Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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.
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