We will be seeing all of you at approximately 1:10pm Canadian time at the Pearson airport.
Thanks so much for following our blog, it really means a lot to us!
KB
Friday, June 17, 2011
Goodbye Cusco!
Sorry that we have been slacking on the blog posts! We have been having an awesome time in Cusco over the last few days. We had a great time visiting and spending time with Greta and her lovely daughter Maria. We also had a wonderful time visiting kindergarden classes, seeing the beautiful Macchu Pichu, and spending our last few days in Peru together. We are starting our journey home soon, and as excited as we are to share our many experiences with all of you, all of us are very sad to be leaving the wonderful country of Peru.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
An Uphill Battle!
Saturday was the last day of the pilka dig and boy were we tired! It was difficult to hike up to the pilka let alone dig a two meter hole in the ground after already digging the previous day. Our human power was dwindling at this point as we were becoming physically and mentally exhausted from the culture shock and labour intensive workload. We decided to stop at lunch.
After lunch our group embarked on a trek across the mountainside to see how the women of this community really grow their coffee. Saturdina and her sister lead us along the mountainous terrain that they take every day to work. It showed us a great apprication to what a five minute hike means to them. It also gave us a broarder perspective of an honest day´s work; In North America we take for granted the simplest things. Saturdina stopped and showed us the various fruits in the area, and made sure to point out any topics of interest as we walked. We continued walking and they gave us the best oranges of our lives. Heading back along the path a few of us followed Saturdina up to where they peel the coffee. On the way there, we passed by a banana tree and one of the locals with us cut down a bunch of fresh bananas. They were absolutely phenomenal! Continuing on our journey, we passed where the coffee beans are layed out on tarps and sun dried. What a process!
When we all arrived back to the village, the locals challenged our group to a game of soccer. It was amazing to see that despite the language barriers our groups still overcame this challenge and became closer as an entire community.
Saying goodbye to our new found home was difficult to do. The entire community came into our dwelling, where we both expressed our feelings of graditude for one another. We cannot thank this community enough for all the life lessons they have taught us. They welcomed us into their community with open arms, giving what possessions they had and offered them up to us. They demonstrated the power of family and friendship to our group. They greeted us with smiles and sent us off with enriched hearts, demonstrating that material possessions have little value but a realtionship between each other is what matters.
Regardless of the fact that they had been mourning the loss of their brother, they did all that they could to ensure that our last night was a memorable one. It is in their culture to refrain from dancing two months after a loved one has passed away, however they still hosted a dance party for our departure. The music went on for hours into the night as we danced under the stars. There were smiles all around as we enjoyed dancing to the local music, however, at that same time participating in something that is very familiar to Canadians. A party is party no matter where you are!
On Sunday we began our trek back down the moutain at 6:15 in the morning. Covered in bug spray, sunscreen and stocked with plenty of fluids we were prepared for our three hour hike. As we travelled through the mountains, the trucks awaited us at the top, rock music blasting, to continue our journey back to Chiclayo. Upon our return we had our final dinner with Glen Lombard. Isabel met us at the hotel to see how our adventure went and to provide us with Cafe Feminino Coffee to bring back to our families. We packed up our things to prepare for our early flight to Cusco the following morning.
Love Meg, Jess, Natalie and Jordan
After lunch our group embarked on a trek across the mountainside to see how the women of this community really grow their coffee. Saturdina and her sister lead us along the mountainous terrain that they take every day to work. It showed us a great apprication to what a five minute hike means to them. It also gave us a broarder perspective of an honest day´s work; In North America we take for granted the simplest things. Saturdina stopped and showed us the various fruits in the area, and made sure to point out any topics of interest as we walked. We continued walking and they gave us the best oranges of our lives. Heading back along the path a few of us followed Saturdina up to where they peel the coffee. On the way there, we passed by a banana tree and one of the locals with us cut down a bunch of fresh bananas. They were absolutely phenomenal! Continuing on our journey, we passed where the coffee beans are layed out on tarps and sun dried. What a process!
When we all arrived back to the village, the locals challenged our group to a game of soccer. It was amazing to see that despite the language barriers our groups still overcame this challenge and became closer as an entire community.
Saying goodbye to our new found home was difficult to do. The entire community came into our dwelling, where we both expressed our feelings of graditude for one another. We cannot thank this community enough for all the life lessons they have taught us. They welcomed us into their community with open arms, giving what possessions they had and offered them up to us. They demonstrated the power of family and friendship to our group. They greeted us with smiles and sent us off with enriched hearts, demonstrating that material possessions have little value but a realtionship between each other is what matters.
Regardless of the fact that they had been mourning the loss of their brother, they did all that they could to ensure that our last night was a memorable one. It is in their culture to refrain from dancing two months after a loved one has passed away, however they still hosted a dance party for our departure. The music went on for hours into the night as we danced under the stars. There were smiles all around as we enjoyed dancing to the local music, however, at that same time participating in something that is very familiar to Canadians. A party is party no matter where you are!
