It's February already and time is speeding up ever so slightly. It's getting hotter, but still comfortable.
 
During the whole of this month is a water festival. Kids run around with water balloons and pistols with the volunteers as one of the main targets. The children here are so amazing that I may even see some water balloons in small hands and encourage them to chase me. On the subject of festivals, Pachacutec (with all its 200,000 odd inhabitants) celebrated their 10th anniversary on Wednesday, converting the main football pitch into a stage. Live well known Peruvian bands played, all the spectators danced and prizes were given out for the free raffle ticket everyone had. While dancing with the children from my neighbourhood a dance competition was taking place without me noticing. Next thing, hands were dragging me to the stage to receive a prize. It was great to celebrate with the friends I've made who live here. My neighbours, students from my English, art and martial arts lessons, and of course my family who can't resist dancing when music is played.
 
Two days ago I met some children from an orphanage. They were on a day trip, taking only twenty of the ninety children they have. I didn't realise at first, joining a game of frisbee with the children then a game of tag. The carer began a conversation (all in Spanish of course) and by the end of it she invited me and the others for a visit and maybe to teach some English. This group was from a poorer area of Pachacutec, although they where the nicest group of kids I've met up to this point. It seems the poorer an area the more sharing, friendly and caring people become. I sat and shared fruit with the carer, but I was surprised when she fed and watered me along with the other children. The smallest of gestures means a mountain of things when they come from those with little. One child also insisted I take her plastic flower bracelet. It was actually quite difficult to say goodbye to them. I wanted to spend some time, to have one art class or English lesson with them.
 
Until I met them I hadn't thought that there would be such a place here. But of course there must be.  The Shining Path (a life ruining movement for many) ravaged the land in Peru's recent history. This movement is the very reason Pachacutec exists. Looking around it is hard to believe it has just had its tenth birthday, with a few paved roads, some very nice houses, street lights, electricity and running water. Just imagine if the whole world developed this much every ten years! Then again, we build things in the western society for our pleasure rather than the necessity of survival and safety.
 
As far as the workshops are concerned, things have started out wonderfully. We have people thanking us after English lessons and I've received a letter and a drawing from my art students. I can't imagine teaching to be like this in schools in our western society, although I would teach children like this without question, children and adults who want to learn everything we have to teach.
 
Other news there is a new man to wake us up after the lady with the horn beeps right next to the wall of our house with her horn to sell bread at 5am. He is the olive salesman shouting "Acituna!" outside the walls of every house. It's fun, you just have to laugh off the lack of sleep. I must admit the Mango Mango Papaya Papaya man at a respectful time of 3pm is a godsend when I am in need of some fruit. It's great to eat lots of fruit here, especially when most meals consist of potatoes, rice and pasta, a feast for the carbohydrate lover.
 
Anyway, more soon, everyone is well and healthy after a few bouts of illness. Immune systems are a great thing when they kick in and we certainly appreciate being in good health.
 
Love Moss