for little old me. Beats trying to keep all Edinburgh's pensioners in benefits. Certainly more appreciated.
I took the boys for a game of football once Pedro got himself sorted. There were 10 of them. maybe more. Usual arguments but some good footie played. One of the boys is called Loco by the other boys. I can see why, but he doesn't seem to mind. Another one is called Chino, for reasons of race, but seems acceptable here. There is a big Chinese population and inter marriage.
I was knackered at the end of the day.
When I arrived at the INABIF centre the security woman let me in and handed me the keys saying that Flor was not at work today and Pedro had to go out, so I was on my own.
I was somewhat taken aback so to speak but decided I just had to get on with it. So off I went to open up, soon to be followed by a load of kids. They all know me now of course and none of them seemed surprised to see me on my own, though they probably thought that Flor was not far away. When the older girls began to arrive they did ask, but were quite happy when I told them that I didn't have a clue where either Flor or Pedro was.
They all settled down to their usual stuff, which usually means us all going to the kitchen to collect lunch and bring it back to the centre to eat. There was a wee argument because one of the boys took one of the girls meals by mistake. I had to tell her it was as much her fault as his, but she was not too happy. Eventually, an hour later, she ate her lunch, and gave me a kiss before she left, so no hard feelings. I forget her name. Bad.
Pedro eventually arrived after about an hour and all was well. He's a nice guy Pedro but he didn't seem to find anything unusual about me having to open up and be on my own so I didn't bring it up either. So I'm fully integrated as it were, so to speak. I felt quite pleased to be frank and reckon it was a fair old achievement for little old me. Beats trying to keep all Edinburgh's pensioners in benefits. Certainly more appreciated.
I took the boys for a game of football once Pedro got himself sorted. There were 10 of them. maybe more. Usual arguments but some good footie played. One of the boys is called Loco by the other boys. I can see why, but he doesn't seem to mind. Another one is called Chino, for reasons of race, but seems acceptable here. There is a big Chinese population and inter marriage.
I was knackered at the end of the day.
Conference in Lima
I enjoyed the conference on child labour on Tuesday, if enjoy is the right word. It's hard to believe that I'm here in Peru and going to a conference on such a topic. Also sad that such things are necessary in the 21st century. But unfortunately it is so.
Peruvian conferences are much the same as ones back home. I was able to follow most of the speakers, especially the ones who used powerpoint, but most of the rest were comprehensible. The most diffiult was the government minister, who spoke last. She spoke well but incredibly fast, as if she wanted to get it all out before she forgot what she had to say. She got a round of applause for her efforts as did they all.
They didn't take any questions fromn the floor which I found a bit strange. Not that I was about to make a contribution, but I think it would have added something with some audience participation.
It took place in El Colegio de Abagados de Lima, which is basically a law school where th teach all their lawyers to be good lawyers and not screw the public etc. Its where my friend Fernando trained to be a lawyer, and he turned out a fine wee lawyer; least I think so. It was in a theatre with all mod cons. The only problem was the number of phones going off. One every 5 minutes. Some people just went ahead and took theircalls, including Pedro who was sitting beside me and told me one of his calls was from his girlfriend.
It was a great experience and I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to attend and see how much they are doing here to change things. Also glad to have done a wee bit myself. Every little helps. Even if its just to raise awareness through my blog here and on facebook.
There's plenty of information in my last blog, including short youtube videos of kids in peru and elsewhere going about there work. Please take a look.
I don't have time to edit this so excuse any mistakes.Of which there may be one or two.
Peruvian conferences are much the same as ones back home. I was able to follow most of the speakers, especially the ones who used powerpoint, but most of the rest were comprehensible. The most diffiult was the government minister, who spoke last. She spoke well but incredibly fast, as if she wanted to get it all out before she forgot what she had to say. She got a round of applause for her efforts as did they all.
They didn't take any questions fromn the floor which I found a bit strange. Not that I was about to make a contribution, but I think it would have added something with some audience participation.
It took place in El Colegio de Abagados de Lima, which is basically a law school where th teach all their lawyers to be good lawyers and not screw the public etc. Its where my friend Fernando trained to be a lawyer, and he turned out a fine wee lawyer; least I think so. It was in a theatre with all mod cons. The only problem was the number of phones going off. One every 5 minutes. Some people just went ahead and took theircalls, including Pedro who was sitting beside me and told me one of his calls was from his girlfriend.
It was a great experience and I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to attend and see how much they are doing here to change things. Also glad to have done a wee bit myself. Every little helps. Even if its just to raise awareness through my blog here and on facebook.
There's plenty of information in my last blog, including short youtube videos of kids in peru and elsewhere going about there work. Please take a look.