On Sunday we began our trek back down the moutain at 6:15 in the morning. Covered in bug spray, sunscreen and stocked with plenty of fluids we were prepared for our three hour hike. As we travelled through the mountains, the trucks awaited us at the top, rock music blasting, to continue our journey back to Chiclayo. Upon our return we had our final dinner with Glen Lombard. Isabel met us at the hotel to see how our adventure went and to provide us with Cafe Feminino Coffee to bring back to our families. We packed up our things to prepare for our early flight to Cusco the following morning.
Love Meg, Jess, Natalie and Jordan
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I feel Full
Hello everyone! It is 10:00 PM here in Chiclayo and we have just finished saying our goodbyes to Isabelle and Victor, the presendents of Cafe Feminino. We also had the oppertunity to purchase some Cafe Feminino Coffee of our own from them, which I am sure we will let you taste when we get back to Canada.
I now have a bit of down time to tell you a bit more about the mountains. So to pick up where Jason left off....
We were awoken by the rooster at around 4:30 AM, then the pigs at 5:00 AM, then the donkeys, then the goats, and lets not forget the dogs that roam the community. Breakfast was at 7:30 so we could begin our work on the pilca around 8:00. We were all very tired from our journey the day before, but still put on all our sunscreen, bugspray, and carried our water bottles up the mountain side to help out the male workers of the community.
Are those men ever in shape! They worked just as hard as they did the day before and did not show an ounce of tiredness. Us, on the otherhand, we slowing down a fair bit. When lunch time rolled around, it was clear that we were struggling. One of the women of the village, Saterdina, noticed this and was quick to tell Rebecca that we should take the afternoon off and get to know the community and appreciate the place that we had come to visit. We were of course happy to take up her offer, but I did feel a little guilty about leaving the men to do work all afternoon while we got to rest. Saterdina explained that we should not feel bad at all. Just bringing the materials for the pilca with us we were helping the village.
We took this oppertunity to branch out in small groups and get to know this lovely community that we were living in. It turns out that the community is essentially one large family. The grandmother and grandfather live in the main area with some of their children and grandchildren, while other children of theirs, Saterdina included, live at nearby farms with their families and hike into the main area every day.
While the men were busy working on the pilca, the women spent their time doing chores and crafts and watching over the children. Kristina, Natalie, Jason, and I decided that we wanted to play with the children. We met the cutest little boy who looked ot be about 5 years old. We played with his truck and had took turns trying to make him laugh. Soon his little brother and and other little girl had joined us and Jess snapped some really great photos. I loved spending time with the children because I find them to less intimidating to get to know, especially if your spanish is as poor as mine. It is amazing how much you can communicate just by smiling and laughing.
We moved into the main house area and Kristina brought out some bracelet making tools. We showed the younger women who were looking after the children how to braid the bracelets. I also multitasked by entertaing the two little boys I mentioned earlier by tossing a ball of yarn back and forth. Meanwhile, Becca, Megan, Jenna, Jess and Barbara chatted with Saterdina and Megan tried to learn how to make a blanket from scratch. We had a good laugh at her because it certaintly was not as easy as Saterdina made it look!
Before dinner, we took a walk with Saterdina back to her farm. She chatted more to us about what life in Peru was like and also showed off the beauty of our surroundings. She truely is such a spectacular women and I can´t even begin to describe the love that we all felt toward her.
After saying goodbye to Saterdina, we chatted about the day together on our way back to the community. Jenna and I talked about our frustration that we just couldn´t find a good word to describe how we were feeling and how amazing this experience has been so far. Becca came up with what I think is the best way to describe our feelings when she said ¨I feel full¨ Meaning that our hearts are full of love and happiness to be in such a spectacular part of the world and that we now feel some sort of new completeness. This still may not describe my experience perfectly, but it is so close!
Much love and talk to you all soon!
Kat
I now have a bit of down time to tell you a bit more about the mountains. So to pick up where Jason left off....
We were awoken by the rooster at around 4:30 AM, then the pigs at 5:00 AM, then the donkeys, then the goats, and lets not forget the dogs that roam the community. Breakfast was at 7:30 so we could begin our work on the pilca around 8:00. We were all very tired from our journey the day before, but still put on all our sunscreen, bugspray, and carried our water bottles up the mountain side to help out the male workers of the community.
Are those men ever in shape! They worked just as hard as they did the day before and did not show an ounce of tiredness. Us, on the otherhand, we slowing down a fair bit. When lunch time rolled around, it was clear that we were struggling. One of the women of the village, Saterdina, noticed this and was quick to tell Rebecca that we should take the afternoon off and get to know the community and appreciate the place that we had come to visit. We were of course happy to take up her offer, but I did feel a little guilty about leaving the men to do work all afternoon while we got to rest. Saterdina explained that we should not feel bad at all. Just bringing the materials for the pilca with us we were helping the village.
We took this oppertunity to branch out in small groups and get to know this lovely community that we were living in. It turns out that the community is essentially one large family. The grandmother and grandfather live in the main area with some of their children and grandchildren, while other children of theirs, Saterdina included, live at nearby farms with their families and hike into the main area every day.
