Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Reading in Peru
I finished reading "Parrot and Olivier in America" some time ago and it's another minor masterpiece from Carey. The main chareacters are unforgettable narrators of their respective stories, and provide a brilliant account of postrevolutionary France and America. Great stuff, very funny, brilliant imagination, huge amount of research and knowledge, as always with Carey. Just a terrific read and well worth the effort. Not sure which I prefer, this one or "The True History of the Kelly Gang", so why not go for both.
Since then I've finished reading "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink, which has been on my agenda for some time now, so I guess it was about time I got round to it. It's also a great piece of writing, which sure makes you think. I just did not expect that ending. It was quite troubling I thought as he plays with your emotions something rotten. I will have to watch the movie now, see what they make of it, but doubt it can be a match for the book itself.
I recently read "Fateless" by Imre Kertesz, which also deals with the holocaust but from a totally different perspective. More like Primo Levi's books, but better I think, if one is allowed to say such a thing. I have the DVD of the movie at home and keep meaning to watch it, but never quite got round to it. It's a suberb piece of writing, incredibly moving and based on his own expeiences of life in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, where he grew up and became a man. Kertesz was awarded the Nobel Prize a few years back for his work, and well deserved it was too.
I've also read "The Yacoubian Building" by Alaa al Aswany, which is set in Cairo and taught me a lot about life there. " when your house has collapsed and the government has left you sitting with your children in a tent on the street , when the police officer has insulted you and beaten you .......... then you will know why we hate Egypt". I also read "The Siege" by Helen Dunmore, and thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks Gayle for the recommendation. Not quite as unforgettable as that other Anna, but well worth the effort. But you need to read Anna K. I hope Iain has got round to reading the copy I gave him this summer. Well have you Iain?
I gift all my books, well most of them, but not Roth, whose book "The Humbling" I've also read, in fact I think I read it on the flight over here, to my pal Daniel in Cusco. He loves his books and his English is first rate, so he is able to read all my stuff. He's a teacher of English in one of the local schools here. In return he has given me "Love in the Time of Cholera" to read. It's even better than "One Hundred Years of Solitude" though it's many years since I read it and maybe a reread is due.
All for now.
Since then I've finished reading "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink, which has been on my agenda for some time now, so I guess it was about time I got round to it. It's also a great piece of writing, which sure makes you think. I just did not expect that ending. It was quite troubling I thought as he plays with your emotions something rotten. I will have to watch the movie now, see what they make of it, but doubt it can be a match for the book itself.
I recently read "Fateless" by Imre Kertesz, which also deals with the holocaust but from a totally different perspective. More like Primo Levi's books, but better I think, if one is allowed to say such a thing. I have the DVD of the movie at home and keep meaning to watch it, but never quite got round to it. It's a suberb piece of writing, incredibly moving and based on his own expeiences of life in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, where he grew up and became a man. Kertesz was awarded the Nobel Prize a few years back for his work, and well deserved it was too.
I've also read "The Yacoubian Building" by Alaa al Aswany, which is set in Cairo and taught me a lot about life there. " when your house has collapsed and the government has left you sitting with your children in a tent on the street , when the police officer has insulted you and beaten you .......... then you will know why we hate Egypt". I also read "The Siege" by Helen Dunmore, and thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks Gayle for the recommendation. Not quite as unforgettable as that other Anna, but well worth the effort. But you need to read Anna K. I hope Iain has got round to reading the copy I gave him this summer. Well have you Iain?
I gift all my books, well most of them, but not Roth, whose book "The Humbling" I've also read, in fact I think I read it on the flight over here, to my pal Daniel in Cusco. He loves his books and his English is first rate, so he is able to read all my stuff. He's a teacher of English in one of the local schools here. In return he has given me "Love in the Time of Cholera" to read. It's even better than "One Hundred Years of Solitude" though it's many years since I read it and maybe a reread is due.
All for now.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Stoke City for Champions League
Another mighty victory for Stoke City today. That puts an end to Spurs unbeaten run. Next year the boys will play in the Champions League, I have no doubt. Someone will have to sort out these Spanish teams, don't you think. Can Barca or Real handle our long throws and the lanky boys upfront? No, exactly, I don't think so.
For those of you who don't know, the reason for my love of Stoke City is the three splendid, unforgettable years I spent there in the sixties, when Stoke were in the old first division, though I do recall some relegation fights which caused some serious annoyance in the pub where I used to work.
Quite often on a Saturday morning Gordon Banks and I used to go to the same cafe in Stoke centre, near the old Victoria Ground, he to prepare for his game and me to prepare for whatever the day may bring. I suspect he fancied the waitress behind the counter. For those of you who don't know, he was the world's greatest goalkeeper at the time, and in fact probably the greatest ever. He seemed like a very friendly bloke with his funny eye and all.
And Stan Matthews was one of the best players ever. I just missed his fianl season in 1965. I once saw a friendly between Stoke and Rangers. I can't remember the result now. Stoke probably won.
So there you have it.
For those of you who don't know, the reason for my love of Stoke City is the three splendid, unforgettable years I spent there in the sixties, when Stoke were in the old first division, though I do recall some relegation fights which caused some serious annoyance in the pub where I used to work.
Quite often on a Saturday morning Gordon Banks and I used to go to the same cafe in Stoke centre, near the old Victoria Ground, he to prepare for his game and me to prepare for whatever the day may bring. I suspect he fancied the waitress behind the counter. For those of you who don't know, he was the world's greatest goalkeeper at the time, and in fact probably the greatest ever. He seemed like a very friendly bloke with his funny eye and all.
And Stan Matthews was one of the best players ever. I just missed his fianl season in 1965. I once saw a friendly between Stoke and Rangers. I can't remember the result now. Stoke probably won.
So there you have it.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Donkeys' willies
Yesterday was a very busy day at La Policia, with twelve kids there. And we were blessed with a visit from some missionaries from USA. They told me that they work with some orphanages and seemed to be looking for recruits for said orphanage. Guy told me " we are particularly interested in these three boys".... which seemed a strange way to put it. I pointed out that the boys future was decided by a judge in the court, and due process etc (well didn't quite say due process, but you know what I mean). I guess he has their best interests at heart, but I can't help wondering if their time would not be better spent back in the USA, where I feel convinced there are plenty of the unconverted types to assist on the road to salvation. Still good luck to them.
After they had left I spoke to the three boys in question. They are all shoe shine boys working in La Plaza, and are in touch with other organistions working with street kids. They were a cheeky bunch of boys and very lively. I got them drawing and they found it really hilarious to draw donkeys with big willies. What laughs we had!!! I was wishing the missionaries had seen the donkeys, which were indeed impressive and well drawn. They do have some talent.
I see Man U are back to winning ways at last.... shame about Champions League and Vidic being out for rest of season, but I reckon the boys are good enough for the league again... I will support Arsenal in Champions league, but only for this once mind, this is a big big concession I'm making for you Arsenal fans, especially for you Lewis....and for old man Wenger, I think he deserves it... but the Spaniards are looking good ...
After they had left I spoke to the three boys in question. They are all shoe shine boys working in La Plaza, and are in touch with other organistions working with street kids. They were a cheeky bunch of boys and very lively. I got them drawing and they found it really hilarious to draw donkeys with big willies. What laughs we had!!! I was wishing the missionaries had seen the donkeys, which were indeed impressive and well drawn. They do have some talent.
I see Man U are back to winning ways at last.... shame about Champions League and Vidic being out for rest of season, but I reckon the boys are good enough for the league again... I will support Arsenal in Champions league, but only for this once mind, this is a big big concession I'm making for you Arsenal fans, especially for you Lewis....and for old man Wenger, I think he deserves it... but the Spaniards are looking good ...
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Dia de la Purísima Concepción
Today is a national public holiday in Peru so no-one goes to work, or so I'm told. The teachers here in Maximo have a day off so I've no Spanish class today, which gives me a few minutes to update my blog. Apparently Peru has the highest number of public holidays in the whole of South America, mostly of a religious variety.
I of course went to work as usual at La Policia which was busy with six kids. Sorry to relate that Romiro arrived back this morning. He had been sent to stay in an orphanage, Jesus mi Luz, which I know, and is one of the best I've seen. However his stay didn't last long. He escaped through a window and was picked up by the police doing a spot of thieving. Not sure of what variety but doesn't really matter. This is the boy who wants to be my son, so I'm doubly disappointed in his return to La Policia. I've tried to speak to him but I don't think much gets through. He's an orphan, doesn't know his parents and does not want to live with his grandmother. Will have to see how things work out for him, but the future does not blossom with promises.
We had two brothers aged three and five there yesterday, abandoned by drunken parents. They both cried and screamed a lot, but we got them calmed down and eventually I walked them along to their medical, ably assisted by one of the policewomen. All the kids at La Policia get a medical. The centre is only two blocks away. The boys were quite happy when I left and I've no idea what became of them. This happens with lots of the kids here of course.
Two of the other boys, Julio and Kevin, have also been sent to Jesus mi Luz, and they have been asking for me to visit them. I will try to do so before I leave Cusco next week, but time is short.
I of course went to work as usual at La Policia which was busy with six kids. Sorry to relate that Romiro arrived back this morning. He had been sent to stay in an orphanage, Jesus mi Luz, which I know, and is one of the best I've seen. However his stay didn't last long. He escaped through a window and was picked up by the police doing a spot of thieving. Not sure of what variety but doesn't really matter. This is the boy who wants to be my son, so I'm doubly disappointed in his return to La Policia. I've tried to speak to him but I don't think much gets through. He's an orphan, doesn't know his parents and does not want to live with his grandmother. Will have to see how things work out for him, but the future does not blossom with promises.
We had two brothers aged three and five there yesterday, abandoned by drunken parents. They both cried and screamed a lot, but we got them calmed down and eventually I walked them along to their medical, ably assisted by one of the policewomen. All the kids at La Policia get a medical. The centre is only two blocks away. The boys were quite happy when I left and I've no idea what became of them. This happens with lots of the kids here of course.
Two of the other boys, Julio and Kevin, have also been sent to Jesus mi Luz, and they have been asking for me to visit them. I will try to do so before I leave Cusco next week, but time is short.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Student demo and Cusco Cathedral
Today we had a students demonstration in Cusco which was quite impressive. I watched the start of it as I set off for work and when I got back into town for lunch they were still protesting. As far as I can make out they were protesting over a fare increase on the buses or combis. I've heard that some combis were spay painted during the demo, whilst full of passengers. All the buses belong to private companies. I also heard that some stones were thrown , but that may just be a rumour, put about by the companies. Go good luck to all you students in Cusco.
