Cusco, by Baz

Seonaid and I are half way through our Spanish lessons and the novelty is starting to wear off. Its very intensive learning for 1 week, but we are both picking up quite a bit. We´ll stick with it.

More interesting are the protests and demonstrations that are going on throughout Peru at the minute. There have been demonstrations all week and today there is a strike by one of the main Unions in Peru - the CGTP, over rising prices of food and other necessities.

Last night at dinner I was chatting with the family we are staying with about the demonstrations etc. The mother of the house works in a bank and I asked her what she was doing tomorrow as she wont be at work. To my surprise she admitted that she would in fact be going to work and breaking the strike. 'SCAB', I thought. Ive never been overtly political but there comes a time when a man has to voice his disapproval, and inspired by my recent viewing of Che Guevara in 'The Motorcycle Diaries' I decided to take action. I demonstrated my disgust with her by not clearing away my plate and glass after dinner, and instead left it to Lourdes (the little servant girl who works in the house).

Today, when Seonaid and I were walking to the Spanish School there was lots of activity on the streets, people gathering with placards, beating drums etc. Rather than covering our planned lesson I tried to encourage the teacher to tailor things towards the strike and protest, however she too was reluctant to support the cause, and refused to translate into Spanish 'BRING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT'.

Undeterred I intended to become involved (or start) a riot after class, but upon reflection I decided against this direct action, as Gingers always stand out, but in South America a ginger Gringo in a riot would attract police battons like a moth to a lightbulb.

Its approaching 1.00 in the afternoon and quite a crowd is gathering in the main square. Ill go out now and see how things are progressing.

Barry