High Spirits, but Higher Altitude

After us all taking a quiet period (I napped until noon) it was time to conquer Tuesday. We received a phone call from Clara at Huch 'uy Runa asking where we were. We rallied our things and ourselves and decided to walk to Huch 'uy Runa. All six of us were letting out some groans as we made the trek across the square and up the uneven cobblestone streets. The high altitude was definitely not on our side. However, we made it! We were greeted by Edgar and welcomed inside for a cup of tea. To our surprise we were met with this sign made by the kids.

 

It reads "Welcome friends from Normandale, God has brought you here."

We learned Clara had gone out, so we had some time to explore before she returned. The kids had just finished lunch, and some of them were in the courtyard washing dishes, not hesitant to splash each other.

 

The other kids were still inside. We went to greet them and all in unison we were greeted by a song "Buenos tardes Amigos y Amigas" or "Good afternoon friends". We greeted them back, and jumped right into teaching them a simple song to get them excited for tomorrow's workshops. They absolutely loved the song and the motions, and continued to sing it after we left. 

We learned that Clara had returned, and moved to her office for a discussion and to plan the week ahead. We had a very productive discussion and got very excited to work with the kids over the next week. She explained the core values and missions of Huch 'uy Runa, and how we fit in. 

She then offered to show us around the school to each classroom so we could see what the kids were working on. It was the afternoon, so the kids were in workshops. In the morning the kids are separated by grade and learn reading, writing, math, science, and more. The afternoon is when they split up to the workshops to learn a trade. First, we visited the textile and sewing classroom. We were again greeted in unison song "Buenos tardes amigos y Amigas". In each classroom, one student stood up and explained what they do and how they learn in their trade.

They were very excited to show us the embroidery they had been working on.

Next, we visited the drawing and painting classroom.

Again, a little boy stood up and explained what they do. They were also anxious to share their drawings with us.

Next, we climbed some stairs that Clara referred to "the stairs to Machu Pichhu" and she was right, it was a little bit of a hike. At the top, we visited the pottery workshop.

They pointed out the many crafts that they make in their kiln.

Next was the paper workshop located in the library. 

They sang us a song and also explained what they do with the paper crafts.

Next, we went to the metal working workshop followed by the woodshop.

They showed us all of the intricate crafts that they make using all of the different types of wood. A little boy cut us an elephant using a saw.

After seeing all the workshops we said goodbye to everyone and went back to the hotel. After a quick break, we realized we hadn't eaten all day. This called for a trip to our favorite restaurant located just below our hotel. I had remembered how fantastic the pizza was at this restaurant, and I wasn't the only one. We all ended up ordering a pizza. Pictured is our end of day pizza party.

With the day's adventures over, and all of us too tired to go on, we returned to our hotel and said goodnight. Apologies, I was too tired to even write this blog until just now. 

Buenas noches,

Ben Beyond the Bubble.