Today was also national police day here in Peru, so the Plaza de Armas was taken over for the celebration. Which I guess is why the students could not get into the Plaza. I was only there for a few minutes to watch the proceedings as I passed by on my way to lunch. There were lots of police, of all kinds on show and parading round the Plaza, and taking lots of applause from the onlookers. Also all the high ranks up there in front of ther cathedral trying their best to look impressive and important. The dog team were there parading with their dogs, some of whom could walk on their hind legs and were maybe even doing a little dance to the marial music. Police on horseback showing off how they could stand up straight on their horses backs, whilst taking a salute. One does feel so safe....
I took a tour of Cusco Cathedral on Sunday, as I'd not been since my first visit here. The place was built on top of an Incan Palace, from 1550 and took a century to complete. One of the altars is made of solid silver, and there's lots of gold to be seen too. There's a painting of the Last Supper, by a guy called Marcos Zapata, which features a cuy (quinea pig) as main meal. I don't actually know what the Last Supper main dish was, it could have been cuy for all I know.
As one would expect there are lots of Saints one can pray to. Saint Antoni of Padua is partcicularly interesting. He's the guy that women can pray to when they are looking for a husband, and he seems to oblige. Apparently some women have little icons at home, which they keep upside down and once a week turn him right way up to remind him of his duties. Or maybe they just turn him upside down once a week. Notes are left for him in the cathedral, and indeen I could see some, and was very tempted to have a look. Some are thank you notes for work well done by Antoni.
There's also a Senor de los Temblores, or lord of the earthquakes, who is a black Christ figure in the Cathredal. I can't remember how he turned black, maybe from candles, I don't know. Cusco was struck by a huge earthquake in 1650 which destroyed most of the city and left thousands dead. There's a painting of the earthquake happening in the Cathedral which shows the Plaza as it was then and the buildings falling down, explosions and slates falling off roofs.
They also have on display the first Cross brought over by the conquistador Pizarro and his Spanish pals and used to convert the natives to christianity or maybe I should say to terrify them into believing.
Today was also national police day here in Peru, so the Plaza de Armas was taken over for the celebration. Which I guess is why the students could not get into the Plaza. I was only there for a few minutes to watch the proceedings as I passed by on my way to lunch. There were lots of police, of all kinds on show and parading round the Plaza, and taking lots of applause from the onlookers. Also all the high ranks up there in front of ther cathedral trying their best to look impressive and important. The dog team were there parading with their dogs, some of whom could walk on their hind legs and were maybe even doing a little dance to the marial music. Police on horseback showing off how they could stand up straight on their horses backs, whilst taking a salute. One does feel so safe....
I took a tour of Cusco Cathedral on Sunday, as I'd not been since my first visit here. The place was built on top of an Incan Palace, from 1550 and took a century to complete. One of the altars is made of solid silver, and there's lots of gold to be seen too. There's a painting of the Last Supper, by a guy called Marcos Zapata, which features a cuy (quinea pig) as main meal. I don't actually know what the Last Supper main dish was, it could have been cuy for all I know.
As one would expect there are lots of Saints one can pray to. Saint Antoni of Padua is partcicularly interesting. He's the guy that women can pray to when they are looking for a husband, and he seems to oblige. Apparently some women have little icons at home, which they keep upside down and once a week turn him right way up to remind him of his duties. Or maybe they just turn him upside down once a week. Notes are left for him in the cathedral, and indeen I could see some, and was very tempted to have a look. Some are thank you notes for work well done by Antoni.
There's also a Senor de los Temblores, or lord of the earthquakes, who is a black Christ figure in the Cathredal. I can't remember how he turned black, maybe from candles, I don't know. Cusco was struck by a huge earthquake in 1650 which destroyed most of the city and left thousands dead. There's a painting of the earthquake happening in the Cathedral which shows the Plaza as it was then and the buildings falling down, explosions and slates falling off roofs.
They also have on display the first Cross brought over by the conquistador Pizarro and his Spanish pals and used to convert the natives to christianity or maybe I should say to terrify them into believing.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Sex education in Peru
There is a huge need for sex education in these parts, especially out in the countryside. I was told a story by one of the workers in the international office here in Maximo about how she was working out in some schools in the countryside and doing some sex education. She decided to get the adults in to give them some lessons too. She was demonstrating how to use a condom, using a brush handle, as one does when pushed, and they all seemed to get the hang of it. So she went back a few weeks later to see how things were going, and yes they told her they were all using condoms now and yes they seemed to be working. But I'm sure you can guess how they were using them. Yes, lots of brush handles were taking the necessary precautions. This is a true story, I'm told.
On a quite unrelated matter, I meant to say thanks to Marian, my pal and Spanish teacher in Edinburgh. Thank you for your donation to the kids of Villa Maria. It will go towards their Xmas party. The books you lent me have gone down well in La Policia de la Familia. The kids love reading them, especially "No Te Rías Pepe" and "El Gallo Quirico". They've been well liked by the boys and girls here and they love to read them out loud, even the ones with the poorer reading skills. I wish you could have seen the look on Jerson's face when he realised he could do it. It was a picture of happiness, brought tears to my eyes. I guess they don't often get anyone to sit down and read with them. They also like to draw all the characters, so thanks again, you have done your little bit for these kids.
Granja Heidi restaurant was even more busy than usual one day this week, when we had a delegation of about twelve folk arrive from the World Youth International. Not one of them looked a day under thirty, reminded me of the Scotish Youth Parliament, which once had K as it's chair and he must have been 25 or even 26 at the time. So if these guys from WYI are youths then I'm just a young man.
I was in a taxi this week and thought I recognised the song he was playing, which turned out to be The Doors song "LA Woman", it having been a long time since I heard it I was quite pleased to be reminded how great a band they were. Had a chat with the taximan about old Jim and he knew all about him, including his burial in Paris,though the name of the cemetary escaped me and him. But you all know where I mean, some of you have even visited, though I hope not defaced it like so many do. I think all my Doors albums are on vinyl, maybe I should do something about that.
On a quite unrelated matter, I meant to say thanks to Marian, my pal and Spanish teacher in Edinburgh. Thank you for your donation to the kids of Villa Maria. It will go towards their Xmas party. The books you lent me have gone down well in La Policia de la Familia. The kids love reading them, especially "No Te Rías Pepe" and "El Gallo Quirico". They've been well liked by the boys and girls here and they love to read them out loud, even the ones with the poorer reading skills. I wish you could have seen the look on Jerson's face when he realised he could do it. It was a picture of happiness, brought tears to my eyes. I guess they don't often get anyone to sit down and read with them. They also like to draw all the characters, so thanks again, you have done your little bit for these kids.
Granja Heidi restaurant was even more busy than usual one day this week, when we had a delegation of about twelve folk arrive from the World Youth International. Not one of them looked a day under thirty, reminded me of the Scotish Youth Parliament, which once had K as it's chair and he must have been 25 or even 26 at the time. So if these guys from WYI are youths then I'm just a young man.
I was in a taxi this week and thought I recognised the song he was playing, which turned out to be The Doors song "LA Woman", it having been a long time since I heard it I was quite pleased to be reminded how great a band they were. Had a chat with the taximan about old Jim and he knew all about him, including his burial in Paris,though the name of the cemetary escaped me and him. But you all know where I mean, some of you have even visited, though I hope not defaced it like so many do. I think all my Doors albums are on vinyl, maybe I should do something about that.
Sunday morning in Cusco
Another beautiful sunny day in Cusco. Wonder what the temperature is? Must be quite high, well into 20s I would say. So will have to go out and enjoy the sunshine. It's Sunday morning and sitting in Maximo, which is surprisingly empty right now. I think everyone goes out on Saturday nights to discos and such like and they don't get home till dawn or later even. Ahh well nowadays I prefer the early night and early rise, to enjoy the early morning pleasure of Cusco. Too many earlies in that last sentence, but what the hell.
Speaking of good English reminds me that my Spanish is coming along nicely. One day I hope to be able to write in Spanish for this blog. I could do so now but it would not be good for those of you who are not privileged to speak that fine language, and it would not be good for the native Spanish speakers to see their language messed about by me. But one day I will try. I'm by no means fluent but I can hold a good level of conversation so long as people speak nice and slow for me.
I was out with my pals Fernando, who comes from Lima, and Ricardo who is Brazileno, from Sao Paulo, and neither of them speak English, but was able to survive for three hours or more, with a little help from them, so felt quite pleased with myself. Sao Paulo is the biggest city in South America, and apparently, according to Ricardo has a bigger population than all of Peru. But I've not checked his facts. Anyway Sao Paulo is huge and I hope to visit it someday soon, once I've finished with DWP.
Lima is the biggest city in the world built on a desert, although maybe Cairo is bigger. Who really knows? Fernando says Cairo is bigger but Wikipedia says the reverse.One region of Peru, called Loreto, mostly made up of forrest, is bigger than Germany and France combined. So Peru is a big big place and most of it sparsely populated.
Speaking of good English reminds me that my Spanish is coming along nicely. One day I hope to be able to write in Spanish for this blog. I could do so now but it would not be good for those of you who are not privileged to speak that fine language, and it would not be good for the native Spanish speakers to see their language messed about by me. But one day I will try. I'm by no means fluent but I can hold a good level of conversation so long as people speak nice and slow for me.
I was out with my pals Fernando, who comes from Lima, and Ricardo who is Brazileno, from Sao Paulo, and neither of them speak English, but was able to survive for three hours or more, with a little help from them, so felt quite pleased with myself. Sao Paulo is the biggest city in South America, and apparently, according to Ricardo has a bigger population than all of Peru. But I've not checked his facts. Anyway Sao Paulo is huge and I hope to visit it someday soon, once I've finished with DWP.
Lima is the biggest city in the world built on a desert, although maybe Cairo is bigger. Who really knows? Fernando says Cairo is bigger but Wikipedia says the reverse.One region of Peru, called Loreto, mostly made up of forrest, is bigger than Germany and France combined. So Peru is a big big place and most of it sparsely populated.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Deplorable
Some things happen that really piss me off, and getting pissed off does my pressure no good, but sometimes you just can't help it.
