Tarapoto Bound

 

 

 

This is what most people think of when they hear the name "Peru".  Incomparable beauty and mysterious history.  It is this, yes, but so much more than this...
As we experience and share our time in Peru with you, I hope that you will get a sense of what life is like there, beyond the well-known areas.  This is one of the most exciting things for Murray and I to anticipate.

One of the reasons why Murray and I wanted to volunteer for CUSO is also one of the main reasons for CUSO's success in developing countries: they send people, not money to areas that are in need.  Sharing knowledge educates and empowers people on both sides of the equation, and makes for a deeper understanding between different cultures.  So much of what makes life work and makes development initiatives successful are the relationships that develop when people come together to share their experiences.  The implications of that reach far beyond the project itself and last long after the volunteer returns home.

 

I (Lynette) am going as an "accompanying partner", that is, I am not an official volunteer.  However, I have been told that there will be someplace I can plug in and serve also, whether that be through CUSO or through another volunteer-based organization in Tarapoto.  I am eager to share any skills and experience I have that might be useful there.  I will keep you posted as to what I get involved in as well as what Murray is doing.

 

Here is where we are headed:  Tarapoto, Peru.  Tarapoto, "City of Palms" is located in the northern half of Peru, about an hour flight time from the capital city of Lima.  Including outlying communities its population is about 120,000.  It's considered to be in the high jungle plateau (also called the cloud forest), 356 metres above sea level.  It is often used as a starting point for tourists visiting the Amazon Rainforest.

 

 

 

 

For more detailed maps of Peru, particularly the Tarapoto-San Martin area, have a look here .

 

 

 Temperatures in Tarapoto through the year average about 27 degrees Celcius.  It's often hotter than that though, in the 30-35 degree range.  We will arrive in September, one of the hotter months of the year.  With an average morning humidity of 96% I fully expect to be in a constant state of overheating, with frizzy hair a permanent fashion accessory. 

 

At this point we have no idea where we will be living, and we are trying to have no preconceptions about what lies ahead.  We do know we'll be living in the city, but that's about it.  We are hoping for a "real" toilet, but that's about all that's really critical.  (Well ok, a shower of sorts would be nice too.) Part of this whole experience is to learn what we can live without.  I'm betting we can do quite nicely with a lot less than we've thought possible before now. 

 

These last couple of months has been a whirlwind of activity:  Doctor's appointments, vaccines, medical clearances, paperwork and more paperwork.  Oh yes, and training sessions online and in Ottawa, packing up what no one else will need while we're away, and arranging all the things that do need to be in place for our family.  We're also trying to find time to stuff as much Spanish into our noggins as we can, and to visit with friends and family before we leave.  Throw in work, a family wedding, and moving a relative to a new home and you have a recipe for busyness.  But it's all good.  And necessary. 

 

I have a friend from Columbia who has (very kindly and patiently) been tutoring Murray and I in Spanish.  She never laughs at us, only with us.  She listens to us butchering her beautiful and musical language, and tells us how well we're coming along.  She encourages us to be brave.  It has occurred to me, just recently I'm afraid, that she has done what we're doing, only in reverse.  She has struggled with learning English, making friends, and surviving our -30 something winters.  Her move to Canada has been a struggle and a sacrifice, but one she deems a worthy one.  Surely we can do the same.

 

So this week is about Spanish lessons, continuing to prepare the house and family for our time away, and last minute visits.  The family wedding will occupy our thoughts and time this weekend, then we'll be into the final flurry of activity in preparation for leaving.  So far, so good.

 

Have a good week, and check back in next time to see if we've completely lost our minds yet or not.  :)  If you would like to support us in our fundraising goal, please click on the link at the bottom of the page.  Any and all donations are MOST appreciated.

 

Hasta luego!