Day 4

Today was day 4 of the trip here in Peru. This morning we woke up around 7am, with breakfast at 7:30. We then processed on our journey to Patacancha, this village was not only unique because of how deep it was in the mountains, but also because of its weavings and many other crafts created by the women. We spent around 2 or so hours in Patacancha, then embarked back through the mountains - sometimes along some steep cliff (parents, I know you´re happy to hear that!). The drive was about an hour long by we were accompanied by beautiful scenery such as mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. When we returned to Ollantaytambo, we were then greeted by our host families with some cake and tea. Later we would sit down for a lunch with our families and settle in. A meeting was scheduled for the group a 2:30 in the town plaza for cermanics workshop. Part of the group stayed to do cermanics for there were limited wheels. while the others strolled through the town. Dinner with the families was around 6:30, then we met back up with the whole group to attend a ceremony to begin our work on the school. It involved many small offering such as candies, food, beer and coca leaves, along with the burning of candles. The offering is important to the people, because it is considered the beginning of something promising to them. The people are very serious about their offereings and work. I think a lot of people thought it was definitely interesting and an eye opening experience. It seems we encounter these as a group each day.

Today was only day 4, we´ll see what the rest of first week has to offer tomorrow (our first day on the job!!).

Chao! Nate