I was at La Policia yesterday morning with Amy who is in charge of the volunteer work here at Maximo Nivel, and a lovely pesron too. She's the Hearts fan, but nothing wrong with that, I say. She had come along to see the project and to work out how else Maximo could help. I think they have decided to start sending food along every morning for the kids breakfast.
I was just introducing her to all the kids and showing her how we spend our time, when in walks this group of primary school age kids accompanied by their teacher and a couple of cops. There were about 20 of them and all dressed up in their immaculate uniforms and crowded into our room which is quite small and dominated by the kids bunk beds etc. In fact not a very nice place at all.
So the teacher begins to tell her kids, that this is where all the bad boys are brought when they have done bad things etc etc. It was like bringing a gang of kids to the zoo. The boys just stared and like us could not believe it. I looked at Amy and could see she was none too chuffed. It took all my willpower to restrain myself from saying something to the idiot teacher.
I'm still angry when I think about it. These kids have been given a seriously poor start in life and to be used like this is quite deplorable. I really felt for my kids. Most of them are either abandoned by their families or ran away from the abuse they suffer. Few of them have ever done anything worse than I'm sure that bloody teacher did in her life.
I better not say anymore about it for now. More posts tomorrow.
I was at La Policia yesterday morning with Amy who is in charge of the volunteer work here at Maximo Nivel, and a lovely pesron too. She's the Hearts fan, but nothing wrong with that, I say. She had come along to see the project and to work out how else Maximo could help. I think they have decided to start sending food along every morning for the kids breakfast.
I was just introducing her to all the kids and showing her how we spend our time, when in walks this group of primary school age kids accompanied by their teacher and a couple of cops. There were about 20 of them and all dressed up in their immaculate uniforms and crowded into our room which is quite small and dominated by the kids bunk beds etc. In fact not a very nice place at all.
So the teacher begins to tell her kids, that this is where all the bad boys are brought when they have done bad things etc etc. It was like bringing a gang of kids to the zoo. The boys just stared and like us could not believe it. I looked at Amy and could see she was none too chuffed. It took all my willpower to restrain myself from saying something to the idiot teacher.
I'm still angry when I think about it. These kids have been given a seriously poor start in life and to be used like this is quite deplorable. I really felt for my kids. Most of them are either abandoned by their families or ran away from the abuse they suffer. Few of them have ever done anything worse than I'm sure that bloody teacher did in her life.
I better not say anymore about it for now. More posts tomorrow.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Quiero ser tu hijo
Romero hadn't been getting involved very much at La Policia for the past few days, he's been there for five days, so I've spent four days working with him. While all the other kids like to draw and read and stuff like that, he just wanted to mess about, nothing bad but nothing constructive either. But we'd got on well and he always seemed very pleased to see me.
Today when I arrived he told me he wanted to read with me, so as soon as I'd got the other five kids doing something I sat down with him and he read the whole bloody book with me, aloud. He reads well, not perfectly, but as good as most of these kids and was so happy with himself. He just wanted to read and read. Then he took me completely by surprise when he decided that he wanted to draw, having told me all week that he didn't like to draw and that he couldn't do it anyway. In fact it turns out that he's very good at drawing and colouring.
I was so pleased for him, and that he was joining in. He did tend to snatch the pencils he wanted from the rest of them, but after a few words of encouragement and a request for a bit of "tranquilo" he was fine.
A few minutes later he came up to me and giving me a big hug he told me "quiero ser tu hijo" , I want to be your son. Hard to know what to say to that. I was quite taken aback and a little bit upset for him. But I guess it's as big a compliment as I could get, by way of a thank you. And he meant it too.
It's been a busy week at La Policia. There's only one girl there just now. She's a lovely 14 year old who gets beaten up by her step father and then dumped at La Policia by her mother. I've been chatting to her quite a bit and encouraging her to make a report to the police and get him charged but her mother discourages her. I hope she can go to live with her real father which is what she wants.
We were chatting about her education and bits like that. She goes to school in the morning and then to an academia in the afternoons. You can imagine my surprise when it turns out the she is studying karate. So I told her about my tai chi classes and it turns out that she does tai chi too at her academy. She hopes to have her own school one day and teach karate and tai chi. Lets hope she gets all her desires come true. She deserves it and more. I didn't like to ask her if she fought back against her step father with some karate kicks. Lets hope so, or maybe not. But you do just wish that some one would. Maybe Rick could come to sort him out. Rick is my tai chi professor. btw.
Must go hunger calls. Will post more soon.
Today when I arrived he told me he wanted to read with me, so as soon as I'd got the other five kids doing something I sat down with him and he read the whole bloody book with me, aloud. He reads well, not perfectly, but as good as most of these kids and was so happy with himself. He just wanted to read and read. Then he took me completely by surprise when he decided that he wanted to draw, having told me all week that he didn't like to draw and that he couldn't do it anyway. In fact it turns out that he's very good at drawing and colouring.
I was so pleased for him, and that he was joining in. He did tend to snatch the pencils he wanted from the rest of them, but after a few words of encouragement and a request for a bit of "tranquilo" he was fine.
A few minutes later he came up to me and giving me a big hug he told me "quiero ser tu hijo" , I want to be your son. Hard to know what to say to that. I was quite taken aback and a little bit upset for him. But I guess it's as big a compliment as I could get, by way of a thank you. And he meant it too.
It's been a busy week at La Policia. There's only one girl there just now. She's a lovely 14 year old who gets beaten up by her step father and then dumped at La Policia by her mother. I've been chatting to her quite a bit and encouraging her to make a report to the police and get him charged but her mother discourages her. I hope she can go to live with her real father which is what she wants.
We were chatting about her education and bits like that. She goes to school in the morning and then to an academia in the afternoons. You can imagine my surprise when it turns out the she is studying karate. So I told her about my tai chi classes and it turns out that she does tai chi too at her academy. She hopes to have her own school one day and teach karate and tai chi. Lets hope she gets all her desires come true. She deserves it and more. I didn't like to ask her if she fought back against her step father with some karate kicks. Lets hope so, or maybe not. But you do just wish that some one would. Maybe Rick could come to sort him out. Rick is my tai chi professor. btw.
Must go hunger calls. Will post more soon.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
N 30, strike day
Tomorrow is the Big Strike day in old UK. So here I am in Cusco thinking of you all back home preparing for the big day. All of you in your different ways. But my thoughts will definitely be with all those of you who are heading out for the odd picket line. I wish I was with you, well almost.... just like me to miss the biggest strike day since ... well since I don't know when.
I hope it's hugely successful. I don't expect it to bring down the Tory government but we have to start somewhere. I hope the Edinburgh demo is enormous. Good luck with that.
Today was another hot day in Cusco. There were seven kids in La Policia when I arrived and eight by the time I left. We had earthquake evacuation practice while I was there, so had to help escort the kids down into the street where we all gathered. Cops and kids and me. They had drawn a circle in the middle of the road and we all had to stand in a circle. I didn't see anyone doing a count but I guess they must have done.
I buy food for them everyday as rations are meek if not non existent in La Policia. The folk whose shop I go to near to La Policia remember me from way back. They even missed me last week when I was off with my bug. They are so welcoming and always ask about the kids. I buy some bread rolls, apples and drinks for them. They love it. The pregnant girls is away. Don't know where she went in the end. Hope she got to be with her boy friend.
There are a lot of kids there who speak Quechua in La Policia just now. We had a late arrival this morning who says he left home in the countryside because of the beatings he suffers. Him and another boy who is fluent in Quechua were soon chatting away in their native tongue. Which was great to see/hear. The cops don't speak the lingo so it doesn't go down well. I'm told that there is a lot of discrimination against Quechua speakers. Though I've not personally witnessed any so far in La Policia.
Must go home to take a pill and then come back to meet my lawyer friend Fernando who has become a father since my last trip.
I hope it's hugely successful. I don't expect it to bring down the Tory government but we have to start somewhere. I hope the Edinburgh demo is enormous. Good luck with that.
Today was another hot day in Cusco. There were seven kids in La Policia when I arrived and eight by the time I left. We had earthquake evacuation practice while I was there, so had to help escort the kids down into the street where we all gathered. Cops and kids and me. They had drawn a circle in the middle of the road and we all had to stand in a circle. I didn't see anyone doing a count but I guess they must have done.
I buy food for them everyday as rations are meek if not non existent in La Policia. The folk whose shop I go to near to La Policia remember me from way back. They even missed me last week when I was off with my bug. They are so welcoming and always ask about the kids. I buy some bread rolls, apples and drinks for them. They love it. The pregnant girls is away. Don't know where she went in the end. Hope she got to be with her boy friend.
There are a lot of kids there who speak Quechua in La Policia just now. We had a late arrival this morning who says he left home in the countryside because of the beatings he suffers. Him and another boy who is fluent in Quechua were soon chatting away in their native tongue. Which was great to see/hear. The cops don't speak the lingo so it doesn't go down well. I'm told that there is a lot of discrimination against Quechua speakers. Though I've not personally witnessed any so far in La Policia.
Must go home to take a pill and then come back to meet my lawyer friend Fernando who has become a father since my last trip.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Granja Heidi
The picture of the rocoto was posted from my iPhone and as can be seen it cut off a little bit of the plate even though the whole thing is there in the original photo. But you get the idea and it was another delicious dinner in Granja Heidi. It was preceded by a lovely crema de camote, it being a small type of sweet potato thingee though not actually of the potato variety. The restaurant owner always keeps examples of the produce ready to hand to show to customers who enquire and is always willing to go on at length about it's origins and uses, and I mean at length. I've never really been to a restaurant quite like it.
Right that's enough. Dr Grober tells me that amlodopine, which I take here in Cusco is known to cause hand tremors in some people, but will stop once the pills are stopped, so typing on my iPhone is even more exciting. Mind you it's less bad today and maybe even only in my imagination which does seem to hide lots of weird stuff.
Right that's enough. Dr Grober tells me that amlodopine, which I take here in Cusco is known to cause hand tremors in some people, but will stop once the pills are stopped, so typing on my iPhone is even more exciting. Mind you it's less bad today and maybe even only in my imagination which does seem to hide lots of weird stuff.
