For the first community project we relocated to the village of Curao, about 30 mins outside of Cusco. We were based at the site of the new Amigos language school. When built the school will teach English to the local children and Spanish to tourists and visitors. The site has only recently been purchased by Amigos and the only construction on the site is a boundary wall made of adobe. Our task for the week was to increase the lifetime of the wall by constructing a wire mesh to which cement and plaster could be bonded. We also aimed to begin the plastering of some of the wall.
We left Cusco on Sunday afternoon in a "commandeered" local bus with tents, tools and provisions for a week. Our first task was to setup camp in the site and make ourselves at home. In addition to the campsite we also had the use of a small house owned by a local villager. This was transformed into the kitchen and dining room for all of us. Below are a couple of shots from the campsite:
On-suite toilet facilities complete with cow for company!!
On Monday morning work started at 8am sharp with the construction of the wire mesh surrounding the wall. We worked with local builders from the village who gave expert tuition in the use of hammers, nails, wire and pliers!!! The work initially seemed daunting especially in the baking sunshine. However, once we got into the groove and learned the best techniques to work faster we started to make good progress.
Look Sara, contrary to what some people say I am a DIY expert!!!
The VentureCo crew attack the wiring.
We were all split into groups of four and worked on our own section of walling. For one day in the week one group was responsible for the kitchen duties. Tuesday was my group's allocated day and it was an early start to make porridge and cereal for 19 hungry workers. For lunch we served a menu of tomato soup and sandwiches and in the evening the old favorite of spaghetti bolognese. It was quite a task cooking for that number in the confines of a mud hut but everyone did a fantastic job and some excellent meals were dished up.
The kitchen!!!
Not only a DIY expert but a gourmet chef too!!
By Thursday most of the wiring had been completed and work started on plastering one of the sections. We again worked with local plasterers who showed us the "flick" and "splat" plastering techniques required. We all had a good laugh and managed to complete one section of wall outside of the school. When completed it made a huge difference to the appearance of the wall and will also extend its lifetime:
Yours truly plastering the outside wall
Late Friday afternoon and the wall is nearly complete
When we weren't working on the site we spent our time playing football on the local pitch. Apparently we need to improve our skills for an annual match that takes place against the villagers we will be meeting on the second project. Playing sport at this altitude really tires you out but does wonders for the fitness!! We also had time to relax and enjoy being out in the Peruvian countryside, it made a nice change from Cusco. Here is the view from my tent:
We arrived back in Cusco on Saturday morning tired but with a sense of achievement for the work we had completed. For the second project we will be spending three weeks working in two remote villages high in the Andes. As such I will be incommunicado for three weeks, but a full update will be posted as soon as I am back. Stay tuned for more updates in three weeks time!!!
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