24 March 2010

Today was another breathtaking day. In the morning we started off at the Rainbow center doing Brain Gym with the students. Brain Gym involved a lot of color as we played with a large multicolored parachute. This brought back memories of our own childhood as we recalled playing similar games in our own youths. It was fascinating to see a link between these children and ourselves as they laughed and enjoyed playing the games we once played ourselves.

After this, we broke up into groups to continue the project work we had done the past two days. One group went to complete the painting at the Rainbow House while the others helped complete the roof and walls of Fernando’s new room. The painting group managed to finish the two children’s rooms as well as put some final detail on it. The builders helped Jose and Maestro put tiles on the roof and plaster the walls of Fernando’s new room. Needless to say both these tasks were quite draining and by the end of it the workers were sun worn and weary; and the painters were covered from head to toe with the pink and blue paint.

After our busy tasks we managed to grab a modest lunch to refuel and continued playing with the children. We challenged the Rainbow Center staff to a friendly game of volleyball and managed to lose a case of Inca Kola. Never underestimate the opponent!

Later in the afternoon we were to get a little taste of what our coming two day hike would be like. As a group we hiked up 500 meters to one of the overlooking mountains of Urabamba. Already being tired from the project work, this was no easy task. However we were able to pull though and soon enough we were at the top safely and comfortably, with only a few bumps and bruises. We took advantage of the beautiful 360 degree vista and took many group and individual photos. It was a great team building experience.

We are currently sitting outside in the square in front of Delfina’s house in shorts and flip-flops at 20:00. The weather has been ideal so far and we hope that it will continue to be so for our upcoming hike. Aside from a few sunburns we are all doing well. Many thanks for the wonderful comments and a moral support. We’ll continue to keep you all posted and updated.

Hasta pronto!

Bea and Benjamin.