Some reading ideas
I started reading "Life and Fate" while I was in Lima but have had to change my reading habits here in Cusco for logistical reasons. It's a rather large volume indeed, I forget how many pages but as big as if not bigger than War & Peace. So it's way too heavy for me to carry around with me, as well as my Spanish books and notebooks and stuff for keeping the kids at La Policia entertained, such as drawing paper, pencils and books, of which there are none available on site. As well as which I carry a light weight waterproof. Mind you I don't actually carry all this all of the time as I'm able to leave the bits I don't need in Maximo along with my laptop.
So anyway Life & Fate is back on the shelf until I get back to edinburgh. From what I've read so far it's a stunning piece of work. A bit complex and complicated but the BBC provided a kind of family tree for all the main characters which I printed out before I left and which does help.
So instead I'm reading Peter Carey's book "Parrot and Olivier in America" which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I think I've recommended one of his books before, The True History of the Kelly Gang. He's one of my favourite authors of the modern variety, up there with Roth etc. His research is as usual phenomenal so it's a history lesson combined with a great read. Set at time of French Revolution and moves from there to USA with trips to UK as well.
I think I will finish with a quote from it which fairly made me squirm with delight. They don't do sex like this anymore and God knows where he gets his descriptive powers from but they are "amazing" and there's lots more besides. So here it is and I hope he doesn't demand any fees:
" I ate her, drank her, boiled her, stroked her till she was like a lovely flapping fish and her hair was drenched and our eyes held and our skins slid off each other and we smelled like farm animals, seaweed, the tanneries upriver. She lay in my arms, exhausted, slippery, weeping with relief, and after what we had been through, ............. It was meet and right that we should cry. "
Brings back memories?? Does it not? Enough sex for tonight.
I see Kilmarnock did well today too so more rejoicing in Kentucky if not elsewhere. Thank you to Liverpool for a little help today. And RIP Gary Speed.
So anyway Life & Fate is back on the shelf until I get back to edinburgh. From what I've read so far it's a stunning piece of work. A bit complex and complicated but the BBC provided a kind of family tree for all the main characters which I printed out before I left and which does help.
So instead I'm reading Peter Carey's book "Parrot and Olivier in America" which I'm thoroughly enjoying. I think I've recommended one of his books before, The True History of the Kelly Gang. He's one of my favourite authors of the modern variety, up there with Roth etc. His research is as usual phenomenal so it's a history lesson combined with a great read. Set at time of French Revolution and moves from there to USA with trips to UK as well.
I think I will finish with a quote from it which fairly made me squirm with delight. They don't do sex like this anymore and God knows where he gets his descriptive powers from but they are "amazing" and there's lots more besides. So here it is and I hope he doesn't demand any fees:
" I ate her, drank her, boiled her, stroked her till she was like a lovely flapping fish and her hair was drenched and our eyes held and our skins slid off each other and we smelled like farm animals, seaweed, the tanneries upriver. She lay in my arms, exhausted, slippery, weeping with relief, and after what we had been through, ............. It was meet and right that we should cry. "
Brings back memories?? Does it not? Enough sex for tonight.
I see Kilmarnock did well today too so more rejoicing in Kentucky if not elsewhere. Thank you to Liverpool for a little help today. And RIP Gary Speed.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Rambling
I don't seem to have mentioned the footie much this time round. As I write this at about 12 pm Peru time, I'm following the games online with the Guardian, and Stoke have just beaten Blackburn 3-1, which is good news as we were getting a bit worried that our Euro adventure was turning into a bit of a nightmare. So well done boys. And Newcastle have just scored a penalty at Old Trafford. And Celtic have scored five, which should bring some joy to certain households around Scotland and maybe even in Kentucky.
Yesterday and today I've got back to normal and feel fully adjusted to the altitude here in Cusco. It does take a while to get used to things and this time round had to get over my foodie problem as well. So I feel brand new today. And shortly off to eat at Granja Heidi Restaurante which is as good as ever it was. It's my wee food bolt hole, I always know its going to be ok there. I do try other places but always go back.
Started my Spanish classes this week and my teacher is Dante once more. He's very good and patient. An excellent teacher, as are all the teachers I've had here at Maximo. First day there we had an earthquake tremor which fairly shook the old building, which is in Ave El Sol, one of the old streets of Cusco. We looked at each other but just stayed in our places. It's not a good feeling but we laugh it off. Funny! No I don't think so. I don't know where the epicentre was as I don't buy El Comercio in Cusco as it costs more than $1.00 and it's not worth it. They charge an extra sol for the carriage from Lima, a bit like petrol to Stornoway. Also it's a bit to the right, so to speak, but it does have reasonable cultural coverage and all the footie news from around the world. They supported Keiko in the presedential elections as far as I can make out, and are none to keen on Huamala.
I don't remember why I started this posting, hope its not too boring for you all. It's a beautiful hot day in Cusco right now. We might get a bit of rain later, but it never lasts. Question is should I stay home tonight and continue to recover or should I venture out to catch some music in a bar maybe??? Decisions, decisions.
I see Newcastle have managed a draw, so good luck Liverpool tomorrow, though you won't like doing us any favours.
Yesterday and today I've got back to normal and feel fully adjusted to the altitude here in Cusco. It does take a while to get used to things and this time round had to get over my foodie problem as well. So I feel brand new today. And shortly off to eat at Granja Heidi Restaurante which is as good as ever it was. It's my wee food bolt hole, I always know its going to be ok there. I do try other places but always go back.
Started my Spanish classes this week and my teacher is Dante once more. He's very good and patient. An excellent teacher, as are all the teachers I've had here at Maximo. First day there we had an earthquake tremor which fairly shook the old building, which is in Ave El Sol, one of the old streets of Cusco. We looked at each other but just stayed in our places. It's not a good feeling but we laugh it off. Funny! No I don't think so. I don't know where the epicentre was as I don't buy El Comercio in Cusco as it costs more than $1.00 and it's not worth it. They charge an extra sol for the carriage from Lima, a bit like petrol to Stornoway. Also it's a bit to the right, so to speak, but it does have reasonable cultural coverage and all the footie news from around the world. They supported Keiko in the presedential elections as far as I can make out, and are none to keen on Huamala.
I don't remember why I started this posting, hope its not too boring for you all. It's a beautiful hot day in Cusco right now. We might get a bit of rain later, but it never lasts. Question is should I stay home tonight and continue to recover or should I venture out to catch some music in a bar maybe??? Decisions, decisions.
I see Newcastle have managed a draw, so good luck Liverpool tomorrow, though you won't like doing us any favours.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Medicine Women
There I was minding my own business having a cup of coffee in a cafe near Plaza de Armas, when this hippy couple walked in and sat down at table next to me and began to chat very loudly.
"I've met this amazing Alaskan Medicine Woman, she's truly amazing"
"Thats nice" says he
"Yes I'm so happy, she just amazing. And she's doing a world tour with a big drum. Can you believe it? And tomorrow she's doing a ceremony in Pisac" ( Pisac a market town near Cusco popular with tourists)
" I think we should go honey, it will be awesome" at this point they are joined by another couple and the amazing story is repeated for their benefit.
"And she was with an amazing medicine woman from Cusco, and they will both be in Pisac for the ceremony tomorrow. We must go it will be an amazing experience"
"It only costs $30 each to attend. Just amazing!!!!!"
Well maybe the conversation was not quite like that but pretty close, and very amazing. And they decided to go. There is indeed an Alaskan medicine woman constantly touring the world with her drum. I've checked on Google so must be true. Essentially a nice little earner, just another business woman, pretending to heal the sick of mind. And meantime all around is chaos.
I met and was chatting to an American woman, maybe a bit younger than me, who has spent the last year here in Cusco studying shamanism. She's left it all behind back in USA to come here to study this bullshit. I think she saw my scepticism and gave up.
"I've met this amazing Alaskan Medicine Woman, she's truly amazing"
"Thats nice" says he
"Yes I'm so happy, she just amazing. And she's doing a world tour with a big drum. Can you believe it? And tomorrow she's doing a ceremony in Pisac" ( Pisac a market town near Cusco popular with tourists)
" I think we should go honey, it will be awesome" at this point they are joined by another couple and the amazing story is repeated for their benefit.
"And she was with an amazing medicine woman from Cusco, and they will both be in Pisac for the ceremony tomorrow. We must go it will be an amazing experience"
"It only costs $30 each to attend. Just amazing!!!!!"
Well maybe the conversation was not quite like that but pretty close, and very amazing. And they decided to go. There is indeed an Alaskan medicine woman constantly touring the world with her drum. I've checked on Google so must be true. Essentially a nice little earner, just another business woman, pretending to heal the sick of mind. And meantime all around is chaos.
I met and was chatting to an American woman, maybe a bit younger than me, who has spent the last year here in Cusco studying shamanism. She's left it all behind back in USA to come here to study this bullshit. I think she saw my scepticism and gave up.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Street fighting years
I live in a street called Pasaje Zavaleta which is a dead street off Confradernidad, but Confradernidad is being re surfaced just now so it's closed to traffic. This means the taxis can't take me all the way to my apartment which is at the end of Pasaje Zavaleta, which is no problem usually, as it's not far and quite well lit.
I was walking home, not too late on Friday night, and as I approached Zavaleta I could hear loud disturbances, and as I reached saw a gang, or two gangs of youths, and some older men, who obviously should have known better, engaged in a full out fight. A little perturbing as they completed blocked the street. I could see that the fight was making its way down to Confradernidad and would soon arrive there. Maybe one lot were trying to make their escape. I knew I had to beat a retreat but couldn't work out which way they were likely to turn once they got to the end of the street. Thinking quickly as it were, this all having taken seconds so far, I decided to go back the way I'd come.
Fortunately for me they went the other way and carried on their fight along the street. Once they'd moved some distance I made my way back to my apartment. Very relieved too.
I have to walk across a railway line which cuts Confradernidad in two. It's not often in use and seems to be only for a depot of some kind. Maybe it's used more at night. I was walking along Condradernidad to pick up a taxi, and almost walked out in front of a reversing train. There was one guy stopping the traffic but no-one telling pavement walkers to hold on. It was a close shave indeed. That would have been some end, under a dirty old train in Cusco.
We've had some heavy rain here over past couple of days so I assume the rainy season is with us. The rain is usaully preceded by some loud thunderstorms. When it rains it's as if someone is pouring a bucket of rain right over your head. It's a different kind of rain to Scotland's. When the rain stops, usually after a couple of hours, sometimes more, sometime less, it gets very hot again, and the sun shines down on us all.