While the men were busy working on the pilca, the women spent their time doing chores and crafts and watching over the children. Kristina, Natalie, Jason, and I decided that we wanted to play with the children. We met the cutest little boy who looked ot be about 5 years old. We played with his truck and had took turns trying to make him laugh. Soon his little brother and and other little girl had joined us and Jess snapped some really great photos. I loved spending time with the children because I find them to less intimidating to get to know, especially if your spanish is as poor as mine. It is amazing how much you can communicate just by smiling and laughing.
We moved into the main house area and Kristina brought out some bracelet making tools. We showed the younger women who were looking after the children how to braid the bracelets. I also multitasked by entertaing the two little boys I mentioned earlier by tossing a ball of yarn back and forth. Meanwhile, Becca, Megan, Jenna, Jess and Barbara chatted with Saterdina and Megan tried to learn how to make a blanket from scratch. We had a good laugh at her because it certaintly was not as easy as Saterdina made it look!
Before dinner, we took a walk with Saterdina back to her farm. She chatted more to us about what life in Peru was like and also showed off the beauty of our surroundings. She truely is such a spectacular women and I can´t even begin to describe the love that we all felt toward her.
After saying goodbye to Saterdina, we chatted about the day together on our way back to the community. Jenna and I talked about our frustration that we just couldn´t find a good word to describe how we were feeling and how amazing this experience has been so far. Becca came up with what I think is the best way to describe our feelings when she said ¨I feel full¨ Meaning that our hearts are full of love and happiness to be in such a spectacular part of the world and that we now feel some sort of new completeness. This still may not describe my experience perfectly, but it is so close!
Much love and talk to you all soon!
Kat
First Day: SJ vs. the Mountain
Hey Everyone,
Back from dinner, and after some downtime and recouperation I am able to share how our first day in the mountains was. Our trek thursday began with the trucks arriving at the Saranga Hotel already strapped with the pipes that would be used in water irrigation by the indigenous mountain farmers. We loaded up the two pick-ups and the taxi cab that came with us and headed out of Chiclayo. Driving in the city is a little crazy; lanes and stop lights are more of a suggestion here. Once we got out of the city we headed through the neighbouring areas on what I assumed is a highway, although it was significantly different than the 401. After about an hour\hour and a half we reached the base of the mountain, also our stop for lunch. However we ran into a slight complication with the road, as part of it was covered with the river that was running through it. No problem though as our drivers simply plowed through and we made it to the other side. It was a thrilling experience to say the least. After a quick lunch and some photo´s of the river we loaded everyone, bags and all, into the two pick-ups and headed up the mountain. The windy roads up the mountain almost seemed surreal at first, but like Sean put it, roller coasters will never be the same again. About an hour later we arrived at the village where the trucks were dropping us off as that is as close as they could get us. We were finally able to appreciate the mountainous view from a stopped position, and it is something that even now I cannot explain ho beautiful it was. From there we loaded our gear onto our backs and began the hike to our home for the next three nights. The hike started off nice with a downhill slope through a gorgeous forest setting and thankfully lots of shade. We passed multiple rivers which Megan decided were easier to walk through than above using rocks. Of course we needed to get over a mountain so the terrain took a change in direction from nice and flat to can ground really go that steep? It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. I am sticking with the story that the air was significantly thinner in the mountains and that is why I ran out of breath climbing this behemoth of a landmark. We all found it rough going up but stuck together and made it over the mountain. It was really nice to see how everyone looked out for one another and made sure that they were doing okay. However once we got to the top we quickly found out that there was still quite a ways to go before we hit the village. After another of the longest hours of my life I made it to our new home. It consisted of 3 houses that the local families stayed in and a larger community house that we used as home base. Modest is an overstatement when describing this village. The houses were made of clay bricks and sheet metal roofs, and the ground was caked and dry around the village. What was truly shocking and amazing all in one was the contrast of this village to its surroundings. It was so easy through the next few days to forget where you were and look out and see the most beautiful countryside I personally have had the priveledge of seeing. The mix of the mountains, clear blue skies, and the fresh clean air had enough of us smiling constantly throughout the weekend. We were greeted by the families of the village and headed up towards where the supplies we brought would be put to use to build a Pilca (a water storage system which they use for irrigation for crops). The President of the village, Marcos, welcomed us and thanked us for not only providing the materials for this project but coming to actually visit and get to know them. Through our translator Rebecca we thanked them for the experience they were providing us and they were helping us more than they would ever know. After these past three days, that could not be closer to the truth. We went to work right away and we quickly found out the true meaning of a hard days work. The twelve of us worked as hard as we could after a 2+hour hike until the end of the day. I could not believe how efficient the farmers were at their work. Jordan and I could barely keep up moving dirt from the site working with the elder of the community who had to be at least 60. It was a very humbling experience. We were able to wash up and wipe off the dirt from the afternoon of work before dinner. I forgot to mention that we were served goat and some potatoe dish for lunch, and the same goat showed up for dinner with rice. Other than Sean and I, the goat didn´t get great criticism, but I though it was amazing. Two meals in a row maybe not, but it was still very good. The locals came in to see us every once in a while to see how we were doing, drop off some coffee or sleeping mats, but for the most part left us alone. Near the end of our trip we were able to really get to know them and they became more comfortable around us. We headed to bed early as we were all thouroughly exhausted.
