The Volunteer House

The volunteer house is situated in one of the nicer sections of Cusco, approximately half an hour by taxi from the plaza de armas (main square). The buses cost 60 centimes per person, this equates to approximately 20 cents. Taxis can cost anywhere from S/.5 to S/.10 (AUS 1.75 to AUS 3.50) depending on the time of day. It is more expensive late at night.

There are three apartments in the house. Each has its own kitchen and bathroom which is shared. Most people share a room with one other person. Last month there were 15 volunteers and this month there are 11 of us.

WATER
Water in the house is one of the main concerns for us. The only hot water in the house is in the showers (if its working). Even when we have hot water for showers, it is not always that hot. Most of my showers here have been tepid.

The kitchen tap has a special filter attached, but it is not drinkable, it is for washing dishes only. The kettle has to be boiled to wash the dishes, then boiled again to rinse the dishes off, which are then left to air dry.

Every now and then the water goes off and there is no water, even to flush toilets, in which case we get buckets of water from outside and flush the toilets with a jug.
Speaking of toilets, one does not flush paper down the toilet. This would lead to clogging of the system. Used toilet paper is put into a bin beside the toilet and emptied regularly. That goes for all over Cusco.

Needless to say our clothes are all washed by hand, in cold water and that includes jeans.

ELECTRICITY
All the electrical plugs are dodgy. We have blown more than one power board since we have been here and you always approach with caution.
The computers in the house are also touch & go. If it´s not the electricity it´s the internet connection.

Santusa, the house cleaner, also doubles as an occasional cook. From time to time she will cook a banquet for the whole house in true Peruvian style. She also makes great cakes.

At least our beds are warm and comfortable and we have our privacy.
Each apartment has a TV, although it´s all in Spanish we have lots of videos.

We have beautiful views of the Andes from both the back and front of the house as Cusco is situated in a valley between two mountain ranges and the views are spectacular.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the mountain community each morning. We all go up in a 15 seater van together.