I was walking home, not too late on Friday night, and as I approached Zavaleta I could hear loud disturbances, and as I reached saw a gang, or two gangs of youths, and some older men, who obviously should have known better, engaged in a full out fight. A little perturbing as they completed blocked the street. I could see that the fight was making its way down to Confradernidad and would soon arrive there. Maybe one lot were trying to make their escape. I knew I had to beat a retreat but couldn't work out which way they were likely to turn once they got to the end of the street. Thinking quickly as it were, this all having taken seconds so far, I decided to go back the way I'd come.
Fortunately for me they went the other way and carried on their fight along the street. Once they'd moved some distance I made my way back to my apartment. Very relieved too.
I have to walk across a railway line which cuts Confradernidad in two. It's not often in use and seems to be only for a depot of some kind. Maybe it's used more at night. I was walking along Condradernidad to pick up a taxi, and almost walked out in front of a reversing train. There was one guy stopping the traffic but no-one telling pavement walkers to hold on. It was a close shave indeed. That would have been some end, under a dirty old train in Cusco.
We've had some heavy rain here over past couple of days so I assume the rainy season is with us. The rain is usaully preceded by some loud thunderstorms. When it rains it's as if someone is pouring a bucket of rain right over your head. It's a different kind of rain to Scotland's. When the rain stops, usually after a couple of hours, sometimes more, sometime less, it gets very hot again, and the sun shines down on us all.
La Policia de La Familia
I've been back to work with the kids at La Policia again, though I've only been able to go a couple of time due to my affliction, which is much improved today.
It is somewhat improved since my last visit though still quite grim. They've put down a new tiled floor which makes it more comfortable and easier to keep clean. The walls have been newly painted and the bathroom has had a much needed renovation with a new toilet and wash basin. There's also a shower which they can use but only with cold water, but better than no shower at all.
Other than that the place hasn't changed much, though I don't think there are so many children taken there anymore. Certainly not the twenty or thirty we had in the past. But the need remains the same for the kids who are there. And I think the police do their best in difficult circumstances, after all they are not social workers, just the same as cops back in UK.
There were seven kids there on my first day. David a wee boy of 11 years who had run away from his home somewhere in The Sacred Valley, many many miles away from Cusco. How he was able to make it I have no idea. But here he is. He will be taken back home I think once they make contact with his family. But why he left is something else and he doesn't seem keen to explain. He speaks Quechua and I got him to write a wee bit for me. Told him he must try to keep learning it and never to lose it.
Jerson is a boy of 13 years who ran away from his home in Cusco because of the beatings administered by his parents. He refuses to go back and police and courts have agreed so he is now waiting to find a place in a childrens home, which in fact has now been found, so I said goodbye to him and don't expect to see him again. He wants me to visit him there, but I doubt if I will be able to. Will see how things go.
There were also three teenage girls there who had been lifted on Friday night for being at a disco underage. The punishment seems harsh. They were still there three days later. Their parents don't seem too bothered or in too much of a rush to collect them. Wonder what happened to the owner of the disco. Certainly not been locked up for a few days, but maybe they will close the place down for breaking the rules.
There's also the fourteen year old girl who is pregnant and been thrown out by parents for refusing an abortion. Happy days. She hopes to go to live with her boyfrind, the father, who is 19 and lives with his folks. Don't know how that works out here. Not sure of legal ages etc.
All for now.
It is somewhat improved since my last visit though still quite grim. They've put down a new tiled floor which makes it more comfortable and easier to keep clean. The walls have been newly painted and the bathroom has had a much needed renovation with a new toilet and wash basin. There's also a shower which they can use but only with cold water, but better than no shower at all.
Other than that the place hasn't changed much, though I don't think there are so many children taken there anymore. Certainly not the twenty or thirty we had in the past. But the need remains the same for the kids who are there. And I think the police do their best in difficult circumstances, after all they are not social workers, just the same as cops back in UK.
There were seven kids there on my first day. David a wee boy of 11 years who had run away from his home somewhere in The Sacred Valley, many many miles away from Cusco. How he was able to make it I have no idea. But here he is. He will be taken back home I think once they make contact with his family. But why he left is something else and he doesn't seem keen to explain. He speaks Quechua and I got him to write a wee bit for me. Told him he must try to keep learning it and never to lose it.
Jerson is a boy of 13 years who ran away from his home in Cusco because of the beatings administered by his parents. He refuses to go back and police and courts have agreed so he is now waiting to find a place in a childrens home, which in fact has now been found, so I said goodbye to him and don't expect to see him again. He wants me to visit him there, but I doubt if I will be able to. Will see how things go.
There were also three teenage girls there who had been lifted on Friday night for being at a disco underage. The punishment seems harsh. They were still there three days later. Their parents don't seem too bothered or in too much of a rush to collect them. Wonder what happened to the owner of the disco. Certainly not been locked up for a few days, but maybe they will close the place down for breaking the rules.
There's also the fourteen year old girl who is pregnant and been thrown out by parents for refusing an abortion. Happy days. She hopes to go to live with her boyfrind, the father, who is 19 and lives with his folks. Don't know how that works out here. Not sure of legal ages etc.
All for now.
Bad food
For the first time in all my visits to Peru I've had food poisoning and it's not been a pleasant experience to say the least.
I ate in a bar, which shall remain nameless, in Cusco on Sunday night and I was pretty sure they were the culprits. I just wanted something quick and easy while watching some footie. Well it was certainly quick but with utterly devastating consequences. I won't go into the details, so as not to upset folks, but if you've ever suffered it you will know what I mean.
Had to see Dr Grober about it and he gave me the diagnosis, though I was fairly sure what the problem was. He gave me some pills and checked me out. Blood pressure doing well.
Am seeing him again in about half an hour for a quick check up. I've discovered this morning that three teachers from Maximo Nivel ate at the same bar over the weekend and all are down with food poisoning. So there's no doubting the source of my affliction.
I ate in a bar, which shall remain nameless, in Cusco on Sunday night and I was pretty sure they were the culprits. I just wanted something quick and easy while watching some footie. Well it was certainly quick but with utterly devastating consequences. I won't go into the details, so as not to upset folks, but if you've ever suffered it you will know what I mean.
Had to see Dr Grober about it and he gave me the diagnosis, though I was fairly sure what the problem was. He gave me some pills and checked me out. Blood pressure doing well.
Am seeing him again in about half an hour for a quick check up. I've discovered this morning that three teachers from Maximo Nivel ate at the same bar over the weekend and all are down with food poisoning. So there's no doubting the source of my affliction.
Friday, November 18, 2011
In Cusco again
Arrived in Cusco lunch time yesterday and was immediately hit by the altitude and the heat. It was a bit overwhelming to say the least. I keep thinking that it will be easier every time, but it never is. Still today is Friday and I'm beginning to acclimatize already. It usually takes a few days so by Monday should be ok. I'm sitting in Maximo Nivel cafe writing this post and getting greetings from all the people here I know from previous years.
We have a new director of International Programs called Amy and her best friend lives in Edinburgh and is the sister of Andrew Driver, who plays for Hearts. She's been to visit Edinburgh and few times and goes to Tynecastle to watch the boy play, and is now a fully fledged supporter of the Hearts. Which should please my pal Colin to know his team has a supporter in Cusco.
There's a rock concert on here tonigh, with some group from USA who play classic rock numbers from days of yore. I might just pop along to that if I can find someone to accompany me.
Will post some more photos later if I find the time. Not that I'm busy but still time disappears. Must be some way to slow it down surely. If anyone knows please let me know.
We have a new director of International Programs called Amy and her best friend lives in Edinburgh and is the sister of Andrew Driver, who plays for Hearts. She's been to visit Edinburgh and few times and goes to Tynecastle to watch the boy play, and is now a fully fledged supporter of the Hearts. Which should please my pal Colin to know his team has a supporter in Cusco.
There's a rock concert on here tonigh, with some group from USA who play classic rock numbers from days of yore. I might just pop along to that if I can find someone to accompany me.
Will post some more photos later if I find the time. Not that I'm busy but still time disappears. Must be some way to slow it down surely. If anyone knows please let me know.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thank you messages
Yesterday was my last day in Villa Maria this time round. It's hard to believe really. I've had a great time with the kids there yet again and working with Flor is always a pleasure.
It was very sad to be leaving, but I will be back in Lima in December for a few days before I fly back to Scotland. The kids have invited me along to their Xmas party on 19th December, so am looking forward to that.
I've given a wee donation so that they can pay for a clown or some kind of show to come in to perform for them at the party. Thanks to Marian too for her donation to the kids of INABIF before I left Edinburgh. It will go towards the party funds too.
The kids wrote me very touching thank you letters. They are always so glad to see me and sad to see me go. One of the boys siad in his message that he wanted to come with me, which came completely out of the blue. All their messages were moving and had me near to tears... well not quite in tears but you know what I mean. It really amazes me because I feel as I'm doing so little there,but obviously they think otherwise.
So tomorrow I'm off to Cusco. It's Wednesday morning and I'm about to head off out to check in at the travel agents. Don't have a printer here so can't do it online. Will maybe post some more later. Will see how time goes. Fast as usual I guess. Got some pics to post too.
It was very sad to be leaving, but I will be back in Lima in December for a few days before I fly back to Scotland. The kids have invited me along to their Xmas party on 19th December, so am looking forward to that.
I've given a wee donation so that they can pay for a clown or some kind of show to come in to perform for them at the party. Thanks to Marian too for her donation to the kids of INABIF before I left Edinburgh. It will go towards the party funds too.
The kids wrote me very touching thank you letters. They are always so glad to see me and sad to see me go. One of the boys siad in his message that he wanted to come with me, which came completely out of the blue. All their messages were moving and had me near to tears... well not quite in tears but you know what I mean. It really amazes me because I feel as I'm doing so little there,but obviously they think otherwise.
So tomorrow I'm off to Cusco. It's Wednesday morning and I'm about to head off out to check in at the travel agents. Don't have a printer here so can't do it online. Will maybe post some more later. Will see how time goes. Fast as usual I guess. Got some pics to post too.
Work, work, work
I've just had a call from Heber to tell me he got the job in Chosica and actually started work today. I'm so happy for him, he deserves some success in his life. I just hope he settles down there and can eventually find his own place to live, maybe nearer his work. In any case meantime it's great news. He's like a family member to me nowadays. I'm so glad to be able to encourage him along the road of life.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Ecuador 2 Peru 0
Qué pena! Qué Lástima!
