The Rains

Threatening rain clouds

The rains have started, and everyone says it's early.  Usually the rains start here and there in October, but the rainy season doesn't really begin until November.  I was mistaken thinking it would be a hot, wet season.  Maybe in other regions; but when it rains here it really comes down hard, and it gets cold fast!  Unlike last week, the temperatures have been closer to 6 degrees in overnight, and maybe 12-14 Celsius in the daytime, and we've had some lluvia almost every day.  So far I'm thankful I was only caught in one "flash-rain" episode, and it was at the tail-end of my `0 minute walk from the bus stop to my room.

I guess I should explain a combi: it's the bus system here, but more like a large-passenger van that they fit as many people as possible into.  I've counted as many as 25 in one van.  Sorry- no photos- but I do have a photo of a moto-taxi that I took for only 1 Sol when I was in Urubumba.

Moto-taxis in Urubumba

Trying to find the right bus stop to catch the combi to the orphanage has been frustrating this week.  Last week I got on the right bus, but the wrong stop, and it ended up taking me about an hour and a half to get to the Casa.  So, this Monday, I waited at a different stop, thinking I had it right this time, but waited 20 minutes not seeing the bus I was to get on, and ended up taking a taxi.  The next day, I tried taking a different combi, thinking I would take it partway, and then hop on the correct one from that point.  I was running behind by the time I got to the second stop, so I decided to take a taxi from that point instead.  The driver ended up going on some back route, that totally took way longer than it had to.  I was getting a bit irritated, but at least didn't have to walk the long 30 minutes up the dirt road, as he drove me all the way.  And, thankfully, he didn't charge me more like they like to for foreigners.
Today an American chica (girl) who works at another orphanage down the road met me at one bus stop, and showed me an alternate route to take.  I am feliz that I've finally got it, and it was nice to have her company!


The week ended well, with a sunny day today, and a wonderful surprise at the Casa.  We have a brand new baby!  He's only about 4 days old.  He was found on the side of a road, all bundled up with some diapers and blankets beside him... but seemingly abandoned.  He was thoroughly checked out at a Clinic yesterday, and seems to be in good health, is fairly content and sleeping lots.  He hasn't been named yet, but affectionately called Bambino.  Everyone's so excited for this new addition!