Written by Chisty Kunkel, Team Member
Winter has settled in to Lima with cooler temperatures and fog most days. It only rains ten millimeters per year in Lima, but there is a mist that occurs frequently in winter called garua.
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| Rosanna Carlini y Jano |
We ventured to the Carlini family orchards over the weekend, for a taste of Peruvian countryside. Rosanna Carlini is the president of the Lima Sunrise Rotary Club, which meets for breakfast (the only one in Lima!) and conducts it's meetings in English (also a first!).
Hornero Alto situated in the district of Sayan, approximately 140 km northeast of Lima. The elevation is slightly higher than seaside Lima and the climate quite dry. Hornero Alto literally means "high oven". It was a welcome change to be in a rural setting after three weeks of intense city life. The orchards are situated in a protected valley with ample access to water via a 1.2 km tunnel from the Huaura River. The soil is volcanic and very sandy which is perfect for drainage...and the sun is in abundance! Rosanna's grandfather started an agriculture business early in the 20th century when he immigrated from Northern Italy in the Surco neighborhood of Lima. After several decades of uncertainty in the country, the Carlini family went back in to agriculture in 1994, starting small, now with about 300 hectares. They grow avocados, oranges, mandarins, and minneolas. During the harvest season there are up to 400 workers at a time on the property. It's quite an operation!
We had a wonderful time and even roasted marshmallows over the campfire. We are all looking forward to our last week in Lima and can't believe we are close to heading home.
Sincerely,
Team Colibri
