yes yes, I am finally writing from my own computer, thanks to Jonah and Carla who made some great and stressful efforts to deliver it... and today.. it did arrive :) thanx!!!

I have to think about what I wrote last time because I am not so sure anymore, but can tell you that I have suffered some health issues, but I am getting better!

My two fellow collegues from INMIGRA (Institute of Migration in the Andes Region) arrived, José David and Alex, and it has been really nice to be able to talk about our projects and to discuss the concepts, strategies etc. Together we are trying to give an overview of the situation of transnational families in the region of Junín, and I am doing the family part, and they are doing the contextual part. So although we do different things, we are visiting cities and villages together and help each other out when we can. We have been to some places to find families, interview mayors, agrarian organisations and women's and children's rights organisations (especially interesting for me to see what problems they detect also in transnational families). At the same time, we have also taken some time to relax, eat in some 'traditional' places and go out dancing. Yesterday they left, but will come back in about two weeks, and we are in contact by skype, just as with Carla as she is traveling constantly (to Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia).

I saw the last time I wrote I had found 2 transnational families and I can let you know that I have now 7 very interesting cases with very nice people that are proud to receive me and tell me about their lives. I have only been struggling a litlle bit with the time, since I have to transcribe the interviews (which takes a really long time) and was analising with the guys and our 'fantastic' SPSS (especially for us, antropologists haha)... Anyway, Carla was very positive about the first results so I hope to go on with the more interesting and fun parts: talking to the families, listening to their members, observing them, and helping them with some things as far as I can (see pictures).

Ow jeah, about the other small inconveniences: walking in a small town searching for a family (we had only the street name, not the number) one of my feet slipped a little bit, and two dogs attacked me from two sides... Fortunately one only bit in my pants (Lies, sorry it was the one you so carefully brought to me, but saved me from one more wound!!) But the other one did bite me in my hip.. we directly went to the medical post around the corner and they helped me carefully cleaning and giving advice. I was mostly worried about the rabies... But my collegue and the doctor went to the owner of the dog (it wasn't a street dog) and she showed a certificate that the dog was vaccinated. Well, they told me (and I also asked at two more medical posts that told me the same) that then there counts a 10-day period to observe if the dog behaves strangely or dies.. so that I have only to take the vaccinations if it does. Well they told me the dog was ok but I will check tomorrow (10 days later) myself as well to be sure..

When we went a second time to that village (called Chupaca: watch out there people ;) ) I came back puking in a plastic bag in a crazy-driving bus, and later got told that I have an infection in my intestines. Well I am taking some medication now and feel better.. But still have to go back tomorrow to that 'evil' village to meet the dog.. Wish me luck!

Well while choosing the pictures I will remember some more interesting details from my adventures hopefully..hanks for your reactions and saludos from Huancayo..!

chaoooooo