We started our excursion early. We had a four hour drive ahead of us. We stopped in Ferrenafe for a bag of bread to snack on and to change a tire. The pickup was filled with supplies of all sorts...school supplies, cooking supplies, food, toys, blankets, etc. Phil and I were a bit nervous on the narrow mountain roads. However, the views were stunning. We were thankful for a professional driver who knew the roads well. I cringed EVERY corner we rounded, hoping we wouldn't encounter another vehicle. There was only room for one vehicle on these roads! After hours of traveling, we finally arrived. We were immediately enamored at the sight of the bright traditional clothing. We took a quick tour of the school and unloaded the supplies. The school itself was run by two nuns. They had five schools in the region that they were managing. The people from this particular area had not received outside help in over a year. They were delighted to see us and had prepared a program for us. First, they raised their wind-worn Peruvian flag. Then, they sang the national anthem in Spanish, and a second time in Quechua. We were introduced, and other announcements were made. We were asked to sit, then we were given the gift of song and dance from the children and also an elderly couple. It was touching. When the program was over, we began handing out the supplies and gifts. My former students from last school year donated their extra school supplies that they did not need at home. These materials were happily accepted along with the assortment of school supplies that Phil brought. The pencil sharpeners that Phil purchased were a hit. I passed out smencils, friendship/amistad bracelets and Andes chocolates to the kids. Another moving moment was when the blankets were passed out. Although there was a language barrier, I recognized their appreciation. After I distributed the materials to the children, I gave bracelets to the adults. They loved them. They asked for the elders to get a second one, then a third. The elderly woman accepted the second, but turned away the third. Outside the school walls, kids were playing with their new toys-dolls for girls and trucks for the boys. The young boys had fun driving them around the sidewalk and dirt road. When we returned to the school yard, we were amazed at the transformation. A meal had been prepared for us by all of the families in the area. Each woman brought food in her K'eperina. We were treated with a plated meal of rice, corn, and cuy. The women sat in a semicircle on the ground and the men sat on chairs across from them. They offered us as much food as we could eat. It was an experience of a lifetime! It felt as if we were there for just an hour. Judging by the sunburn that both Phil and I sported, it must have been longer. On our ride back toward Incahuasi, Jose Luis convinced us that we must ride in the back of the pick up. It was only a 15 minutes ride or so. The breeze, the views, and the laughs made that an unforgettable part of our trip! Once at Incahuasi, we climbed up to an overlook area. It was quite steep and we needed to take it easy at that altitude, but the climb was worth it. The views were spectacular! While up there, I was approached by a young girl with items for sale. I bought three hand woven satchels. Then, I was lead to a different family's adobe home. There, I asked to buy some traditional clothing to bring home. I was able to buy a Lliclla (rectangular shoulder cloth), a K'eperina (rectangular carrying cloth), and a chumpi (belt). I would have purchased more but I misplaced a 100 soles note. On my way out, there was commotion. Their pig was walking on the roof of a building where potatoes were being dried.
I made my way the rest of the way down the steep hill and explored the town church. It had a tiny door, thatched roof, and over 100 years of character. I then wandered with the rest of the group to a store. I searched my purse for the 100 soles that was missing, and miraculously found it! I used it to buy another chumpi and a poncho for my husband, Mark. We had to head out so we could make it down the treacherous mountain road in the daylight. We were about an hour into our descend when we noticed the van, with our colleagues, had stopped. They had a flat tire. We made a three point turn on the narrow road. That was terrifying. We went back to where the van was stuck, and did another three point turn. Ugh! What happened next was like a scene from a movie. We loaded everyone from the van into the bed of the pickup truck! For three hours they rode the bumpy, dusty, frightening roads in the back of the truck. When we finally made it our of the mountains, everyone was covered in dust. I guess they were just grateful to make it off that mountain road. I was thankful for the stop we made in the morning to change the tire, and also for the brief experience in the bed of the truck, by choice. We saw the most magnificent sunset and a full moon! That night, I had dinner at Kullayki Piruw. Maritza took one look at me and went home (next door) to get some aloe for me. When I applied it to my face and gave it back, she insisted that I use it again in the morning, and that I share it with Phil. She is the best!
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