Something that dawned on me somewhat the first day but significantly as we headed home on Sunday was the similarities between these locals indigenous farmers and us. They were completely untouched by North American society, yet they shared so many similar habits and traits as if we were at home doing the same thing. It was one of the greatest realizations that I have experienced so far on this trip. This was definitely not the experience I was expecting, but it is certaintly one I will never forget.
Thanks for reading and buenos noches.
Jason
Back from dinner, and after some downtime and recouperation I am able to share how our first day in the mountains was. Our trek thursday began with the trucks arriving at the Saranga Hotel already strapped with the pipes that would be used in water irrigation by the indigenous mountain farmers. We loaded up the two pick-ups and the taxi cab that came with us and headed out of Chiclayo. Driving in the city is a little crazy; lanes and stop lights are more of a suggestion here. Once we got out of the city we headed through the neighbouring areas on what I assumed is a highway, although it was significantly different than the 401. After about an hour\hour and a half we reached the base of the mountain, also our stop for lunch. However we ran into a slight complication with the road, as part of it was covered with the river that was running through it. No problem though as our drivers simply plowed through and we made it to the other side. It was a thrilling experience to say the least. After a quick lunch and some photo´s of the river we loaded everyone, bags and all, into the two pick-ups and headed up the mountain. The windy roads up the mountain almost seemed surreal at first, but like Sean put it, roller coasters will never be the same again. About an hour later we arrived at the village where the trucks were dropping us off as that is as close as they could get us. We were finally able to appreciate the mountainous view from a stopped position, and it is something that even now I cannot explain ho beautiful it was. From there we loaded our gear onto our backs and began the hike to our home for the next three nights. The hike started off nice with a downhill slope through a gorgeous forest setting and thankfully lots of shade. We passed multiple rivers which Megan decided were easier to walk through than above using rocks. Of course we needed to get over a mountain so the terrain took a change in direction from nice and flat to can ground really go that steep? It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. I am sticking with the story that the air was significantly thinner in the mountains and that is why I ran out of breath climbing this behemoth of a landmark. We all found it rough going up but stuck together and made it over the mountain. It was really nice to see how everyone looked out for one another and made sure that they were doing okay. However once we got to the top we quickly found out that there was still quite a ways to go before we hit the village. After another of the longest hours of my life I made it to our new home. It consisted of 3 houses that the local families stayed in and a larger community house that we used as home base. Modest is an overstatement when describing this village. The houses were made of clay bricks and sheet metal roofs, and the ground was caked and dry around the village. What was truly shocking and amazing all in one was the contrast of this village to its surroundings. It was so easy through the next few days to forget where you were and look out and see the most beautiful countryside I personally have had the priveledge of seeing. The mix of the mountains, clear blue skies, and the fresh clean air had enough of us smiling constantly throughout the weekend. We were greeted by the families of the village and headed up towards where the supplies we brought would be put to use to build a Pilca (a water storage system which they use for irrigation for crops). The President of the village, Marcos, welcomed us and thanked us for not only providing the materials for this project but coming to actually visit and get to know them. Through our translator Rebecca we thanked them for the experience they were providing us and they were helping us more than they would ever know. After these past three days, that could not be closer to the truth. We went to work right away and we quickly found out the true meaning of a hard days work. The twelve of us worked as hard as we could after a 2+hour hike until the end of the day. I could not believe how efficient the farmers were at their work. Jordan and I could barely keep up moving dirt from the site working with the elder of the community who had to be at least 60. It was a very humbling experience. We were able to wash up and wipe off the dirt from the afternoon of work before dinner. I forgot to mention that we were served goat and some potatoe dish for lunch, and the same goat showed up for dinner with rice. Other than Sean and I, the goat didn´t get great criticism, but I though it was amazing. Two meals in a row maybe not, but it was still very good. The locals came in to see us every once in a while to see how we were doing, drop off some coffee or sleeping mats, but for the most part left us alone. Near the end of our trip we were able to really get to know them and they became more comfortable around us. We headed to bed early as we were all thouroughly exhausted.
Something that dawned on me somewhat the first day but significantly as we headed home on Sunday was the similarities between these locals indigenous farmers and us. They were completely untouched by North American society, yet they shared so many similar habits and traits as if we were at home doing the same thing. It was one of the greatest realizations that I have experienced so far on this trip. This was definitely not the experience I was expecting, but it is certaintly one I will never forget.
Thanks for reading and buenos noches.
Jason
Roller-coasters shall never be the same...
Hola amigos!
You will be glad to know that we have made it back safe and sound to our hotel from our trek through the mountains! We will be posting a blog sometime later tonight or tomorrow! Off to get cleaned up and have some food! Check back later to see how the trip was!
You will be glad to know that we have made it back safe and sound to our hotel from our trek through the mountains! We will be posting a blog sometime later tonight or tomorrow! Off to get cleaned up and have some food! Check back later to see how the trip was!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
We will be leaving Chiclayo tomorrow morning to go into the mountains. We will hopefully have a tracking device that will text our locations to family and friends. Keep a look out in your inbox for an email from noreply@spotconnect.com and double check your junk!
Thanks so much!
KB
Thanks so much!
KB
Hola Chiclayo!!!
