[T/N: I have fixed issues with the previously incomplete chapters 179, 187, and 188.]
[Chapter 201: Popayán]
"How's everything going? Has the trip been smooth?"
"Everything went really well. When we landed in Popayán, Uncle had the younger cousins accompany us the whole time. We spent two days there, visiting El Morro del Tulcán, the Francisco José de Caldas Auditorium, the clock tower, and a bunch of historic landmarks."
"Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, it was great. We enjoyed all the places we visited. The food was fantastic too — so many different cooking styles. You know how they say you need to soak in culture and find inspiration when you're working on art? I really think you should visit Cauca when you get the chance. It might spark your creativity."
"Alright. Next year I'll give myself a real vacation and head over there."
"How about Grandma's hometown? And Suarez Miguel — how's his family doing?"
"From what I gathered, Suarez Miguel should be your uncle, or maybe granduncle. He's doing well — over sixty and still working at the school every day. He has three sons and two daughters, all with families of their own, even grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family's doing very well — big and thriving."
"That's good to hear. Grandma in heaven would be so happy to know that."
"But the area is really poor and underdeveloped. Cauca impressed me, but once we got to the state capital, things felt a lot rougher. In the county town, everything was run-down — few decent buildings, and the roads were in bad shape."
"Well, it is a poor country."
"Right. According to the plan we discussed earlier, I talked to your uncle, Grandpa, and some of the staff about donating money to build a school and a road. You wouldn't believe the shock it caused."
"Was the reaction intense?"
"Exactly. Once the officials realized I was serious, they set up two working groups — one for the road construction and another for the new primary and middle school. They brought in officials from different levels and some experts too. At my request, Uncle and my eldest cousin joined in. Uncle said the prices and labor costs there are extremely low. For them, five million dollars is an enormous amount."
"That's amazing. We can do so much good."
"After reviewing the design and budget, I transferred $500,000 — nearly 400 million pesos — to the school project team. It should be completed before the end of the year and ready for students next year. By then, all the kids in the township will be able to attend the new school."
"I heard the road will be built to a secondary highway standard, kind of like our interstates?"
"Yeah, and that's more than enough. Is the money enough for 30 miles?"
"Actually, it's more than that. It's 30 miles from the county to Puelenje Township, and then another 4 miles to Uncle's village — 34 miles total. The costs are fully covered. Prices are so low there. According to the budget, construction costs are around $600,000 per mile. So for 34 miles, the total is about $2.5 million."
"That's surprisingly cheap. Are you sure the quality won't be an issue?"
"I had the same concern, but the experts on-site assured me that as long as they follow the plans, there won't be any problems."
"Good. With proper oversight, quality shouldn't be a problem. I'd hate for our charity to be criticized later for poor construction — especially in Grandma's hometown."
"Exactly. After wiring the $2.5 million for the road, construction got underway right away. According to the plan, they want to finish before the Pubenza Carnival, which is usually in early January. I might go back to inspect the site and cut the ribbon myself. I'm still getting familiar with their customs."
"That's wonderful. It'll help so many people in Grandma's hometown and give Grandpa's family some extra care. I'm sure this trip will really boost Grandpa's reputation in the community."
"I think so too. Family should be honored."
"After finishing up there, didn't you go somewhere else? This trip's a rare opportunity — you should take Judy around, let her see more of the world."
"I was worried about your health. As soon as the road and school plans were set, I rushed back."
"My health? I'm perfectly fine."
"How could I not be anxious? From what I saw last time, you've got to juggle more than ten women at once. Even the strongest man would be exhausted. I'm just saying — take your vitamins. I won't nag anymore. I'm heading back to San Francisco. I can't stand watching you live like this."
*****
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