This was a world cup qualifier in Ecuador. Watched the end of the game with some fans in the street here in Miraflores. It was being shown on a biggish screen in some shop or other. Saw the second goal and then we all left. With about 3 minutes to go.
One of the kids in Villa Maria asked me if Scotland had ever played Peru. Unfortunately had to tell him about our 1978 world cup embarrasment ( how do you spell that again?).
The boys found this quite amusing.... as indeed do I.
This was a world cup qualifier in Ecuador. Watched the end of the game with some fans in the street here in Miraflores. It was being shown on a biggish screen in some shop or other. Saw the second goal and then we all left. With about 3 minutes to go.
One of the kids in Villa Maria asked me if Scotland had ever played Peru. Unfortunately had to tell him about our 1978 world cup embarrasment ( how do you spell that again?).
The boys found this quite amusing.... as indeed do I.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Chorrillos
I suppose it's time to bring this blog up to date before I leave Lima later this week. I've been very busy of late and hence the absence of postings.
Since last year Blogger has introduced some new features such as keeping stats showing number of page views and countries where it's viewed. So far my blog has been viewed 2,623 times and over 300 times since my arrival here this time round. It's been read in UK, USA, Peru, Russia, Canada, Germany, India, Brazil and Latvia. So I guess an update for all my readers out there is well overdue. And I've also been read in Korea.
I saw Heber at the weekend. I think he's fully recovered now from his taxi moto accident. He has an interview on Wednesday for a job with some electronics company, maybe Siemens, then again maybe some other company. He has an uncle who works there and he's arranged it for him. It's in a place called Chosica which is some distance from Villa Maria, but he will be able to share transport should he get the job. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him tomorrow.
He will be given a training in electronics or some such and he's talking about them paying for him to go to college. Sounds like a great opportunity for him, but like everything else in his life it's all quite precarious. He has two aunts here in Lima and unfortunately they are now talking about leaving. I've been encouraging him to look for accommodation in Chosica if he gets the job there. But it's a very different kind of area, socially speaking, and he may not feel comfortable there. There is a fair bit of discrimination against the less economically endowed amongs the middle classes hereabouts. Though they would deny it of course.
We went to visit Parque de las Tradiciones where there is a statue of Ricardo Palma, sitting on a bench reading a book. The park is named after him as are many other places and streets round about here. He is one of Peru's most famous historical figures, mostly famous for his literary work and his rescue of Peru's national library which was more or less detroyed in the Pacific War between Peru and Chile in the late 19th century. He was able to rebuild it to its former glory and to recover 10s of thousands of books from the Chilean authorities. Chile is not too well liked in Peru. I will post couple of pics of Ricardo's statue. I'd been meaning to go for some time so very pleased that we went.
I also visited Chorrillos which is along the coast from Miraflores, another suburb of Lima which is a lot older than Miraflores. It is a bit of a beach resort, though I didn't take the opportunity to go for a swim, the water looks clear and clean but not worth the risk. There is a huge statue of Christ on a hill called Morro Solar, which can be seen from all around the area. Especially at night as it's all lit up. Will post a photo or two for your delectation. It was also the scene of a big battle in the War of the Pacific, in which the Chileans are reported as having behaved in an unacceptable fashion, including the usual rape and sacking of the town of Chorrillos, which they set on fire and destroyed. And so it goes on.
I took the metropolitano out to Chorrillos. It's a newish transport system here in Lima which is fast and modern, and a big improvement on the bus service. It's also very busy and so standing rom only, but not too hard to handle as it's quick and smooth. We will soon have "el tren electronico" up and running but thats another story, A bit like the Edinburgh trams saga.
Since last year Blogger has introduced some new features such as keeping stats showing number of page views and countries where it's viewed. So far my blog has been viewed 2,623 times and over 300 times since my arrival here this time round. It's been read in UK, USA, Peru, Russia, Canada, Germany, India, Brazil and Latvia. So I guess an update for all my readers out there is well overdue. And I've also been read in Korea.
I saw Heber at the weekend. I think he's fully recovered now from his taxi moto accident. He has an interview on Wednesday for a job with some electronics company, maybe Siemens, then again maybe some other company. He has an uncle who works there and he's arranged it for him. It's in a place called Chosica which is some distance from Villa Maria, but he will be able to share transport should he get the job. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him tomorrow.
He will be given a training in electronics or some such and he's talking about them paying for him to go to college. Sounds like a great opportunity for him, but like everything else in his life it's all quite precarious. He has two aunts here in Lima and unfortunately they are now talking about leaving. I've been encouraging him to look for accommodation in Chosica if he gets the job there. But it's a very different kind of area, socially speaking, and he may not feel comfortable there. There is a fair bit of discrimination against the less economically endowed amongs the middle classes hereabouts. Though they would deny it of course.
We went to visit Parque de las Tradiciones where there is a statue of Ricardo Palma, sitting on a bench reading a book. The park is named after him as are many other places and streets round about here. He is one of Peru's most famous historical figures, mostly famous for his literary work and his rescue of Peru's national library which was more or less detroyed in the Pacific War between Peru and Chile in the late 19th century. He was able to rebuild it to its former glory and to recover 10s of thousands of books from the Chilean authorities. Chile is not too well liked in Peru. I will post couple of pics of Ricardo's statue. I'd been meaning to go for some time so very pleased that we went.
I also visited Chorrillos which is along the coast from Miraflores, another suburb of Lima which is a lot older than Miraflores. It is a bit of a beach resort, though I didn't take the opportunity to go for a swim, the water looks clear and clean but not worth the risk. There is a huge statue of Christ on a hill called Morro Solar, which can be seen from all around the area. Especially at night as it's all lit up. Will post a photo or two for your delectation. It was also the scene of a big battle in the War of the Pacific, in which the Chileans are reported as having behaved in an unacceptable fashion, including the usual rape and sacking of the town of Chorrillos, which they set on fire and destroyed. And so it goes on.
I took the metropolitano out to Chorrillos. It's a newish transport system here in Lima which is fast and modern, and a big improvement on the bus service. It's also very busy and so standing rom only, but not too hard to handle as it's quick and smooth. We will soon have "el tren electronico" up and running but thats another story, A bit like the Edinburgh trams saga.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
A Wednesday night in Peru
Sitting in a cafe by the window late on Wednesday night watching the Peruvian world go by outside. On the other side of the park the shops are all lit up and many of them still open and will be as I walk back to my apartment. There's a beautiful church just across the way which is all lit up and looking quite impressive against the Peruvian night sky. Which reminds that I saw a Jehovah's witness church out in Villa Maria today, a bit out of place, but they must be doing good business. I'm also informed that the evangelicals are growing in influence and in some parts bigger than the RC church. Guess we can expect a visit from that old german sometime soon.
They are playing Xmas music in here and mostly from uk and us. Just can't get away from Jingle Bells.
Just had very sad news from home. Our neighbour Dollag, back home on Isle of Lewis has just passed away and will be buried tomorrow. She was a great person one of the best. She was so kind to our mother in the last few years of her life. I'm very sad not to be at the funeral. It feels wrong somehow.
Such a strange feeling being here in Peru and so far away. Can't help but feel a little sad.
They are playing Xmas music in here and mostly from uk and us. Just can't get away from Jingle Bells.
Just had very sad news from home. Our neighbour Dollag, back home on Isle of Lewis has just passed away and will be buried tomorrow. She was a great person one of the best. She was so kind to our mother in the last few years of her life. I'm very sad not to be at the funeral. It feels wrong somehow.
Such a strange feeling being here in Peru and so far away. Can't help but feel a little sad.
Buses and butterflies
Have started taking the bus out to Villa Maria as of this week. It saves me a small fortune and wish I'd done it sooner. But people always keep telling me to be careful etc and just putting me off the idea, as being too dangerous. The only danger is the driver's desire to arrive before he leaves. It's almost as quick as a taxi, maybe ten minutes longer to get there. Of course it's a thrill a minute ride, no-one here thinks to drive nice and slow. Getting to live more like the Peruvians every day.
I've been working more hours past couple weeks. I leave Miraflores at noon and get back about 5:30. Which for me is a long day. But worth it as have a good time with the kids out there. Today was very hot and most of our time was spent outside playing football. Not that I played much, just the odd kick or two just to show willing.
A young boy called Marco was hunting butterflies, of which there are many beautiful ones. Of course I had to stop him tearing the wings off the ones he caught. Then I left him to it. Hoping he took my advice. He quickly got bored with it.
I've only got a few days left working in Villa Maria. I leave Lima naxt Thursday for Cusco. Will be sad to leave Villa Maria. But the kids have invited me to come to their Xmas party on 19 December, and as I'm back in Lima on the Saturday 17 December I've accepted their invitation. So I'm quite pleased with how that is working out.
My friend Milagros has been impressed with my going to help out at Villa Maria and wants to become involved too, so have introduced her to Flor, via email needless to say. How did we ever manage before emails and internet stuff. I think maybe some of her pals might want to help too. Which is nice.
Will need to post some more photos of Villa Maria so you can all see where we work. It's interesting to say the least. Now must go and eat. Wonder where to go tonight??? Need to have some more ceviche before I leave Lima, but not tonight.
I've been working more hours past couple weeks. I leave Miraflores at noon and get back about 5:30. Which for me is a long day. But worth it as have a good time with the kids out there. Today was very hot and most of our time was spent outside playing football. Not that I played much, just the odd kick or two just to show willing.
A young boy called Marco was hunting butterflies, of which there are many beautiful ones. Of course I had to stop him tearing the wings off the ones he caught. Then I left him to it. Hoping he took my advice. He quickly got bored with it.
I've only got a few days left working in Villa Maria. I leave Lima naxt Thursday for Cusco. Will be sad to leave Villa Maria. But the kids have invited me to come to their Xmas party on 19 December, and as I'm back in Lima on the Saturday 17 December I've accepted their invitation. So I'm quite pleased with how that is working out.
My friend Milagros has been impressed with my going to help out at Villa Maria and wants to become involved too, so have introduced her to Flor, via email needless to say. How did we ever manage before emails and internet stuff. I think maybe some of her pals might want to help too. Which is nice.