Buenos Nochas Amigos!!
We landed in Chiclayo at 7:30 after a short plane ride from Lima. We were really sad to have left the Oscar Romero Retreat Center, but we are very excited to move on with the next part of our journey! After we had gotten unpacked and settled in a bit, we headed up to the roof for some good old wine and dine in the La Saranga Restaraunt! It was a chore and a half trying to decypher the menus and trying to decide what we wanted to eat. Some people decided to be adventurous and tried the Ceviche (Raw fish and other seafood cooked by the juices of lemon and lime). On the other hand, some people chose to stick with the more basic food such as fettucini alfredo or fries. We were also able to wet our whistle with Peru´s infamous Pisco Sour (pisco is the national liquor of Peru, then mixed with limade to make a delicious drink). After our late dinner, we all hit the hay to wake up for an 9am continental breakfast. We left the hotel at 10am to meet up with Victor and Isabelle, the founders of CICAP for a presentation about Cafe Feminino and their organization which is set up to aid coffee farmers throughout the region. Isabelle will be accompanying us on our three day journey into the mountains to visit the local farmers. Their presentation covered a little bit of the history of CICAP as well as the economic and social statuses of the farmers and their markets in the global perspective. After our meeting we headed out to exchange some money into soles. After the exchange Glen and Becca took us to a local restaurant where we had lunch and were able to sit back, relax, and mingle between ourselves for a little while. After lunch we had stopped off at the grocery store to pick up the necessities and some snacks for our hike into the mountains. Now that we are back at the hotel we are able to have some time to ourselves, but we are soon headed to bed since we have to leave by 5:30am to head into the mountains! This is somewhat the focal point of our trip that we have all been looking forward to. However this will also be the most difficult portion as well having to confront many different issues that will take it´s toll both physically and mentally.
I can already say and hopefully prove when I get back home that this trip has been life altering. With the four days that we had spent in Lima, Carmen and Brother Rego were able to transform and alter my whole perception that I have had of the world and third world countries. I still have another week and a half to take in all that I can about this country and it´s people. I am not a well travelled individual by any means as proven in previous blogs (my first airplane ride which I have now been in a plane 3 times!, my first time out of North America, and so on), but this country is so beautiful and inspiring because the people make it that way. From our Western or North American ideology we believe or perceive that these people have next to nothing, but I can tell you they have much more than what most of us have. They have kept in mind what we have lost sight of. They are so full of life and are genuinely interested in being your friend, or at least talking to you about who you are and what you are doing in Peru. It´s heart warming to open a conversation with someone in Spanish and have them try their best to reply in English. I have to say, a lot of their English is much better than my Spanish will ever be! This election that we were fortunate enough to be part of proved how the people bond together and have their voices heard to get what they want. It is a completely different end of the spectrum on so many levels, and I do not mean this in a bad way. Sometime´s it is beneficial to be reduced to your grass roots so that you stay honest and humble, and not take the things we have for granted (which I am most definitely guilty of). There is still lots more to take in and I am sure as I go many questions will be answered, but I am certainly looking forward to it and to be able to come home and share this experience! We won´t have internet access in the remote location of the mountain that we will be travelling to tomorrow, but we will make sure to update you on our adventure as soon as we can! Hasta luego amigos!
Sean
We landed in Chiclayo at 7:30 after a short plane ride from Lima. We were really sad to have left the Oscar Romero Retreat Center, but we are very excited to move on with the next part of our journey! After we had gotten unpacked and settled in a bit, we headed up to the roof for some good old wine and dine in the La Saranga Restaraunt! It was a chore and a half trying to decypher the menus and trying to decide what we wanted to eat. Some people decided to be adventurous and tried the Ceviche (Raw fish and other seafood cooked by the juices of lemon and lime). On the other hand, some people chose to stick with the more basic food such as fettucini alfredo or fries. We were also able to wet our whistle with Peru´s infamous Pisco Sour (pisco is the national liquor of Peru, then mixed with limade to make a delicious drink). After our late dinner, we all hit the hay to wake up for an 9am continental breakfast. We left the hotel at 10am to meet up with Victor and Isabelle, the founders of CICAP for a presentation about Cafe Feminino and their organization which is set up to aid coffee farmers throughout the region. Isabelle will be accompanying us on our three day journey into the mountains to visit the local farmers. Their presentation covered a little bit of the history of CICAP as well as the economic and social statuses of the farmers and their markets in the global perspective. After our meeting we headed out to exchange some money into soles. After the exchange Glen and Becca took us to a local restaurant where we had lunch and were able to sit back, relax, and mingle between ourselves for a little while. After lunch we had stopped off at the grocery store to pick up the necessities and some snacks for our hike into the mountains. Now that we are back at the hotel we are able to have some time to ourselves, but we are soon headed to bed since we have to leave by 5:30am to head into the mountains! This is somewhat the focal point of our trip that we have all been looking forward to. However this will also be the most difficult portion as well having to confront many different issues that will take it´s toll both physically and mentally.
