Working the Pythons

Well, its been what three days in peru so far. Everything started extremely bumpy because my flight was delayed in miami from 520 until 815. But then they had to search through all of the bags in the plane because they had one they werent supposed to. Anyways, after an hour, people began to get upset, and someone wanted to leave. Half of the plane was standing up trying to see what was going on, this guy was taking pictures, and the pilot was explaining that if he left then wed be in the same situation again.

Needless to say, we left at about 10 and arrived in Lima at 5 in the morning.

I wasnt sure if I should still go to the hostel, but I did because the airport was extra shady.

Skipping ahead to the 4 hour bus down to Pisco- I ended up sitting next to this guy who had been working in the mines. We talked for most of the trip. After I told him how old I was he said that he was doble. Then towards the end, the guy, with broken english, said I need to ask you a question. Are you married.

Im pretty sure I know where he was going with that question.

Anyways, Hands On has been great. The volunteers are all from different countries- Ireland, Austrailia, England, Germany, Canada. But the damage in Pisco is unspeakable. The earthquake lasted two minutes with many aftershocks, and its terrible to see what has been done to the community. After four months, the streets have been cleared, but there is much visible damage. Its strange because its so different from Katrina relief. There were so many organizations and such an outpouring of help- and though Ive only been here for 2 days, it just doesnt seem like enough is being done.

But, theres Hands On-

I was able to stuff backpacks for UNICEF yesterday and then help at the Ludoteca, which was sort of like an Olympics for the local children. Thenn today, it was supposed to be a day off, but I decided to work- Three of us were clearing rubble in order for a mobile home to be placed in the area. But there was dirt and pieces of the wall everywhere. Unfortunately we did run into a few bags of shit...literally. Pretty gross. But thats the worst of it. Some of the Peruvians stopped to help or just talk, and though we didnt finish, a definite dent in the pile was made.

All in all, its been really great- Im really looking forward to the rest of the days here and praying that I dont get sick.

Hope everyone back home is doing well in the winter weather!

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