What More Can We Say?

Our work here is finished....Almost

What an amazing day in the field!

Today the students completed their last day working with the NGOs in the field. Students working with Awa Maki went to a Qechua village in the mountains and met the local women who spin, weave and create the products sold in Ollyantaytambo and internationally. Students were taught how to make bracelets using local techniques and quickly realized it was a very difficult skill to learn.

Students working with Ayani Wasi went to the Soccma village and led two health campaigns for the local Qechua people. Students discussed the importance of the proper technique of teeth brushing and hand washing. After, students hiked to a beautiful waterfall and had a picnic lunch.

As the day closed, students were debriefed about our big day at Machu Picchu tomorrow. Students then played a quick game of soccer before returning for the evening to their homestays.

Amazing Race

On your mark, get set, GO!

After working with their NGOs this morning students participated in Ollaytantambo’s Amazing Race!  There were five stations of fantastic fun! 

Power to the People: Economic Empowerment for Women

Like the famous John Lennon sung, “She got to be herself so she can free herself,” women working in Awamaki liberate themselves through economic stability. With little or no education, these women provide another paycheck by an alternative path (from a Western perspective), using cultural traditions they learned as niñas. As the knitters, weavers, spinners, and homestay families continue to lift themselves out of poverty, their lives and their families’ lives change dramatically. Traditionally, the men of the household work as porters along the Inca Trail. Receiving payment as porters is typically unreliable, and the men are working away from home for most of the year. Because of this, the family sacrifices either education for the children, sanitary bathroom facilities, or other necessities from a Western view. Women in Awamaki receive more economic opportunities, resulting in increasing access to health and education for them and their families. Their children will attend school in Urubamba or Cusco; their diets will contain more variety; and their homes will be improved.

 (Photo from awamaki.org)

If you teach a woman skill workshops, she will be empowered.

by Liz Fieschko

The Dogs of Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is at heart, despite all of the tourists, a small town of 2,000 people. Because of this small setting, everybody knows the dogs that are around town. Many of them live solely off of the tourists’ charity and what edible trash they can find on the streets. Despite this, they are some of the happiest dogs I have ever seen. The carefree nature of the dogs is reminiscent of the laid back community of Ollantaytambo. The best of these dogs is Jack.

Jack is a medium sized, black and white dog who is between 13 and 14 yeas old. Jack is not owned by any person, but is cared for by all of the NGOs in Ollantaytambo. Jack has been poisoned twice, had a stroke, and has even been left a two days walk from town.  When we went to the Incan ruins on the Pinkallnua Apu (Mountain) in town, Jack followed us, sometimes leading, the hour hike up and the 15 minute hike down.

 

Another much younger dog named Inti, the Quechuan word for “the sun,” followed us up as well. When one goes into town to get something, they will always find Inti somewhere. One of the most interesting dogs in Ollantaytambo is a 3 legged dog I’ve named tripod. Tripod is missing his front left paw, yet he’s one of the most energetic dogs in Ollantaytambo. The dogs in town help create a unique Ollantaytambo experience.

by Hayden Baer

Two Roads…

Today students split off into groups based on the NGO they chose to shadow for three days.  One group went with Ayni Wasi to Soccma, a pueblo about an hour into the mountains. There they followed a promotora as she made house visits in the community. 

The other group met with leaders at Awamaki to discuss models of international aid and how their organization works to tackle poverty.  Students learned how each division of the weaving cooperative contributes to the products that are sold.  They visited a building project for a group of weavers near Ollaytantambo. 

In the afternoon students learned how to basket weave!

Incan Ruins in the Heart of Ollantaytambo

This morning the students toured the Incan ruins in town.  These ruins, dated in the 16^th century, were built just before the Spaniards arrived.  Though the reason is unknown, the temples here were not completed.  There is even evidence that the Spaniards defaced the temple. 

Climbing to New Heights

This morning the group hiked up the side of a mountain called Pynkulluna.  In the afternoon students listened to a local leader talk about work to preserve the Quechua language.  Students learned about the duality that exist in Incan culture and the conflicts that arise when trying to merge Incan and modern culture. 

After the talk, students headed out into the town to celebrate Carnival.  There is a tradition in Ollaytantambo where children throw water on each other in the streets.  A few brave students suited up to join the fun.  Others ran for their lives when a group of 8 year olds eagerly welcomed them into the activities. 

Un Dia Magico

 After banana pancakes topped with honey, we began our team building activities outside of our hostel. Students then embarked on a scavenger hunt in Oyalltaytambo!  Students used their cameras to take creative photos of prominent sites around town.  They also had to use their Spanish skills to learn cultural facts about the community.

Students spent the afternoon with their homestay families and then returned to the hostel after dinner for our evening reflection and a despacho ceremony with a shaman.  

Of course the day would not be complete without celebrating David’s 17^th Birthday!  Happy Birthday, David!

Getting in the Groove

Two days of transportation can do this to you...The crew is in great spirits though!

After settling in at the hotel, we break into groups to establish norms, address concerns and create goals. 

Randall and Adela are our fantastic leaders from World Leadership School.

On our first night in Ollatnaytambo, we enjoy a night out on the town.

In Cusco!

The group has arrived in Cusco and are headed to Ollantaytambo. They will grab lunch in the Sacred Valley before continuing their journey. The blog will be updated by the students and faulty starting tomorrow. Please call WLS 303-679-3412 with any questions! 

Erin Hawk

Director of Operations

In Lima

The students arrived in Lima late last night. They spent the night at a family run bed and breakfast and will head to Cusco today. 

Erin Hawk

Director of Operations 

And We're Off!

Bright beautiful faces on a beautiful day!