I can already say and hopefully prove when I get back home that this trip has been life altering. With the four days that we had spent in Lima, Carmen and Brother Rego were able to transform and alter my whole perception that I have had of the world and third world countries. I still have another week and a half to take in all that I can about this country and it´s people. I am not a well travelled individual by any means as proven in previous blogs (my first airplane ride which I have now been in a plane 3 times!, my first time out of North America, and so on), but this country is so beautiful and inspiring because the people make it that way. From our Western or North American ideology we believe or perceive that these people have next to nothing, but I can tell you they have much more than what most of us have. They have kept in mind what we have lost sight of. They are so full of life and are genuinely interested in being your friend, or at least talking to you about who you are and what you are doing in Peru. It´s heart warming to open a conversation with someone in Spanish and have them try their best to reply in English. I have to say, a lot of their English is much better than my Spanish will ever be! This election that we were fortunate enough to be part of proved how the people bond together and have their voices heard to get what they want. It is a completely different end of the spectrum on so many levels, and I do not mean this in a bad way. Sometime´s it is beneficial to be reduced to your grass roots so that you stay honest and humble, and not take the things we have for granted (which I am most definitely guilty of). There is still lots more to take in and I am sure as I go many questions will be answered, but I am certainly looking forward to it and to be able to come home and share this experience! We won´t have internet access in the remote location of the mountain that we will be travelling to tomorrow, but we will make sure to update you on our adventure as soon as we can! Hasta luego amigos!
Sean
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Adios Lima
Yesterday was a wonderful way to complete our stay at the Oscar Romero Retreat Centre. We spent a lot of time bonding as a group during the day, whether it was through washing our clothes or violently and competitively playing cards. After a morning full of laughter and joking around we changed to a more serious note when Brother Rego took us the many institutions that he has helped develop.
Brother Rego is a very busy man and does a lot for the community. He is a part of many grass roots organizations in Lima. We had the honor of visiting the Tuberculosis centre where we were treated to a heartfelt presentation, inka cola and a beautiful Spanish song from the directors of the institution. In return we provided them with our beautiful rendition of our national anthem.
We then visited a local parish where we learned a lot about youth in the church community and how this parish has created such a welcoming environment for young people. It made a lot of us think about the stereotypes of religious youth in Canada.
We finished the night with a wonderful dinner accompanied by the inspirational words of Brother Rego. He taught us that there will always be sadness or negativity in any situation and it is up to you to find happiness in your choices. “You choose your own happiness.” We have all learned so much from him and really appreciate everything he has done for us.
We are truly going to miss everyone in Lima that has helped make our experience so amazing,especially Carmen and Brother Rego who have provided us with such love and care. We have had a great experience here in Lima but are incredibly excited to continue or journey onto Chiclayo.
Hasta Luego,
Megan and Jenna
Brother Rego is a very busy man and does a lot for the community. He is a part of many grass roots organizations in Lima. We had the honor of visiting the Tuberculosis centre where we were treated to a heartfelt presentation, inka cola and a beautiful Spanish song from the directors of the institution. In return we provided them with our beautiful rendition of our national anthem.
We then visited a local parish where we learned a lot about youth in the church community and how this parish has created such a welcoming environment for young people. It made a lot of us think about the stereotypes of religious youth in Canada.
We finished the night with a wonderful dinner accompanied by the inspirational words of Brother Rego. He taught us that there will always be sadness or negativity in any situation and it is up to you to find happiness in your choices. “You choose your own happiness.” We have all learned so much from him and really appreciate everything he has done for us.
We are truly going to miss everyone in Lima that has helped make our experience so amazing,especially Carmen and Brother Rego who have provided us with such love and care. We have had a great experience here in Lima but are incredibly excited to continue or journey onto Chiclayo.
Hasta Luego,
Megan and Jenna
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sobering Thoughts
Third day in Lima, and we´re all already feeling at home, and definitely not wanting to leave! Yesterday we started out morning with joining the locals in their 7 o´clock mass at the church next to our Retreat center. Though in Spanish, it was still an awesome experience, and a few of us were even able to pick up a few words from the service. The community in North Lima welcomed our group with open arms to their worship service. They made a point to come to us and say ‘el pas’ during peace be with you to all of us.
Speaking to the priest after, before the Mass, the Priest came by our group and asked us where we were from and why we were in Lima. He was a friendly individual who invited us to sit closer and participate in the Mass with the people in the community. He made a point to explain the homily to us - which was about the spiritual and physical ascension into heaven. After the Mass the priest met with our group outside the church and explained how elections are run in Peru. He noted that if the people did not vote in the election that they would receive a fine and would be denied access to public services until they paid the fine. However, this choice is a difficult one to make for some residents in Peru because they do not have the economic means to transport themselves to the polls and vote and transport themselves back. Thus they must weigh whether or not it is more beneficial to pay the fine then to transport themselves to and from the polls.
He asked us about why we were here and we got to talk to him a lot about our trip so far, as well as all we´re looking forward to! We were welcomed and wished safe travels by a few of the locals.
Through in an a different language than our own, we were able to follow along, and pick up on most of the service, joining in the communion, and even singing some of the songs with them. One difference Jordan and I noticed from our home churches was the differences in music. There were fewer songs in this service, and no instruments, just voices that sang despite the fact that no prayer books were provided. Yet, everyone knew all of the songs of by heart, and the whole community embraced in the worship ceremony.