I don't have time to edit this so excuse any mistakes.Of which there may be one or two.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Children at work
This link should take you to some videos of kids working around the world.There are two from Peru. The very last one is of children, near where I work, making bricks. There is another one of work in the gold mines in Peru. These are all private, illegal mines which pay no taxes and very little wages. The owners usually find excuses every month for not paying the full wage earned, e.g. because something was broken. It's pure misery, but if the government tries to intervene the people don't like it because they need the money to live on and don't see any other option. It's a vicious circle really. But it has to be said that the goverment here in Peru is doing its best. Here is the link to the ILO page. Youtube links are on right of page.
Por un Peru sin Trabajo Infantil
Tomorrow I'm going to a conference on Child Labour and how to tackle it. I'm going with Flor and other workers from INABIF who are working with street kids.
This is international week against Child Labour organised by the ILO and Saturday 12th June is World Day Against Child Labour. Not a day that draws much attention in UK I don't think. There are 215 million child labourers in the world so it's a big problem. And very hard to tackle. These kids need to work to feed their families. So its no wonder the authorities find it hard to stop. Its all down to poverty of course.
In Peru there are children working in gold mines and also working making bricks etc. The government is doing a lot to solve the problem and continues to do so but its not easy for them and resources are scarce. The place I'm working in is one example of what they are doing here to help. A good meal a day goes a long way. Education is crucial too of course. So hope I'm doing a little to help out.
I worked with a boy in Cusco, in La Policia a few years back. He was 14. When he left La Policia he went to work in a gold mine with his father and brother. I met him the next year when he came to Maximo looking for me. He had aged so much I didn't recognise him. He told me some grim stories about life in the mine, including seeing some one being shot dead. No life for anyone never mind a child. Conditions are unimaginably bad there.
I'm looking forward to the conference tomorrow. I just hope my Spanish is up to it. I reckon I will follow quite a lot, and in any case the experience will be worth it. I don't know who will be speaking. Maybe governent ministers. Hugo Chavez is in town just now too. Not that I expect him to come speak to little old me.
This is international week against Child Labour organised by the ILO and Saturday 12th June is World Day Against Child Labour. Not a day that draws much attention in UK I don't think. There are 215 million child labourers in the world so it's a big problem. And very hard to tackle. These kids need to work to feed their families. So its no wonder the authorities find it hard to stop. Its all down to poverty of course.
In Peru there are children working in gold mines and also working making bricks etc. The government is doing a lot to solve the problem and continues to do so but its not easy for them and resources are scarce. The place I'm working in is one example of what they are doing here to help. A good meal a day goes a long way. Education is crucial too of course. So hope I'm doing a little to help out.
I worked with a boy in Cusco, in La Policia a few years back. He was 14. When he left La Policia he went to work in a gold mine with his father and brother. I met him the next year when he came to Maximo looking for me. He had aged so much I didn't recognise him. He told me some grim stories about life in the mine, including seeing some one being shot dead. No life for anyone never mind a child. Conditions are unimaginably bad there.
I'm looking forward to the conference tomorrow. I just hope my Spanish is up to it. I reckon I will follow quite a lot, and in any case the experience will be worth it. I don't know who will be speaking. Maybe governent ministers. Hugo Chavez is in town just now too. Not that I expect him to come speak to little old me.
Roll another one.....
Dennis Hopper was well known here in Peru back in 1970/71 when he arrived to make "The Last Movie", a film which I've never seen, unfortunately.
So his death got a fair bit of coverage in the Peruvian press.
He came to Chinchero, which is just a short drive from Cusco, and in fact the movie was originally called Chinchero. Its a beautiful wee spot in the sacred valley, and I can just imagine the locals welcoming him and Fonda and Kristoferson and the rest of the crew. Must have been fun. Will have to seek out the movie. Maybe Filmhouse will put it on for me some day soon. Don't think its on dvd.
Easy Rider is one of my all time favourite movies, and Blue Velvet ain't too bad either. And he was ok in Acopalypse Now. But I reckon the soundtrack for Easy Rider is the best soundtrack of all time. I have it on vinyl. Sweet memories, though I can't remember where or when I bought it, or who with. Not a dud track on it and Dylan song to boot. What more could one need from a movie?
Go listen to it on YouTube. Just search for easy rider and its all there. While you're there have a quick look at Jack N clip from the movie. Classic. And Hopper's face is a picture as he takes his slug of the grog, just to be friendly as it were..
So his death got a fair bit of coverage in the Peruvian press.
He came to Chinchero, which is just a short drive from Cusco, and in fact the movie was originally called Chinchero. Its a beautiful wee spot in the sacred valley, and I can just imagine the locals welcoming him and Fonda and Kristoferson and the rest of the crew. Must have been fun. Will have to seek out the movie. Maybe Filmhouse will put it on for me some day soon. Don't think its on dvd.
Easy Rider is one of my all time favourite movies, and Blue Velvet ain't too bad either. And he was ok in Acopalypse Now. But I reckon the soundtrack for Easy Rider is the best soundtrack of all time. I have it on vinyl. Sweet memories, though I can't remember where or when I bought it, or who with. Not a dud track on it and Dylan song to boot. What more could one need from a movie?
