Our first visit to Taquile as tourists has transformed into a deep and rich family relationship and transformed us into family members. We are called padrino and madrina, copadre and comadre, even papa and mama. We brought the first solar panel to Taquile in 1988. The community found their own sources for solar panels as they became more common in the world and now just about every household has enough electricity for lights and music.
The community also figured out how to use solar energy to pump water and tears well in my eyes when I recall that Silvano told me that, "no one has to haul water anymore." Many years ago, back in Colorado after a rather dry year when we helped haul our daily water for the household, it took me months to accept my own running hot and cold water as normal. Grateful.
Right now we prepare to conclude some pottery business, leave our beautiful Colorado winter and go to the rainy growing season of the Peruvian Altiplano. We are ready to dance in Carnaval (Mardi Gras), trade efficient lights and solar gear, help with early harvest, play with the growing children and help buy their school supplies--and generally live our "other life" on Taquile Island.
I will post to this blog whenever I can in Peru over the next 2 1/2 months. Please follow it and comment as you wish.
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| Hanging out with family, eating watermelon |
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