Thirst in La Guajira, Colombia

La Guajira is a semi-arid region surrounded by a diversity of reliefs; mountains, dunes, savannahs and desert.  Thirst in La Guajira is not a new issue, it is an ancient situation like Wayuu itself, which since time immemorial has adapted to its habitat. 

Mercedes is an old Wayuu woman who lives in jalaala, half a guajira, where heat and sun prevail in a desert of white stones. 

Aunt Mercedes gets up very early before dawn breaks to light her stove to prepare coffee and food for her grandchildren. Note that there is little water in the container for consumption and chores.

When her morning shift ends; and before the midday sun comes; She goes out to saddle her donkey in the company of his grandson Kaliiwa;

They hold the containers with which they will bring water from the waterpond, which is a few kilometers away.

When they arrive at the waterpond ( Jagüey ) they find that the place is dry due to the lack of rain and the high demand for consumption by other families in the vicinity. Then they go to a more secluded place, where there is the windmill of the Ipuana, influential family of the Caricare caste. Windmills are another way to extract water through the pumping system.

When Aunt Mercedes and the other families arrive at the place, they are well received and provide them with the necessary water; But they had already traveled many kilometers and had to return immediately.  

Once in the house, water becomes the most precious and blessed element for the family.