Where to begin? It’s been ages and so much has happened! First of all I am sad to say that I left the Aldea in Mazamari some weeks ago. It’s a bit of a long and boring story, but basically I had some problems with the English teacher, and the director unfortunately didn’t do much about it, so I chose to leave.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Saying goodbye to cute little Gabriel, loud-mouthed Yunfer, responsible Rosemary, the eager to learn girls, the hard-working boys and all the other beautiful Asháninka kids wasn’t easy. Not to mention my good amigos at the school Roberto, Kelly and Nelly and everyone from AJEDMA in Satipo. Strangely enough, it took some time, tears and hard-work, till I finally felt I was a part of the school, a part of the kid’s lives, even a part of Mazamari – despite the fact that there wasn’t a person in Mazamari who wasn’t more than eager to be my friend. Teaching children with rough backgrounds in completely new settings, meeting new people, a new culture and a new language, has taught me more than I am even aware of. I feel fortunate to have got such unique once in a lifetime experiences and to have felt integrated in a part of Peruvian society. I often think of going back to see the kids and my friends, to enjoy the fresh fruit juice and the ‘pollo a la brasa’ for 5 soles (chicken and chips for 10kr), but quite fortunately I have found a wonderful little project in Cusco, Peru.

That’s where I am now. 3300 meters above sea level, the chilly but yet stunning city of Cusco has warmly welcomed me. In comparison to Mazamari I could very well be in a different country. I see gringos, I see expensive cafés with fresh coffee and chocolate cakes. I see night clubs and salsa routines, I see Peruvians speaking English and making spaghetti Bolognese. But taking the back routes of town, I know I’m still in Peru. The fly-covered meat hanging on big hooks, little old women selling fruit from a wheel barrow, bored kids playing in the street and ancient trucks working away, pumping out black clouds of smoke for everyone to choke on. Cusco is indeed very different from the jungle, but I’m enjoying it none the less! I am living with a family who cooks for me, I take Spanish classes in the mornings (even though the teacher told me I already speak like a Peruvian! :-p) and I have started working at the beautiful Aldea Yanapay. However different Cusco is from Mazamari, working with kids in need always seems to make the stay well worthwhile.
Yanapay is Quechua for “to help.” It’s an afterschool place where kids from 3-12 years-old come to get help with their homework, play games, paint, sing, dance and much more! It’s all based on love and giving the children a safe and warm place to be. Other than that the project is about teaching the children values like respect, non-violence, the importance of education etc., all things that their parents and the schools have got neither the time nor the will to teach. The other volunteers and I arrive at 2.50 in the afternoon, get our colourful overalls on and check that our classroom is ready. At 3 the kids come running in greeting everyone with a kiss and a “Buenas tardes profe.” I’m in the Dolphin family with two other volunteers and about 5 very cute 5-year-olds. I say very cute, but in actual fact they are quite a handful, but that’s working with kids for you I guess! It’s all good, and it’s very inspiring to be in a place where there are lots of young people willing to help kids have a better childhood, as the alternative for some is to go home to an empty home or perhaps what’s worse a violent and unsafe home. So even though very few things on my journey have gone as planned, it always seems to work out in one way or another – and I continue to learn from it all!

I shouldn’t forget to mention that before all this I had two absolutely fantastic weeks trekking 4 days to magical Machu Picchu and visiting the kids at Mazamari with my mum, brother and boyfriend. The trip was wonderful, I got to do lots of touristy things but seeing them again was even better! (This was just before I unfortunately got salmonella which wasn’t very nice, but I think my stomach is finally getting used to the crazy bacteria here!)

I’ve got less than a month left in Peru. I’m actually really excited about going home! I can’t wait to get on my bike and breathe in the fresh air. I can’t wait to grill veggies and burn the garlic bread with my mum, go swimming in the sea, have a beer with my friends in the park, eat fresh strawberries with cream and see everyone who I love! I could however be without having to start work, taking exams, getting ready for Uni and thinking about moving out! But that’s life, I suppose I can’t stay in Peru forever just yet  Until then I’ll be sure to enjoy Cusco and the kids at Yanapay as much as possible.
I hope all is well with all of you!

Love,

Jessica