Azul Wasi boys home

As always on the search for new things to do, see and experience in Cusco we went off to see the Blue House (Azul Wasi) in Oropesa. A few friends had recommended it to me so we jumped on a bus and headed south to  the bread town (they are famous for their bread) and into the country to the 3000ms2 area that is Azul Wasi. 

The home is quite unlike many others as for a start it doesnt have walls which is great means the guys are not forced to live there. There are 15 boys between the ages of 8 and 15 that live in the house andt hey have been sent here either via the court system or a family member has brought them. They have a variety of reasons for being there and are all happy with the treatment they recieve. 

The house was set up about 5 years ago by an x policeman as a safe refuge for boys from all over the South of Peru. The are schooled, fed and looked after but this can sometimes be a struggle as it costs approximately $1300US per month to look after the boys. 

They have a greenhouse and gardens to help with the feeding but this is sometimes not enough, how would you like to come and volunteer here. If there are only one or two of you there is room available, if there are more you can bring (or rent) your tent or set up camp in the TV room, and you can share meal times with the boys. 

Maybe you would like to do an event at home so that they can do some more building, their office is pretty much falling down. or what about just coming for a visit and getting to know the boys and using your time in Peru doing something a bit different. 

Peru Scotland.

Corn, maize or choclo

Today I went for a walk with some friends around and after feeling a wee bit hungry decided to get some choclo con queso (corn and cheese) at the market. Most of the year I dont bother but as they are in season they are delicious. I though it might be interesting to have a look at some of the history of maize in Peru.

Maize can be found up to 10000 years ago in history and has been fundamental in both the Inca and Aztec history currently in Peru it is grown in 550,000 heactares and is one of the largest produced crops in Peru.

Corn of which there are approximately 50 different varieties in Peru alone,  is used in everything here, cake, salads, on its own, soups, ceviche and one of my favourites in chicha morada a cordial not unsimliar to vimto.

There is another well known corn in Cusco which is the GIANT CORN, which the farming method has been named a cultural heritage, this is also partly due to the fact that it is only grown in a 70km long valley by only 5000 farmers. 

So if you want to learn a bit more about corn visit us at www.tikatrek.com and www.tikasoapperu.com come eat some Peruvian corn.