Will need to post some more photos of Villa Maria so you can all see where we work. It's interesting to say the least. Now must go and eat. Wonder where to go tonight??? Need to have some more ceviche before I leave Lima, but not tonight.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Saturday night thoughts in Lima
Sitting in a cafe in Miraflores and it's nearly midnight. It's Saturday night and the streets and cafes and I suppose the bars are really busy. The discos and clubs start up later and some go on till well after breakfast time. Not that I have any personal experience of the pleasures of Lima discos.
Have had a very pleasant day in the Lima sunshine. Blue skies today and very hot. Met a pal had some dinner took a stroll and now having a quiet coffee before going back to my apartment. My life here is just so different. I could not imagine being out in Edinburgh at this hour and sitting in a cafe reading my book and writing this for you all. So hope it's appreciated.
It's amazing what you can get used to. I'm writing this on my lovely iPhone, thank you Mr Jobs, may you rest in peace, and I've just realised how easy it is for me now to type with my thumb. Mind you the new or newish Blogger app does help.
Tomorrow I'm meeting Heber again. Last time we met he brought in his driving licence. I think he must have been upset when I asked him about it. He obviously thought I was somewhat incredulous. Poor wee chap. Tomorrow he is bringing his DNI, which everyone must have here.
There is a big road race on here tomorrow called " We run Lima 10 K". Starts here in Parque Kennedy. Maybe my pal Colin will run it some day. Thought of entering myself but maybe I'm not in peak condition. Enough for now need to read my book.
Have had a very pleasant day in the Lima sunshine. Blue skies today and very hot. Met a pal had some dinner took a stroll and now having a quiet coffee before going back to my apartment. My life here is just so different. I could not imagine being out in Edinburgh at this hour and sitting in a cafe reading my book and writing this for you all. So hope it's appreciated.
It's amazing what you can get used to. I'm writing this on my lovely iPhone, thank you Mr Jobs, may you rest in peace, and I've just realised how easy it is for me now to type with my thumb. Mind you the new or newish Blogger app does help.
Tomorrow I'm meeting Heber again. Last time we met he brought in his driving licence. I think he must have been upset when I asked him about it. He obviously thought I was somewhat incredulous. Poor wee chap. Tomorrow he is bringing his DNI, which everyone must have here.
There is a big road race on here tomorrow called " We run Lima 10 K". Starts here in Parque Kennedy. Maybe my pal Colin will run it some day. Thought of entering myself but maybe I'm not in peak condition. Enough for now need to read my book.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Villa Maria pics
I've posted some pics from Villa Maria of some of the kids and letters and stuff they have done for me. I hope you can all read the letters a couple of the girls have written for me. I feel quite humble, though not in a Murdoch kind of way, having all this nice stuff written about me. It's not as if I've done so much, but obviously the kids like the fact that I come to see them and keep coming back.
The letters and cards have been written by some of the girls of course. The boys prefer to play footie and have done lots of drawings for me, some of which I might put in my blog. Denham is a bit of a comedian and decided that he would write his best jokes for me, which as you can see are so very funny. Wish you could see him laugh as he writes them. Says he has more to come for me.
It's 9:30 am Friday morning, and I will be heading off to Villa Maria at 12:30. It takes about 30/35 minutes to get out there, and it's an exhilarating ride, especially if the driver thinks he's a bit of a Seb Vettel, which many of them do.
There is trouble in Greece I see, hope you all get it sorted before it all blows up and we all end up working till we drop. Greece is well off compared to some parts of Peru. There are parts of Peru where their daily income is one sol, which is about 20 pence equivalent in UK or about a third of a dollar.
Villa Maria is not quite that poor, but life there is a daily struggle to survive for most people, but they still manage to smile and have a laugh.
The letters and cards have been written by some of the girls of course. The boys prefer to play footie and have done lots of drawings for me, some of which I might put in my blog. Denham is a bit of a comedian and decided that he would write his best jokes for me, which as you can see are so very funny. Wish you could see him laugh as he writes them. Says he has more to come for me.
It's 9:30 am Friday morning, and I will be heading off to Villa Maria at 12:30. It takes about 30/35 minutes to get out there, and it's an exhilarating ride, especially if the driver thinks he's a bit of a Seb Vettel, which many of them do.
There is trouble in Greece I see, hope you all get it sorted before it all blows up and we all end up working till we drop. Greece is well off compared to some parts of Peru. There are parts of Peru where their daily income is one sol, which is about 20 pence equivalent in UK or about a third of a dollar.
Villa Maria is not quite that poor, but life there is a daily struggle to survive for most people, but they still manage to smile and have a laugh.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Halloween in Miraflores.
The streets of Miraflores were jam packed last night with families and young folk out celebrating Halloween. They take it very seriously here. It's much bigger than I've ever seen in Edinburgh. I haven't a clue what they think they are celebrating. But whatever it is they sure have a good time. It was hard to make my way along the pavement (sidewalk as they say in other places).
Some bands playing and lots of dancing in the streets, though not quite to Motown tunes. With all this going on outside there's a guy sitting in the cafe, obviously from UK, and what is he reading? Incredibly he's come all this way to read Jeffrey Archer's book "Paths of Glory". I was going to speak to him but decided against it when I saw his choice of reading.
Today is another holiday here in Lima. So I'm not going to Villa Maria. I've tried to phone Flor but no reply so I assume she is having a quiet day.
Che Guevara's daughter, Aleida, was in Lima last week. She's a doctor in Cuba I think. She'd come here to attend a conference. She had a few hard words to say about USA influence in Latin America, which is not for the best, needless to say. It's good to see she is able to speak out. I never knew she existed.
As well as a visit from Rod and Mick, we've had the pleasure of Pearl Jam, Aerosmith and soon Britney. It'll be RunRig next I guess or maybe Bob will decide to play for me here in Lima. Wouldn't that just be the very potatoe. Does potatoe have an e on the end? Probably not.
Some bands playing and lots of dancing in the streets, though not quite to Motown tunes. With all this going on outside there's a guy sitting in the cafe, obviously from UK, and what is he reading? Incredibly he's come all this way to read Jeffrey Archer's book "Paths of Glory". I was going to speak to him but decided against it when I saw his choice of reading.
Today is another holiday here in Lima. So I'm not going to Villa Maria. I've tried to phone Flor but no reply so I assume she is having a quiet day.
Che Guevara's daughter, Aleida, was in Lima last week. She's a doctor in Cuba I think. She'd come here to attend a conference. She had a few hard words to say about USA influence in Latin America, which is not for the best, needless to say. It's good to see she is able to speak out. I never knew she existed.
As well as a visit from Rod and Mick, we've had the pleasure of Pearl Jam, Aerosmith and soon Britney. It'll be RunRig next I guess or maybe Bob will decide to play for me here in Lima. Wouldn't that just be the very potatoe. Does potatoe have an e on the end? Probably not.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Prickly Pears
I've just discovered about a fruit called prickly pear. It's called tuna in Spanish and not to be confused with the fishy thing we call tuna. That's atún in Spanish.
It's apparently a prickly pear-shaped fruit of a kind of cactus. I think I've seen them at home but never paid any attention to them, as one does.
Anyway the reason they warrant a mention is that I've read an article about them in El Comercio and it seems that it's just the best thing ever for diabetics and does wonders for the colesterol level too. It was used by the natives to treat lots of conditions, from fever, to hernias to ulcers. Amongst various others.
Some cafes and restaurants sell tuna juice. Have stocked up on them in the flat and will be having one daily. There's a special technique for pealing them which my pal taught me today. My blood sugar today level was at it's lowest level since I stared testing it. Don't know if the two are connected. I didn't really eat much today so maybe not.
Anyway if you have diabetes or colesterol problems, and at least one of you does, then a prickly pear a day may be just what the doctor ordered. This blog will not be held reponsible for any unexpected outcomes.
I probably won't be issuing any more medical advice but you never know.
It's apparently a prickly pear-shaped fruit of a kind of cactus. I think I've seen them at home but never paid any attention to them, as one does.
Anyway the reason they warrant a mention is that I've read an article about them in El Comercio and it seems that it's just the best thing ever for diabetics and does wonders for the colesterol level too. It was used by the natives to treat lots of conditions, from fever, to hernias to ulcers. Amongst various others.
Some cafes and restaurants sell tuna juice. Have stocked up on them in the flat and will be having one daily. There's a special technique for pealing them which my pal taught me today. My blood sugar today level was at it's lowest level since I stared testing it. Don't know if the two are connected. I didn't really eat much today so maybe not.
Anyway if you have diabetes or colesterol problems, and at least one of you does, then a prickly pear a day may be just what the doctor ordered. This blog will not be held reponsible for any unexpected outcomes.
I probably won't be issuing any more medical advice but you never know.
EARTHQUAKE
It was indeed an earthquake I felt when I was sittng here on Friday writing my blog. It was reported as being of magnitude 6.9 on Richter scale and centred round a town called Ica which is about 185 miles south of Lima.
No people were killed but buildings and houses were destroyed. It shook buildings here in Lima but caused no damage in the city. It was near to where a magnitude 8 quake killed more than 500 people in 2007. Though I was not in Lima at that time I visited the area and saw all the damage it caused. The doctor I use in Cuzco went to help out with field hospitals there and showed me some of the photos he had taken for their records.
Quite frankly I'm glad I don't live in an earthquake zone. But you just get on with life and don't think about it. The locals take it all in their stride and don't even mention that they felt the tremor.
Malkovich made a joke on Thursday night, before the quake, to the effect that he was doing a world tour of earthquake zones with his play. Funny at the time but would have been less so in other circumstances.
This is now Sunday afternoon and I'm off out to see the world and pay one last visit to the book festival which closes on Tuesday.
No people were killed but buildings and houses were destroyed. It shook buildings here in Lima but caused no damage in the city. It was near to where a magnitude 8 quake killed more than 500 people in 2007. Though I was not in Lima at that time I visited the area and saw all the damage it caused. The doctor I use in Cuzco went to help out with field hospitals there and showed me some of the photos he had taken for their records.
Quite frankly I'm glad I don't live in an earthquake zone. But you just get on with life and don't think about it. The locals take it all in their stride and don't even mention that they felt the tremor.
Malkovich made a joke on Thursday night, before the quake, to the effect that he was doing a world tour of earthquake zones with his play. Funny at the time but would have been less so in other circumstances.