For communion, they did not serve wine because it is actually illegal to drink alcohol during an election period, at least 2 days before and 2 days after. The priest explained that this is to attempt to control any fighting that could be an outcome of the results. So that there is a lower chance of violence, and any fighting that may occur would be sober.
Today we are continuing our journey in Peru where we will further learn about the political stances of the Peruvian parties.
Love Jess & Jordan
Speaking to the priest after, before the Mass, the Priest came by our group and asked us where we were from and why we were in Lima. He was a friendly individual who invited us to sit closer and participate in the Mass with the people in the community. He made a point to explain the homily to us - which was about the spiritual and physical ascension into heaven. After the Mass the priest met with our group outside the church and explained how elections are run in Peru. He noted that if the people did not vote in the election that they would receive a fine and would be denied access to public services until they paid the fine. However, this choice is a difficult one to make for some residents in Peru because they do not have the economic means to transport themselves to the polls and vote and transport themselves back. Thus they must weigh whether or not it is more beneficial to pay the fine then to transport themselves to and from the polls.
He asked us about why we were here and we got to talk to him a lot about our trip so far, as well as all we´re looking forward to! We were welcomed and wished safe travels by a few of the locals.
Through in an a different language than our own, we were able to follow along, and pick up on most of the service, joining in the communion, and even singing some of the songs with them. One difference Jordan and I noticed from our home churches was the differences in music. There were fewer songs in this service, and no instruments, just voices that sang despite the fact that no prayer books were provided. Yet, everyone knew all of the songs of by heart, and the whole community embraced in the worship ceremony.
For communion, they did not serve wine because it is actually illegal to drink alcohol during an election period, at least 2 days before and 2 days after. The priest explained that this is to attempt to control any fighting that could be an outcome of the results. So that there is a lower chance of violence, and any fighting that may occur would be sober.
Today we are continuing our journey in Peru where we will further learn about the political stances of the Peruvian parties.
Love Jess & Jordan
Day 3 in Lima
I can´t believe we´ve only been in Lima for going on three days! I feel like we´ve been here for weeks, and I am loving every minute of it. Yesterday, Carmen picked us up and we went to the government buildings to see everything. The buildings were absolutely beautiful, as everything in Lima has been so far. We went to the Artisan market after and we made some awesome purchases! Megan and I bought some cute purses, Jenna bought an awesome bracelet, Jason bought some presents and Sean bought a really awesome painting. It was so neat to see so many colourful objects for sale. After this, we went to this mall by the beach. The divide here in Peru is unreal. You can walk through this outdoor mall and see things like an aldo or a pizza hut, and then drive an hour further and see people who have houses with make shift roofs. Its so different, but there is so much to learn from a place like Lima! After walking through this mall, we went to the beach and saw the pacific ocean (Barbara did some more then just see the ocean..), we took some pictures and then headed back to the center. We enjoyed a super nice dinner, as all of them have been, but my personal favourite was the jello desert. After that, we played some games and listened to people celebrate outside about the standings for the elections thus far. We are so fortunate to be here for such an important time for Peru! Election results will be told today, and it seems like it’s a tough race. I am very excited to see the results, and to see the people of Peru after!
Anyways, I´m off to do some laundry. Ive had an amazing experience this far, and I can´t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings!
Bye for now!
KB
Anyways, I´m off to do some laundry. Ive had an amazing experience this far, and I can´t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings!
Bye for now!
KB
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Can You Stomach It?
On June 4th, our group arrived at the Lima airport at 5:00 am local time, where we saw images of Lima for the first time. It was filled with pollution and run down buildings. The transportation in Peru is far different than that of Canada. Here it appears that the rules of the road are non existant and for someone who gets easily car sick, for example...myself, its quite the experience. It seems the only thing that slows these drivers down is the sound of a car horn or the speed bumps and potholes in the road. However, even though these travel experience are stomach turning, nothing can compare to the sights that can be seen in north Lima. Today was an eye opening experience; where one could see the clear cut differences between the rich and the poor. The city of Lima is an excellent example of how two different classes live in one city. On the peripheries of Lima, people live in unfinished homes due to a lack of financial means and poor infrastructure. Thousands of people are forced to live up the mountain side on unstable grounds - there is simply no where else to live. In the past five years the people have started breaking apart the rocks from the mountain side - they turn this into a business to make a small profit as a means to live. These people are breaking apart the foundations where their houses lay, compromising the structural intergrity of their homes to make some money for their family to survie. However, twenty minutes away there are rich, commercial shopping malls staring out at the mountain side where many live in disparity - quite ironic and certainly illustrates the gap between the "rich" and the "poor". It is quite a distrubing though to think that such poverty exists in the world but North America and the world still produces so much waste. The vast differences in the city of Lima provides a stomach turning thought and brings sobering thoughts to one´s mind. It is our responsability to provide a better future through the choices and actions in our day-to-day lives. -Jordan
So much to say... and it´s only day 2!
