Tuesday, Feb. 16th,  began with a wonderful breakfast at La Granja la Estacion.  There wasn't room in the taxi for everyone, so Ruth and Charito sat in the back.  (See Photo) Unfortunately, I missed the photo ops..so can't show the elegant breakfast setting and there is no way to share the taste of the world's best coffee with hot fresh milk.  But it was worth the trip.    

From there we walked to the Machachi elementary/middle school.  It will be closing soon, as large public schools are being developed around the country.  It is a regular stop on Charito's tours, and we took with us school supplies and balloons for all the students.  Charito taught the two multi-level classes and we participated -- to an extent.   The photos show two classes of very well behaved students.  The boys and girls come to school, sometimes under trying circumstances.  The five year old was brought to school because of home circumstances .  The girl was his caregiver for the day, and brought him with her rather than miss school.  Thank goodness the school agreed...and the child was as well behaved as the students. Charito led the group in group hugs and exercises of affirmation, where they practiced English and told each other they were friends, good persons, and other positive thoughts.  Please note the condition on the classroom.  Pencils, pens, etc are always scarce and the students were thrilled to get their own supplies.  They hugged each of us on their way out.  

After saying goodbye to the students,  we were greeted by Vini and his van.  we left for Lasso and a visit to an historic hacienda built by President  Jose Maria Belazco Ivarra, who was elected constitutional president five times throughout the nineties. We walked the path to the Hacienda and found a truck driver taking a siesta by the side of the road and some llamas and alpacas.  Once there, we enjoyed excellent, well presented food (all menus in English and Spanish - what a relief!) and  great service.   Following lunch we were given a tour of the Hacienda, which included the Presidential suite and a view of the Presidential gardens. 

Wandering the grounds, I discovered a great earthenware handmade piece of pottery, which could only be completed in my dreams.  We all discovered an Artisans store with fantastic alpaca and woolen goods, jewelry, paintings and general souvenirs.    After the hacienda, we found ourselves on the wrong road, so drove along the railroad tracks to get where we should be.  Later,  we stopped for more water and freshly baked bread. When we reached Bella Vist, we spent a quiet last evening in Machachi and Charito prepared her special quinoa soup for dinner.