Go listen to it on YouTube. Just search for easy rider and its all there. While you're there have a quick look at Jack N clip from the movie. Classic. And Hopper's face is a picture as he takes his slug of the grog, just to be friendly as it were..
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Kammerjunker
German is a ridiculously funny language, don't you think? Wish I could remember who my teacher was in NI. But I forget. He/she obviously made a huge impression. A kammerjunker is a "gentleman of the bedchamber". Good luck to him too.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Heber y Robin
Those of you who have been paying attention will remember Heber and Robin. They are the two brothers I first I worked with in La Policia in Cusco in my first year there.
Heber has always kept in touch over the years and spent time with me in Cusco whenever I've been there.
This year however I've not met him, and I'm really disapointed. He's called me a few times and we've spoken but not met.
I've heard reports about them and what I've heard is not exactly good news. I'm not particularly surprised about Robin but I had hopes that Heber would be different. He's no longer working in the restaurant where he was last year. From what I've heard they are working the streets, so to speak.
Heber denies even being in Cusco, which he reckons is why he couldn't meet me. He claims to be living with his sister in Lima. In Villa Maria del Triunfo in fact, where I work in INABIF.
Needless to say he was surprised to hear that I knew Villa Maria. I've no doubt that his sister lives there, but I have my doubts about him being there. We will see.
Since I've been back in Lima he's called a couple of times; well he calls my celular and I call him back. He says he wants to meet me in Villa Maria and will come to INABIF to see me. I would really like to meet him but I have serious doubts as to his veracity. I suspect he wants to meet me but is worried about how I might react to his latest situation. His brother could also have something to do with it.
I've no explanation for all his calls if he doesn't want to meet. Will wait and see what transpires.
I have a cold today so not going to INABIF. Think its the change of climate from Cusco. Need to rest today. Well at least, not go to INABIF.
Just heard the news about the shootings in England. Terrible. Safer in Lima.
Heber has always kept in touch over the years and spent time with me in Cusco whenever I've been there.
This year however I've not met him, and I'm really disapointed. He's called me a few times and we've spoken but not met.
I've heard reports about them and what I've heard is not exactly good news. I'm not particularly surprised about Robin but I had hopes that Heber would be different. He's no longer working in the restaurant where he was last year. From what I've heard they are working the streets, so to speak.
Heber denies even being in Cusco, which he reckons is why he couldn't meet me. He claims to be living with his sister in Lima. In Villa Maria del Triunfo in fact, where I work in INABIF.
Needless to say he was surprised to hear that I knew Villa Maria. I've no doubt that his sister lives there, but I have my doubts about him being there. We will see.
Since I've been back in Lima he's called a couple of times; well he calls my celular and I call him back. He says he wants to meet me in Villa Maria and will come to INABIF to see me. I would really like to meet him but I have serious doubts as to his veracity. I suspect he wants to meet me but is worried about how I might react to his latest situation. His brother could also have something to do with it.
I've no explanation for all his calls if he doesn't want to meet. Will wait and see what transpires.
I have a cold today so not going to INABIF. Think its the change of climate from Cusco. Need to rest today. Well at least, not go to INABIF.
Just heard the news about the shootings in England. Terrible. Safer in Lima.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Lori Berenson
Berenson has just been released from prison here in Peru having served 15 years of a 20 year sentence.
Her release has caused a bit of a stir in Lima. She's not the most popular of American citizens hereabouts.
I only mention her release because she has moved into an apartment in Ave Grau, which is just round the corner from my apartment. The locals are not happy. Especially those living in the block she is in. I would take a photo but think I would end up in jail myself, so best not to.
I don't relly know much about her case, only that she was linked to the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, MRTA, and was supposed to be helping them. They were a bit less violent than Shining Path but were operating around the same time.They used to rob the rich to feed the poor, so the story goes. They were the ones who took over the Japanese embassy in Lima, not far from here, back in 1996.
It looks as though she may be deported back to USA. She gave birth to a son in prison last year. The dad was also in MRTA, and they met in prison. Hopefully she will be allowed to take her son back to USA if and when she gets the boot.
Her release has caused a bit of a stir in Lima. She's not the most popular of American citizens hereabouts.
I only mention her release because she has moved into an apartment in Ave Grau, which is just round the corner from my apartment. The locals are not happy. Especially those living in the block she is in. I would take a photo but think I would end up in jail myself, so best not to.
I don't relly know much about her case, only that she was linked to the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, MRTA, and was supposed to be helping them. They were a bit less violent than Shining Path but were operating around the same time.They used to rob the rich to feed the poor, so the story goes. They were the ones who took over the Japanese embassy in Lima, not far from here, back in 1996.
It looks as though she may be deported back to USA. She gave birth to a son in prison last year. The dad was also in MRTA, and they met in prison. Hopefully she will be allowed to take her son back to USA if and when she gets the boot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
