The following post features student writing.
This week was the first week we spent in Qenqo, the village we are working in. Our group spent the past four days working on various projects in the community.
The salón comunal or community center that we are working on. The goal is to finish the first floor.
These projects included building the community center by moving blocks and mixing concrete; working in the potato fields; helping out in the kitchen to prepare meals; and clearing land for an adobe fence using pickaxes and shovels. Although all this work was hard, involving a lot of physical strength, it was very rewarding.
Wes doing what he does best, pickaxing to level the interior of the salón comunal
Maya mixing cement
Lou mixing cement
Sofia, Grace, and Chelsea clearing the land for adobe
Break time!
Moving bricks to clear the area to build the walls
Sami being strong!
Grace removing support beams
Chelsea and Sofia help clear the working area
One afternoon we divided into teams and played soccer with the people who live in Qenqo. They possessed far superior soccer skills than our group did, and naturally they won. It was a lot of fun.
Another afternoon we began to take a hike that started off as a simple hike but turned into a journey. It was a great bonding experience that ended with an amazing view. Giant mountains terraced with Incan ruins surrounded us. We’ve experienced a wintry weather mix including hail, rain, and sun.
Qenqo, our home for the next few weeks.
The view from the top of the hike.
We have seen and learned so many new things this week, including cuy (also known as guinea pigs). This weekend we are heading off to Ollantaytambo where we will mountain bike, hike, and raft. We are all having a great time and cannot wait to see what’s next to come.
– Sofia & JiJi