Monday, April 20, 2009

Some Random Pics of Kitchens

Okay, I´ll post some commentary within the next month, lots of stuff is happening...but for now... I thought you´d like to see some pictures of typical kitchens. They are powered by firewood. You will be able to better appreciate why Brian wants to include improved cooking stoves in with his nutrition project...
The smoke leaves through a small hole in the roof.
Ummmmm...that´s a horizontal chimney! The top is corroded away!





Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Our Intrepid Father-In-Law

So here are some pics from our journeys with Brian Sr. around the beautiful country of Peru. For being about one foot taller on average than everyone else, Brian Sr. bravely jammed himself into tin can taxis, cramped busses and all sorts of small spaces to get a glimpse of the northern mountains near our site, beaches, Cajamarca (mountains), Lima, and Cusco/Machu Picchu. We never kept him wanting for activity! And more than anything, we infinately appreciate his support and willingness to have this experience with us. For Brian and I, seeing family was by far the most rewarding part of the trip!
A gorgeous local beach know as Colán. It´s friggin hot right now, so the beach was high priority.Only about a two mile stretch of local´s summer homes line the beach. It´s a nice tranquil place without tourist annoyances.

Also in Colán is the oldest church in all of Latin America (1500´s) made from rock taken from the nearby cliffs. True to historical tendencies, it was built right on top of the old worshipping grounds of indegenous people.



Plaza de Armas in Cajamarca. Cajamarca is also in the northern mountains, but south of where Brian and I live. This spot is where Pizarro murdered the Incan king after first offering him amnesty in trade for tons and tons of gold and silver. The king, Atahualpa, had the ransom brought in from all over the empire but was deceieved anyway.
Cajamarca from an outlook. It´s in a beautifu valley. Just over the hills is the fifth largest mine in the world (mostly gold), the company is based in Denver.


Another view of the valley.

The ¨rock forest¨. We did a two hour walk around here where we saw 3,000 year old ruins, irrigation canals, and petroglyphs. It´s at 10,500 ft, poor Brian Sr. braved the walk on his sickest day!