Aucapata

Hi Again:
Plans changed again. Originally, we were to walk to Charaj on Wednesday of the first week, but Joy decided, wisely, that she would not go that first week until Thursday and even then, maybe the rest of us would pre-position supplies there and she would go the following week. This was agreed to, and then we discussed possible transport options: donkey, horse, Don Manuel (our next door neighbour), bus back, etc. Turned out that that was cancelled as there was no school in Charaj. This was our first clue that something big was afoot.
Anyway we had three hours of school in Aucapata, and Joy was getting used to what was working with the kids and what was not. She also started a 2 hour after school class at the casa, aimed at reaching some of the older kids. I have started the habit of carrying a shiny new (?) set of Canadian coins with me, although Joy doesn´t see the purpose. Last trip I gave a set to the woman who guided us through the mint at Potosi. As the 5 Boliviana coin is now minted in Canada (bi-metalic like the toonie), it seemed appropriate. I showed this year´s set to the principal at Aucapata and he was so interested that he started to trace them. So I saved him the trouble and gave them to him after spending quite a while convincing him that he could keep them.
Next day, as school was cancelled at Charaj, we went back to Cosnipata. We had found out that all the teachers in the area were headed to La Paz for meetings and a protest on Friday, so there would be no school anywhere on Friday and probably Monday. We are getting used to the hike and with the scenery, it is becoming quite enjoyable. Joy did 3 hours in the class. I am not bored at all as there is plenty of ässisting¨to do.
We met the bus at 4:30pm as it carried our dentist, Amparo. Given that the house now has 5 person, Joy decided to invite Juan Carlos, the bus driver, and his family (wife and 2 kids) to dinner. Although I never did get the bus schedule down, the arrival at 4 - 6pm seemed usual, with a departure for La Paz at 2am the following morning. Anyway we had 9 for dinner that evening and chairs for 4.
Day 6 started with hot water changing to cold (very cold) as the power line fractured again! Today was a day for Joy to paint and relax so she organized a class at the house for all-comers, which was well-attended. We took advantage of the day by seeing the museum in town. We found some sources of clay near Aucapata and Ernesto and Lucy brought some in shortly after. Ernesto got the wires patched and power on, although it is obvious that the wire needs to be replaced.
One of the issues that we are having trouble with is the North American habit of eating at 12, noon, and at 5-6pm. Her they eat at about 2pm and 8pm. Given our age, Joy and I are in bed reading by 9pm, especially with all the fresh air, altitude and exercise.
Jim