WatSan!

So the past three weeks so many things have happened! Spanish is definitely improving which means I can hold a steady conversation without having to say "eh, como?" between each sentence (but this also means I am forgetting English words which means I get brain-fort moments when trying to speak...what a trade-off), I have visited two different locations outside of Chaclacayo/Lima area giving me a great appreciation of Peru (my home here is only composed of sand hills and there is more dust here than I have ever known could exist), and my tech classes and projects have been sweet. "Wat SAN!" is my groups' cheer, and with a group composed mainly of guys, there is this idea that we need to prove ourselves as the best. Whether true or not, I agree that we are doing sweet projects.

Last weekend we went to the elementary school in Yanacoto (my neighborhood) and taught the importance of hand washing to the different ages. It was quite fun and easy to fill the 30 minutes. We used the method of engaged learning by incorporating games as a fun means of teaching the kids information on the illnesses that can result if they don't wash their hands. It was great practice for us to become comfortable teaching this to kids in school, and the 6th grade class I taught was perfect for our Spanish speaking capability! Overall the language part went really well, except I was told at the end that during the whole thing I was using this word to mean "treatment" that doesn't really exist in Spanish. Oh well! I admit, I make up words when I have to take a wild guess because most of them are quite similar. Works most of the time.

After this we took a trip to Canete to learn about recycling systems in place for two different locations. One location is the most dangerous in Peru (located in Lima) and we had 10 police escorts with us when we went to check it out. I didn't realize how dangerous it was until the end when the Police told us that if they hadn't been with us more than likely several of us would have been robbed. Well, guess that's what to expect with the most dangerous neighborhood in Peru. The other neighborhood we visited was not nearly as dangerous. They were both great examples of how a working trash system is supposed to function. I am a little speculative as to how long it would/will take for us to instigate a system like this in our communities if we are starting from nothing... After checking out dry toilets and meeting the mayor we enjoyed the evening relaxing and speaking spanish with our teachers.

This past week we focused on water systems. We took a day cleaning out with water reservoir in Yanacoto which entailed getting into the water tank. Yes, swimming. SWIMMING! It was the first time I had swam since being here and it was great. Granted, it was the drinking water provided for the neighborhood...but they weren't going to drink this water. The water was chiiiilly and came up to my hips. With the "leche" (water and chlorine solution) we scrubbed the walls with a broom and the ground. The idea was the bleach the walls and get everything clean. Then the water was drained from the tank. We all got out of the tank half wet, and I realized what a bad idea it was to wear white pants. As the water was draining from the tank it flowed down the ditched on the side of the road following the ravine that was made for it. Well, until it got a certain distance and then we realized a truck had blocked up the path. This meant all the water was diverted in a different direction and ended up flowing down the hill and through a woman's house! She started yelling out of fright that a landslide was happening through her house (which is common in my neighborhood). She ended up with a toooon of chlorinated muddy water in her house and we had to work extra long to sweep it all out of her house. Learned that jobs more than likely will take longer than expected from unexpected things coming up.

Yesterday we went on a 3 hour hike in Ayas up a mountain to view a water distribution system. It was gorgeous! Finally we were able to see some grass, fields, and greenery instead of just dirt and dust. During the hike we stopped to check out all the water connections, pressure boxes, and to the very very top to see where the water was originating from. There was a point when we were descending and a truck was blocking the road trying to load back 2 bulls into the back. Scarry part was that they were bulls. They were big bulls and moving around along because they looked angry (as would I be if I were forced back into a small space). Well, our guide was just like: "it's safe, pass, pass." Riiiight! With bulls looking freaked out? I sped walked past there as fast as I could causing commotion.

This next week we are going to take another 3 day trip to a different community, and then find out the week after were our site will be for the next two years. All I know is for me it's between Ica and La Libertad. I have my hopes on La Libertad with a spot in the mountains, but we'll see what happens! Chao! Hasta luego!