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Published: January 14th 2008
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Some local tapestries
Took some photos of the work done by the local SeƱoras in Ayacucho. Hi Everyone,
Sorry that I am so late in updating Saturday's blog. It was one of those days where I just didn't stop!!
In the morning, I went back to Gringo Plaza for breakfast, and then did some shopping at there and also the prison market. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, with the sun high in the sky above the mountains.
En route home, I spotted some dancers outside the San Domingo Church (the one closest to Gringa Plaza in the main street). They were accompanied by musicians, one on the violin and one on a harp type instrument, and were dancing facing the Church. The dance involved lots of foot stamping, and I noticed that they were wearing wooden platforms, strapped on over their shoes!!! Photos attached.
I then wandered a little further and headed back to the hotel for a quick change before heading up to the Sparrows, and the same dancers were in the hotel foyer!! They were dancing in front of the hotel's nativity scene and it soon became clear that the purpose of the dance was to take away the nativity post Christmas!! I did take some photos - enjoy!!
It
More tapestries
The colours are just gorgeous!! was so nice that I decided to walk up to Los Gorriones in Carmen Alto in the afternoon. I did get a little lost, but got there finally. It was a good opportunity to take some snaps of the Carmen Alto area and the beautiful views of the Andes on a clear day.
When I arrived at LG, a clean load of washing had just been delivered and I helped to fold the nappies!! Took me back to 2005 when Vicki and I became experts in that area during our time at the Girl's orphanage!!
Jakeline's (she is now called Nilda in Los Gorriones) parents came to visit with a lady that I think is her grandmother. They spent the whole afternoon with Nilda up at the top of the garden. They were lovely people, and although they can't care for Nilda, it is great that they still come to visit and spend time with her. Thay are obviously very appreciative of the fantastic care provided by Gil and Chantal, as they kissed and hugged all of us in the room where the sparrows with special needs live. Nilda was tired after the visit, but I hope that
Dancers outside the Church
This was the first time I spotted them outside Iglesia Santo Domingo it helped her too.
Sheyla left mid afternoon to go and stay with her mum. She will come back to Los Gorriones tomorrow.
As it was such a beautiful afternoon, a number of the children were outside which was great. I spent most of the day today with Jack. Jack is absolutely adorable with big brown eyes and spiky dark hair. He has the most incredibly infectuous laugh, and always laughs when you tickle his tummy. Jack can't see and can't do very much for himself. He can hear and likes you to speak softly to him. He is prone to small seizures, and I found that it helps to just talk to him softly and stroke his skin when he has them.
Jack and I went into the garden and sat underneath the big awning/gazebo and watched the other kids play. It was a beautiful day indeed!! We were close to a tree in the garden which had been decorated for Christmas with some cake boxes and tinsel. There is a little Kitten at Los Gorriones (around 8 months old I think) and it ran up the tree and had a great game chasing the tinsel
The musicians
I was fascinated by this harp type instrument and hitting all the boxes!! It certainly amused me!! Didn't get any photos as camera wasn't handy and I didn't want to disturb Jack. Jack seemed to really enjoy being out in the fresh air, although sometimes the shouts of the other children as they played made him jump a little. It was lovely to spend so much time with him. He also seemed to enjoy stroking Sam, one of the LG dogs. Sam is such a big softie he curled up beside us and let me stroke him with Jack's hand.
Eventually the time came for Jack to head back inside and I took Kristofer off for a walk. We had fun watching a couple of the other kids play volleyball outside the office, and he also decided that he wanted to wander into the office to say hi to Papa Gil. He also danced for Gil, which he loves to do. He also loves clapping his hands to music.
It was soon time to get the children ready for dinner and bed, and I was given the privilege of getting Jack ready. This involved nappy changing and getting him into his pyjamas. I was also asked
This was the shoes they were wearing
I would have fallen over - probably worse than stilletos!! to feed Jack. He seems to enjoy his food. It was a slow process and I took a few minutes to work out the best way to make it work for both of us, but I'm delighted to say that he ate everything!! I then had to brush Jack's teeth, and he was very patient with me and did not complain!!
After all the ninos were in bed, I headed back to the city on the local bus, and got ready to meet Sue. Sue was the volunteer with CCS who stayed on back in 2005. She teaches at the University, and lives in Ayacucho. Sue was in great form and has not changed one bit!! She is thoroughly enjoying life in Ayacucho, although will admit it can be challenging at times. We headed out for some delicious pasta and headed from there to Gringo Plaza where I enjoyed two pisco sours - the first I've had since I arrived!! I don't remember them being quite so strong!! CCS friends, we chatted about you all and toasted your health!! I really missed you all last night!! Sue and I had a great time, and it was lovely to catch
Ice cream sellers in the Plaza
You can always tell when the weather will be good as the ice cream sellers will be out!! up and hear all about her life here. Have attached a photo. Please note that I found a new orange jumper!!
Headed back to the hotel at (a very reasonable) 11.45pm to find that they had closed and locked the front doors and the security guard was gone for the night!! It took me 20mins of banging on the door, and I was just evaluating alternative options when someone let me in. Good job I wasn't out past midnight!!
Anyway, then headed straight to bed as planning to go to Church in the morning.
Thanks for all your comments and e-mails. Can't believe that this was my second last day in Ayacucho!!
Enjoy the pics!!
Lesley
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