This morning we planned a short hike to a waterfall outside of the village of Huacahuasi. Our lodge was just on the outskirts, and we walked from the lodge through the town just when all the children were on there way to school. We had purchased three huge bags go Andean rolls from a bakery yesterday which we planned to distribute to the kids. This was much better than candy, and more appreciated. The village was about as third world as you could get. Most houses had no ovens, so no bread, unless someone ran down to the grocery store (about a 6-hour round trip walk).
As we approached the town, children flocked to us.
Then we heard a while and they all ran to school. We watched a couple of teenage kids come all the way down the mountain facing the village, at least a 300 ft descent in about 5 minutes. If we were hiking down, it would have taken about an hour. And then they have to climb back up after school is out. And our kids complain about having to take the school bus.
Raul was originally from a small Andean village like Huacahuasi, so the villagers trust him. He was able to get one of the older women to allow us to come into her house to see how these people lived. It was a real eye-opener. The two burner gas stove is a brand new upgrade. She still uses her wood and guinea pig poop stove much of the time.
Raul did not lie to us about the guinea pigs in the homes.
The chimney is made from wood and cardboard. We didn't ask her how often she had to replace burnt cardboard.
This is the new wing of her house where her children live.
We continued our walk to the waterfall passing more darling children.
Approaching the waterfall we saw some shepherdesses with their flock of llamas.
On the return trip to the lodge, we were lucky enough to be able to visit the nursery school where we were treated to singing by the children.
We distributed the rest of the bread to the kids, who were ecstatic.
What a great morning!
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