It is hard to believe that this is only our second day in Peru, because it feels as if we have been here for a week already. We started our day by waking up early to go to mass at the Christo del Mundo church affiliated with the Oscar Romero Retreat Centre. It seems that people in Lima are very involved during mass. Contrary to what I have experienced in churches back home where there is loud music but hardly anyone singing, this church had no instrumental accompanyment but the entire room was filled with the enthusiastic voices of the people. Near the end of the mass, an older man came around to shake every single person´s hand and wish them peace (la paz). I was touched by his warmth and sincerity. I find that the people here are very passionate in everything they do. There is so much emotion embedded into their culture and they always show what they are feeling. I find this a really refreshing atmosphere compared to the way people act in Toronto sometimes.
Yesterday our lovely friend Carmen took us for a tour of North Lima. It is an extremely poverty stricken area where most houses don´t even have proper walls, let alone a roof. Housing in the central city is expensive so the poor have been pushed to live on the side of the mountains where they have difficult access to central markets to buy their basic needs. The air is very thick and dusty and there is garbage everywhere. Despite the run-down look of it, the city itself still has a beauty to it. The topography is very mountainous and the hustle and bustle of the city gives it so much life. Even the people, though they have so little, seem to be happy.
Today we will be taking a tour of central Lima which is the richest area. This is where all of the government buildings are as well as reminance of beautiful European architecture. It will be very interesting to see the contrast of the class differences that live in the same city.
Today is also federal election day; a very important day for Peruvians. Schools are closed, many people will be taking work off and drinking and selling of alcohol is prohibited. Peruvians are obligated to vote and are fined if they do not, similar to Australia. The two parties that are running are Keiko and Ollanta. You can see political slogans for each party painted on streets and houses all over the city. Fortunately, tomorrow we will be learning a lot more about the Politics and Economics about Peru and we will be able to keep you all informed about what is going on. I am particularly looking forward to this.
I´m off to go relax with the group now before lunch and before our expedition to central Lima. I will be taking lots of pictures and the others will be blogging here from time to time to keep you all posted. If you are interested in more updates you can even follow our tweets.
Follow us on Twitter @StJeromesUni
Love form Peru,
Barbara
Yesterday our lovely friend Carmen took us for a tour of North Lima. It is an extremely poverty stricken area where most houses don´t even have proper walls, let alone a roof. Housing in the central city is expensive so the poor have been pushed to live on the side of the mountains where they have difficult access to central markets to buy their basic needs. The air is very thick and dusty and there is garbage everywhere. Despite the run-down look of it, the city itself still has a beauty to it. The topography is very mountainous and the hustle and bustle of the city gives it so much life. Even the people, though they have so little, seem to be happy.
Today we will be taking a tour of central Lima which is the richest area. This is where all of the government buildings are as well as reminance of beautiful European architecture. It will be very interesting to see the contrast of the class differences that live in the same city.
Today is also federal election day; a very important day for Peruvians. Schools are closed, many people will be taking work off and drinking and selling of alcohol is prohibited. Peruvians are obligated to vote and are fined if they do not, similar to Australia. The two parties that are running are Keiko and Ollanta. You can see political slogans for each party painted on streets and houses all over the city. Fortunately, tomorrow we will be learning a lot more about the Politics and Economics about Peru and we will be able to keep you all informed about what is going on. I am particularly looking forward to this.
I´m off to go relax with the group now before lunch and before our expedition to central Lima. I will be taking lots of pictures and the others will be blogging here from time to time to keep you all posted. If you are interested in more updates you can even follow our tweets.
Follow us on Twitter @StJeromesUni
Love form Peru,
Barbara
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tomorrow!!!!
Someone from my summer job called me and asked if I could work a shift for her on Friday, June the 3rd . Without thinking, I told her I would have to get back to her. I soon realized that I would not be able to take this shift for her, as this had been the day I had been anticipating for 7 months. I was leaving for Peru! I feel like the retreat was yesterday where our group said goodbye for a little less than a month, and went back home where we are all anxiously waiting to meet at the airport in Toronto. When I left that retreat, I felt this new found closeness with this wonderful group of people who I would be spending 15 days with. I have seen various group members since, such as Jason, Katherine, Jordan, Glen and Megan, but I cannot wait for us all to be reunited and for us to start our great adventure to South America! After many shots, some lovely doses of dukarol, a few successful shopping trips, and a lot of excited messages between group members, I think we’re ready to go! I know I speak for all the Peru travelers when I say we are all VERY excited to embark on this journey and we are all very eager to get to know eachother, ourselves, and the people of Peru much better. I would like to say a special thank you to all those who came out to Mothers Day brunch in May. We received such an amazing response from the community, and it was so lovely to all of you there! Thank you so much for supporting this initiative, it really meant a lot to us!
Anyways, I am off to continue packing my giant backpack full of the things I am bringing with me! I had a lot of trouble choosing what to bring with me, but I think I’ve narrowed it down. Keep our travelers in your thoughts over the next few weeks, especially tomorrow as it is Seans first time on an airplane and I’m the lucky duck who gets to sit beside him! (Just kidding, can’t wait Sean!!) I can’t wait to see all my fellow travelers tomorrow in Toronto, and I cant wait to update this blog in depth once we’re in Peru!
Thanks for reading!
KB
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