Lima to Kusi Day 7

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Day 7 - Lesmahagow to Peru

Another early start saw us head off to the airport for our flight up into the mountains to the Cordillera Banca mountains. Nestled in the shadows of Huascaran, the highest mountain in the range is the Girasoles Boys' Centre - Kusi. But first we had to get there - in our 20 seater plane, which would only be able to take 14 on the return journey due to the altititude! The area was a stark contrast to the areas around Lima and further south at Pisco, and also Ica. Now we were in the mountains, where the air was clean and the landscape stunning. You could see how people fall in love with this country. The flight was super - now that I indulge in extreme sports, then a one hour flight in a Dinky plane was no touble at all. On arrival at the airport we were introduced to a wonderful woman called Carmen, who is one of the main reasons that the boys home near Yungay exists. The home is also the place for the local school for all the mountain villages in the area and currently has more than 100 kids (boys and girls). Many of who came along to welcome us and entertain us with some singing and dancing. It was just fantastic. Kusi is Quechuan for 'joy; happy' and it is easy to see why the place has been so called. It is in the most incredible setting, with incredible, inspirational people taking it forward and the boys were so incredibly happy, energetic and had a wonderful lust for life, and a tremendous amount of energy and faith, which was apparant in the singing that they had prepared for us. From a life of hell on the streets of Lima and cities and towns like it, to a life full of love, joy, learning and hope in a place like Kusi. It was a truly memorable and moving place to have been invited to visit. This is one work party zone I definitely want to return to.

In 1970 Yungay and the area was swallowed up and buried by a landslide from the mountain Huascaran, as a result of an earthquake. Many thousands of people died that day, and many families were wiped out. From the buried town, a new town has grown, and looking down on that town is Kusi. Rebirth, new life, all things miraculous. Who says God doesn't exist?

I didn't pick the straw for the 10 hour bus journey to Lima, so got to stay in a wonderful hotel in Huaraz, and sample lots of coca tea. The altitude had many of our group feeling a bit under the weather, however it seems that I have the constitution of an ox, and so I managed to stay the course. Doing quite well so far, no mossie bites, no Inca's Revenge, and no hallucinations. And I haven't been crabit in the mornings either - must be something in the water. Might need to take some home with me!!

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Photos

The Dinky Plane
Our transport to the mountains - with a window seat for all!

It's Showtime
Some traditional singng and dancing.

Kusi
An amazing work in progress.

Kusi
What a beautiful place to grow up in!