I'm
sitting here writing this because I have a problem. I was planning to
go out today, do a bit of shopping and such. Instead, I find myself
sat on my own in front of ESPN, watching the Olympics. Those who know
me will know that I'm a sucker for sport, and will watch anything (I
was captivated by a round of 128 table-tennis match between a
Spaniard and a Nigerian – but that's beside the point) - so of
course I'm watching the games. I also watched the entirety of the
Opening Ceremony yesterday, in the presence of a large group of
Peruvians (and one Frenchwoman), who, I must say, were obviously
rather confused by the whole thing.
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| It all seemed rather impressive from this side of the atlantic |
But
for me: a Brit, an Englishman, it made perfect sense and was glorious
from start to finish. This is essentially what living in a different
culture is like: things that make perfect sense to everyone else (and
why on earth would anyone think different) seem as odd and obscure as
an Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Anyway,
I digress, the point I really wanted to make is this: I am proud to
be British, a strange concept for many Brits, but being away from
what you know really makes you miss it. I don't want Britain to turn
into our flag-flying, face-painting, firework-shooting cousins across
the pond, but a little more acknowledgement of what we have on this
glorious isle might make it more appealing to everyone.
But
then again, perhaps these are just the ramblings of a lost little boy
who hasn't been home in a while. So I guess you'd rather hear about
what the aforementioned little boy has been up to. The answer being:
travelling.
Since
my last post I've seen a bit more of Peru. Firstly, I spent a week in
Arequipa, a beautiful city to the south of Lima – 15 hours away by
coach along winding cliff-face roads; a journey I won't be doing
again in a hurry. Here I was working with Townsend and Fany, seeing
firstly all the children at a local orphanage, and then in a farming
community out of town. At about 2,300m above sea level, Arequipa gets
pretty cold at night, but we were well looked after, and Townsend saw
a lot of patients, children and adults alike. Meanwhile, I spent a
lot of time playing outside with the local kids, and getting
thoroughly out of breath. I blame the altitude.
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| Myself atop Machu Picchu |
So
on return from Arequipa, I had a couple of days and then went off to
Cusco, historical home of the Incas. A region with historic
structures coming out of its ears, 70% of the population work in
tourism, which is mostly thanks to nearby Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu,
I will say now, is one of the most impressive sights I have ever
seen. Even before you get to the carefully constructed buildings, or
marvellous terraces, the location itself – perched amongst the
Andes – is really something to behold. Pictures can't really hold
that much mountain, so I'll have to recommend that you all go and
check it out yourselves.
And
so, travelled and tired, I came home to welcome another team in from
the States. This lot were engaged in a building project on the side
of a rather steep hill. Shovelling, breaking and hurling rocks all on
the menu. However, as my body is rather adverse to physical labour, I
managed to get struck down with some kind of virus after three days.
Being bed-ridden for a couple of days sure does make you homesick, so
I confess I have been wallowing a bit this week. Having said that
I've had some wonderful times watching the parade (for national
holidays), the new Batman and a few other bits and bobs.
So
that brings you just about up to date with everything. Only 9 days
until I leave, so with that in mind, please pray:
- That my last week will be productive and useful
- For me as I get ready, that everything would run ok
- Continue to pray for the medical mission after I have left.
Thank
you kindly
Enjoy
the Games
B
