Report #2 - July 4, 2009

 

Happy 4th of July!

Day four of travel, and day two of HVCA.  Yesterday post breakfast we all met up at the offices of ANTIPAQ, where our friend and partner, Angelica Betalilluz, heads the local NGO that many Broadstreeters have been involved with in years past.  After warm greetings and a little bit of discussion we boarded a cozy bus well suited for roughly 8 gringos.  We packed fully 20 participants.  Like we said......... cozy.

 

Meanwhile, Evan Porter, Jen Bunker, and Jed Koball took the road less traveled in search of needed materials for construction.  However,  that proved to be a more timely task than initially anticipated.  Peruvian time...........  I think ya'll know what we're talking about.

 

The rest of the group headed up the mountain and into Vista Alegra the site of our eco toilets, as well as a school, and a dairy plant that in recent years has seen tremendous economic growth.  During their peak season they process roughly 450 liters of milk into various products including cheese, yogurt (which we sampled; Yoplait ain’t got nothing on this batch), and butter.  

 

Post dairy tour, (Evan, Jed, and Jen still MIA) the group set off on a hike of the area, whereby Angelica demonstrated various farming technologies, and plants native to the area.  Along the hike, a friendly rock served as an ideal spot for impromptu shots of individuals, with a picturesque Peruvian landscape as an ideal backdrop.  Personalities found the opportunity to be exposed.  Again we won't name the best poses, however, you may want to ask Amy reenact her Michael Jacksonesque strut to the sky during her next sermon.  Naturally, much futbol and hackie sack was played with the school children nearby.  Rebecca, Carol and Amy also made use of their Quechua handbook trying to make contact with the local children.  Strangely enough both Amy and Carol tried with limited success; however, when Rebecca took a stab the teenage boys were quite responsive almost immediately. 

 

The afternoon was filled with walking the market, and enjoying casual conversation with locals.  There were also some lessons in bartering taking place.  Willy seemed to do particularly well in all categories.  The younger crowd of local ladies seemed quite taken with his presence.  Much giggling, looks, and pointing took place whenever he was near.  Will noted to the young onlookers that Willy is both single and available.  This seemed to generate a positive response.

 

We haven't been successful uploading pictures at the local internet cafe yet, but standby, we still are working on it.  Overall all is well, and we hope all is well with each of you.  See you soon.

 

Desde Peru, con amor, 

Peru Crew V

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