¨Keepin´it retro, expected from the get-go, let my mind shine like a halo..¨

Hi Everyone, Your emails have kept me going, thanks for continuing to write them. I haven’t always written you back, mostly due to the lack of an internet connection, and a well constructed reply which I would rather draft from my laptop than an Internet Café. With that said, this letter was written 2 weeks ago…..

Life as a PC volunteer continues, since arriving in 2005 I’m taking on the status as a seasoned volunteer while the months pass. It’s exciting to help train and guide the newbies when they arrive. (2 new training groups arrive a year). We’ll be expecting “Peru 9” in June, a group of roughly 30, half belonging to a Youth Development program, and the other half, Small Business Management. I may be asked to speak on a diversity panel during their training in Lima to discuss my experiences as a gay man. (I’m currently 1 of 2 “out” volunteers!) Out being a loose term, because I’m certainly not out to everyone, mostly staff and volunteers.

As for work, I’ve become busy.?! The pace however is nothing compared to the American lifestyle. I haven’t completed a full 8 hour workday in months! Hey, I’m not complaining. Since January we’ve (the community that is) have organized a couple of projects/programs to keep the gringo ocupado. We’ve written a grant to fund a training for a water committee, organized a 6 month “clean classroom contest”, recruited local health promoters, completed many house visits, and alongside other PCV’s, we’re planning a boys camp in August. The grant was recently approved by Washington and we should be executing the project during the month of June! What a relief! In addition to this project the local government has decided to finance a $42,000 potable water renovation. After months of meeting with local authorities and pressuring them to act, they’ve come through. And put the money where their mouth is!

I’m committed to staying in Carata until Dec. 5th, which will be my last day and exactly 2 years from the date I arrived. I’m in the process of asking for a replacement volunteer to continue the work with locals, and help sustain specific projects. This is all exciting and terrifying at the same time. The locals are already acting funny about me leaving- 6 months too early! I’m sure it will be a mix of feelings when saying goodbye. The family I’ve met here are irreplaceable. I just don’t want a big party-Peruvian parties are horrible. (Imagine broken beer bottles, bad music and even worse dancing)

Ok, so in the mean time….Before I permanently leave Peru, there’s at least one more vacation I’m planning. A group of us are organizing a 9 day trek in July through the “Cordillera Huayhuash” (pronounced “why-wash”). Cordillera means range in Spanish. This is one of the most well know ranges of the central Andes. If you’ve seen the documentary- Touching the Void you’ve seen Huayhuash. It’s absolutely amazing, although we’ll see snow capped peaks in the distance- we will not be ice climbing! The 165km circuit reaches heights of 6000m and higher. I live at 3200m in Carata. It’s warm during the day, with cold nights all year-round.
We’ll be crossing 5 high passes through turquoise glacial lakes, open valleys, and forests teeming with rare species of plants and birds. (I saw an endangered condor last year on a hike close to this region). Many former PC groups have done this trip-but it is not easy. The altitude and length of the trip is intense. Upon returning, those that I’ve talked to, describe it as a spiritual experience.

I’ve learned a lot about the mountains since living here, but this trip is going to be a challenge. Let me tell you a couple more things before asking questions. We’re renting a guide, porters, and donkeys to carry some of our gear and food. We’re going with a recommended company. Every night we’ll be tent camping. The staff will cook with us. I’m guessing we’ll be a group of 10-12 max. The weather changes frequently, with highs and lows and likely rain. (Although it’s considered the dry season in July, I know it will rain at least once!)
With all of these being said, I need to know:

What’s the most important food to pack? In what quantities?
How much water should I bring? (for my own consumption)
How can we prevent common injuries, altitude sickness, or diarrhea?
What are the necessities that I should include in a med kit?
Aside from the usual tents, sleeping bags, and camping supplies should we rent anything special like rope, tarps, or fire wood?

Since the trip is far enough away, I’ve got time to plan. Your suggestions are welcomed!

P.S. SpiderMan 3 was a waste of money! Great effects, but horrible acting! What happened Toby and Kirsten?

Jungle pics 3