Mammoth shopping

The Aparthotel Regina where I usually stay in Cochabamba is gradually modernising and they now offer a wi-fi connection. I have managed to connect to the network, but for some reason which I have not fathomed yet I am unable to connect to Skype or the internet or collect e-mails. What happened to all this automatic configuration we are supposed to have? It never seems to work when you need it.

Today was a busy day. First thing in the morning, before going to the MANACO shoe factory which is a subsidiary of Bata, we had to change some money on the black market as the exchange rate is better. Since it was Carnaval last week the factory was closed and they had not prepared our order. Then certain sizes were not available so we had to choose another model which turned out to be more expensive. They said they would deliver the order tomorrow morning.

After lunch we met Vito, the man who makes our uniforms for us. I paid him because he has already delivered the clothes.

As Vito has a car, he took us to La Cancha market where we bought the towels, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. So, loaded down with 4 doz. Towels, 4 doz. Toothbrushes, 4 doz. Packets of toothpaste, 8 doz. Pairs of socks and 4 doz. Bars of soap we trudged through the crowded market where at least there was some shade. The stuff is now all stacked at the house (still under construction) of a friend in Cochabamba. We will take it all up to San Benito tomorrow.

In the evening I met Mr. Willy, who organises all our books and school materials. He has also delivered ahead of time so he was delighted to receive payment. Now that the suppliers know that we are a reliable organisation, they are quite happy to deliver before being paid and this certainly makes life much easier for us as we don't have to cram everything into a short space of time.