UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies

I don’t think I will ever get used to how friendly and open everyone is with their homes and overall hospitality. Completely unlike what I’ve experienced in the states. It's a truly refreshing experience even if we can’t always communicate effectively. I love that they are so fascinated by my skin color and hair, it initially caused discomfort but it makes me really happy and provides very unique interactions. I love Peru and will have to come back to visit some of the friends I have made. I feel like La Huallya is a home away from home.   Some middle school girls who wanted to take pictures with me.

Man can these volunteers work, and in sandals nonetheless. Today is pour day and we were initially worried that there wouldn’t be enough people and it would take all day to pour concrete in our 6 meter tall tall reservoir walls. But boy was I surprised that they exceeded expectations and brought 30 guys and had a conveyor line of guys mixing concrete and lifting concrete in 40L to the walls. A task that was estimated to take an upwards of 8 hours only took a mere 3 hours. They work hard and fast, and it's a pleasure to be a part of this community supported project. Yanques or Sandals. (above).  The forms were being built in preparation for the concrete pour(below)

Just made it to Peru and these past few days have been a rush of hiking up to our construction site and seeing how the current water distribution system works. Very beautiful views and and complete overhaul of what I knew to be basic living needs. They have so little in comparison to what I may experience on a day to day basis back home but at the same time, I feel like they have so much more. Actual community socialization and bonding, and they love to feed us. A Lot of our socializing with La Huallya involves some sort of food, which is very delicious. The food mostly consist of meat and potatoes but it's served quite spectacularly. Fried guinea pig (cuoy) with potatoes and rice Eating at a local restaurant for breakfast Arroz con Cubanos (rice with fried plantains and fried egg)