pisco power

This title acts as a double meaning. I refer both to the brandy based spirit that I was enjoying last night in Rustica a small bar on the busy and bustling Pizza street in Lima and to the group with which I have just helped teach English in the ruined city of Pisco.

Iam jammed into a corner of a shop that doubles as a chemist an internet cafe and a local hang out the only lit area of this street. I have never been anywhere quite like this. Pisco is quoted as being one of the most dangerous places in Peru this is due to earthquakes and violence brought on by the natural disasters and the resulting poverty. This was a very encouraging thing to be told when I first arrived and was welcomed and ushered into the commune. I am working here with a small and independent NGO called Burners without Boarders. It is a really informal gathering of like minded people pooling their skills which especially lie in art to change and improve situations for others. We are living in an old house with a large outdoors courtyard with bamboo shelter. When I arrived after a long bus journey from Lima supper was ready. I helped myself to the rice to which I am now so used. And sat around meeting the others who have come from all over the world and found themselves here in a broken down wrecked town with no tarmac, in some parts no electricity or water but with alot of stray dogs and alot of spirit and determination to get back onto its feet.

My accomodation is a small matrass on an even smaller bunk bed in a mosquito invested room. I have never seen so many bugs and since I have arrived have been constantly swiping the air around my head. The washing facilities are even more basic with some cloth slung on a pole in the open air so I beleive I will be getting to know my felly burners quite well!

Each night there are planned activities with which you can get involved like tonight an English class for a gathering of people as there are no English classes here.

So I may go now looking at the time as I want to get sufficient sleep before a tough day of work tomorrow I believe I will be helping to build a school.

I hope all is well with everyone looking forward to hearing all your tales soon!

Lots of love from Pisco

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