So at the end of the last post I was going to go to the mine site the next morning at the crack of dawn. Actually before the crack of dawn. In fact it was before the crack of dawn in the US even though I wasn't across the world. I woke up at went to the airport curious whether I would be early enough, because I had enough fear instilled in me by the locals about when to get to the airport. It turns out that I was there with plenty of time. As two in our party sat there we wondered where the other two were. The two missing people: the manager and main guy who would approve the calculations…this is going to be good. As we are about to board the manager shows up. We are convinced our fourth has likely slept in seeing that he arrived at midnight of the same night. We are now on the plane and our fourth shows up.
We arrive in Arequipa with enough time to see the square and grab some quick breakfast. Our rental trucks are hardcore vehicles (we have two for 7 total people: 4 on the flight, 1 already there, and 2 drivers) with full roll cages inside the truck, flashing lights on the roof and a flashing flag that stands about 2 meters above the bed of the truck. As we drive to the site (about an hr away) I'm noticing the area. We are in the mountains and they are very dry and rocky. I understand that when it is the rainy season the mountains are more green, but I'm not sure how green as they are extremely rocky and it seems like not good quality soil.
Once on site we begin the entrance process. I promise you when I say that I feel safer at a mine site then I do almost anywhere in the world (save just sitting in an empty room). I also feel safer going into a mine site than I do getting on a plane (well maybe not). The first thing we did was sit through a safety video (in Spanish). I felt particularly relieved when they clarified that one is not allowed to bring in live firearms (they should someone unloading a pistol and turning it into security). Then they made sure to point out that we can't be high or drunk (nevermind that we are at 2700m elevation so that'll take care of it). Following the video we had to sign our name in 4 different places on 2 different documents. We also had to leave our passports (in the foreigners case) or resident immigration/worker status card at the security office. If you were unfortunate enough to bring a laptop then you had to have the serial number recorded. Finally after no less than an hr we could enter. Now mind you we didn't undergo any sort of search (hence why I feel safer flying).
After we enter the next step was to have a physical. I understand why they are so thorough (clearly a ton of liability at stake here, but still it amazes me) in case anyone is wondering. The physical consisted of filling another form out taking my BP and checking my heart rate. One interesting thing about the 'clinic' / medical facility was that here in the middle of this mountain that is all rock there was a little garden in front of the clinic. There was grass, a bush or two, a small tree, a few flower beds. In the back of the clinic was a 'patio'. It was clearly a contrived attempt, but I had to give them props for trying.
Finally we were cleared to go to see the facilities. We started off with a meeting with the client. That was uneventful. Funny thing about mine site visits. You get there as early as possible work all day and get the hell out of dodge so you can eat since it seems no one eats or takes a lunch break. I guess they do, but we don't have time to. So during the meeting they brought in a bunch of random chocolate snacks.
The project itself was interesting and I'll spare you the details since this blog is about everything else. Around 4 we finally got done and made it back to the security hut where I made sure I reclaimed my passport. From there it was a hustle back to town to try to eat. Arequipa is known for it's chicharron, which to me is literally just a pork rind (aka fried pork skin). We stopped at a restaurant and had a massive plate of meat dishes that I couldn't describe. Needless to say I think that meal gave me a coronary. We made arrived at the airport barely 30 min before the flight. I know a handful of people that would have been sweating through that car ride that are reading right now. At the airport with no check in bags we were poised to make a run for the security until we found out that our flight was cancelled. So we were rerouted. This is where it got good. We would go south to the Chilean border for 30 min then come back up north to Lima. The total travel time would be over 2 hrs as opposed to slightly over 1 hr original option. Eventually we made it home and to bed by about midnight.
Most observations were included in the post this time, but one that I didn't write was what a different experience it is when you fly and the mountains are at your level. I have never been approaching a run way and looked over to see the mountain looking me in the eye. Apparently that's not the worst of it. At the mines in the Andes you fly into and wind your way through a narrow valley. One other mine I heard about is being built directly under the airport…guess who is going to move? A second observation…on the way out going through security and the metal detector I had a lot of stuff. I took a bin and in I placed: my cell, my pocket change, my hardhat, my vest, and my jacket. Before going through I was asked to take off my bracelet (which never does anything). I showed him I couldn't take it off. Sorry you have to take it off. Nope can't. So he let me go through (with my steel toed boots) and the thing beeped. He just waved me through. Another reason why flights don't really make me feel safe.
Sorry the post was kind of long, but it's good. I'm tired. Buenos noches.
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