This is now Sunday afternoon and I'm off out to see the world and pay one last visit to the book festival which closes on Tuesday.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Malkovich conquistó Lima
Went to see John Malkovich last night and he gave one hell of a performance. The above was the headline for today's review in El Comercio. I'm sure I don't need to translate it.
Not like anything I've ever seen before. It was a play with an orchestra and two sopranos supporting him. I guess it was a cross between an opera and a play. Just very different.
Malkovich's performance was quite astounding. Funny, terrifying and quite too believable. He speaks with what he describes as European accent, but it didn't sound like any accent I've ever heard in Europe or anywhere else. His pronunciation of some words is just a touch out, enough to make you smile just a little, though not sure if the Peruvian audience picked up on this. We had simultaneous translation on screen above the stage.
It's the true story of a serial killer, who eventually commits suicide. Or at least as true as we want to believe it to be. He is quite philosophical about it all. Blames the women in his life. Or so it seems. He strangled most of them with thier bras. He plays this out with one of the sopranas then the other.
In the end he plays out the suicide by tying rope round the desk he has been using and round the leg of a chair used by one of the orchestra players.
It looks very much like he's about to do it again. But of course he doesn't. He comes back to make a joke about having to be alive to perfom the play again in Bogota tomorrow night. But invites us all along to see if tomorrow he has a change of mind.
Very glad I went to see him. I will need to check out about the theatre. It was quite impressive. But i think it must have something to do with the army. We were directed into the theatre by armed soldiers. Nobody else seemed to notice. Very strange. They were there again on the way out and even directing traffic on the roads outside. Maybe they heard I was coming. I'm told that indeed it is an army theatre. But there must be more to it than that. Surely!
Not like anything I've ever seen before. It was a play with an orchestra and two sopranos supporting him. I guess it was a cross between an opera and a play. Just very different.
Malkovich's performance was quite astounding. Funny, terrifying and quite too believable. He speaks with what he describes as European accent, but it didn't sound like any accent I've ever heard in Europe or anywhere else. His pronunciation of some words is just a touch out, enough to make you smile just a little, though not sure if the Peruvian audience picked up on this. We had simultaneous translation on screen above the stage.
It's the true story of a serial killer, who eventually commits suicide. Or at least as true as we want to believe it to be. He is quite philosophical about it all. Blames the women in his life. Or so it seems. He strangled most of them with thier bras. He plays this out with one of the sopranas then the other.
In the end he plays out the suicide by tying rope round the desk he has been using and round the leg of a chair used by one of the orchestra players.
It looks very much like he's about to do it again. But of course he doesn't. He comes back to make a joke about having to be alive to perfom the play again in Bogota tomorrow night. But invites us all along to see if tomorrow he has a change of mind.
Very glad I went to see him. I will need to check out about the theatre. It was quite impressive. But i think it must have something to do with the army. We were directed into the theatre by armed soldiers. Nobody else seemed to notice. Very strange. They were there again on the way out and even directing traffic on the roads outside. Maybe they heard I was coming. I'm told that indeed it is an army theatre. But there must be more to it than that. Surely!
VILLA MARIA
It's a question of time really. So much to do when you are in a foreign country it leaves so little time for writing my blog. Not to mention having to get plenty of sleep. Where to start? I've got half an hour just now.
I'm back working in Villa Maria with Flor and the kids of INABIF. I got such a welcome from them. I can't believe that they all remember me so well. A wee girl called Naydelin handed me a letter she had written for me telling me how much she missed me and how happy it makes her for me to be back with them. It's in Spanish of course but I will try to post a photo of it soon.
Some of the older kids have left now, but new younger ones have arrived. The idea is that they get three years with INABIF, during which time they should go to school in the morning and then come to INABIF for lunch and spend the afternoon here till about 5 o'clock. This should mean they have no time left to go to work and at the end of the 3 years their education should have improved considerably and also their general health and wellbeing.
Flor is now working on her own, as Pedro has moved to work in the private sector, so she is really busy, and the little bit I can do is a big help to her. We have access to a footie and play park as well as the room where they do home work and games and other stuff. The lunch is provided by the state. They are building a new kitchen and canteen. The meals are prepared on site and are for older folk and younger ones who live in Villa Maria. The kids of INABIF are allowed to partake too.
Unfortunately we are not able to work in San Juan now. It's not possible for Flor to cover both places. I'm hoping to be able to organise a day in San Juan so that I can meet the kids there again. I just hope the government finds the money to pay for another worker to help out.
I'm sitting in my apartment writing this and I've just felt a tremor shake the building. Blimey!!! Thats the biggest I've felt. It's a very strange feeling. I think I will head off out now and see how the world is going. I guess you just get used to these things. Will maybe post later if I find the time etc.
I'm back working in Villa Maria with Flor and the kids of INABIF. I got such a welcome from them. I can't believe that they all remember me so well. A wee girl called Naydelin handed me a letter she had written for me telling me how much she missed me and how happy it makes her for me to be back with them. It's in Spanish of course but I will try to post a photo of it soon.
Some of the older kids have left now, but new younger ones have arrived. The idea is that they get three years with INABIF, during which time they should go to school in the morning and then come to INABIF for lunch and spend the afternoon here till about 5 o'clock. This should mean they have no time left to go to work and at the end of the 3 years their education should have improved considerably and also their general health and wellbeing.
Flor is now working on her own, as Pedro has moved to work in the private sector, so she is really busy, and the little bit I can do is a big help to her. We have access to a footie and play park as well as the room where they do home work and games and other stuff. The lunch is provided by the state. They are building a new kitchen and canteen. The meals are prepared on site and are for older folk and younger ones who live in Villa Maria. The kids of INABIF are allowed to partake too.
Unfortunately we are not able to work in San Juan now. It's not possible for Flor to cover both places. I'm hoping to be able to organise a day in San Juan so that I can meet the kids there again. I just hope the government finds the money to pay for another worker to help out.
I'm sitting in my apartment writing this and I've just felt a tremor shake the building. Blimey!!! Thats the biggest I've felt. It's a very strange feeling. I think I will head off out now and see how the world is going. I guess you just get used to these things. Will maybe post later if I find the time etc.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Missing
That last posting was written with my usual devotion to paragraphs but somehow blogger decided to do without. They've just made some "improvements" and this is the end result.
Jose Saramago hardly ever uses paragraphs in his writing so I'm sure just for this once you will all cope.
I'm writing this on my iPhone so who knows how this will look once I post it.
Forgot to mention that Heber's brother Robin is in Puerto Maldonado working in the mines there. It's rough and tough out there. Not the best place for a boy but then maybe it's better than working the streets of Cusco. Who can tell?
Jose Saramago hardly ever uses paragraphs in his writing so I'm sure just for this once you will all cope.
I'm writing this on my iPhone so who knows how this will look once I post it.
Forgot to mention that Heber's brother Robin is in Puerto Maldonado working in the mines there. It's rough and tough out there. Not the best place for a boy but then maybe it's better than working the streets of Cusco. Who can tell?
Day out with Heber
Spent the day with Heber yesterday. Had a good day with him. I can hardly believe he has grown up so much. Seems like yesterday I first met him in La Policia in Cusco. But it must be five years now. Where have all the years gone?
His life continues to bring surprises. He's been driving a moto taxi recently. These are about the most dangerous vehicles I've ever seen on the roads, other than a certain tractor back in Tong in the 50s. He talked about doing this last time I saw him, and he agreed he would stick to his job in the restaurant, So of course he went ahead and started driving a moto taxi. And what happened? He had an accident of course. His shoulder is damaged and he has to wear a cast round his shoulders so that it will set properly. He insists that he is not too young to drive one of these things and that the police have not charged him. The moto belongs to an uncle who has now repaired it. He promises not to go back to driving it again.
He now hopes to start work with a company which does electrical maintenance in various buildings. I'm hopeful this will work out for him as if he does ok they will give him training. He still lives with his aunt and uncle in Villa Maria, but they are moving to Iquitos so he hopes to move in with another aunt in new year. This will be better than the alternative which is to return to Cusco.
We went shopping for clothes for him. Followed by BurgerKing. Yes they are here too. Then to a new ice cream shop which sells the most delicious ice cream I've ever tasted.
Had a nice chat with him. He tells me how my Spanish has improved. He remembers when I could hardly say a word. Now we can have long conversations. He is very patient and speaks nice and slowly for me.We decided that the Nazca Lines were definitely put there by spacemen from some world not yer known to us.
Oh and he tells me that when he is married and has his first boy he will call him Donald. Which is nice. I hope some day to meet this Donald.
He's a good kid. I hope to see him again at the weekend.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Back in Lima
Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart and I arrived in Peru last week. Rod was doing a concert in Lima on Friday night, for 10,000 of his fans, old and young. I think he was looking for me but I was too tired to go out after my long voyage over.
My pal Mick is visiting Peru as a tourist. He was in Cusco last week and visited Machu Picchu of course. He was welcomed as some kind of hero here. He went to see the Amazon rainforrest in Tambopata which is where I visited a few years back. He was made an "embajador honorario del bosgue amazonico". Which is more than they did for me for some reason. Maybe they will do it this time round.
Talking about voyages, that's the last time I go from Edinburgh to Lima in one trip. It's just too much for my old body to cope with. Next time will have to stay a night in Amsterdam I reckon.
We have a new president here since my last visit. His name is Ollanta Humala and as far as I can make out he is on the left. He seems to get the right a bit excited. The worst insult they can give is that he's "Chavezista", whom the CIA have turned into a bit of a monster of course. Will have to wait and see how it goes.
They're having their own wee corruption scandal in parliament too; just like home.
My pal Mick is visiting Peru as a tourist. He was in Cusco last week and visited Machu Picchu of course. He was welcomed as some kind of hero here. He went to see the Amazon rainforrest in Tambopata which is where I visited a few years back. He was made an "embajador honorario del bosgue amazonico". Which is more than they did for me for some reason. Maybe they will do it this time round.
Talking about voyages, that's the last time I go from Edinburgh to Lima in one trip. It's just too much for my old body to cope with. Next time will have to stay a night in Amsterdam I reckon.
We have a new president here since my last visit. His name is Ollanta Humala and as far as I can make out he is on the left. He seems to get the right a bit excited. The worst insult they can give is that he's "Chavezista", whom the CIA have turned into a bit of a monster of course. Will have to wait and see how it goes.
They're having their own wee corruption scandal in parliament too; just like home.
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