Materially, the modern creations of Peru are exquisite. Handicrafts are the classic Peruvian souvenirs, and even the more lack luster designs and carvings are delicately brilliant. Beaded ceremonial hats, alpaca woven ponchos, and sewn Pachamama charm dolls are my personal favorites. Each represents a Peruvian’s enterprising spirit but also thousands of years of technique and expertise. Sure, every nation has its specialties, but Peru’s are still the iconic Andean crafts. They are the standard of this side of the continent and should be respected as such.
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Ratukama mamakunachawan solpaykuy!/ Bye ladies and thank you! (Photo by PintsizedPioneer) |
Quechua hums through the streets of Peru. It is one of the national languages, and its roots will forever be in the Incan Empire. My education has been decent. I have learned to speak it, very slowly, and can communicate in Spanish/Quechua with the locals. The cultural insight I have gained through Projects Abroad's lessons is priceless, and I will be sure to continue my adventure with this new linguistic endeavor when I return home. My lessons were unusual and a holistic approach to Quechua. I am glad I learned with my teacher, but it definitely was a challenge. I have confidence that with my future career and my own abilities, I will be able to speak it conversantly if not fluently one day.
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I miss you Ulrike's! A wonderful German owns the most cozy little internet café in Pisaq! I frequented this
place with the other volunteers daily. Amazing desserts, tasty burgers, and the most friendly
staff ever can be found here. I got a discount too since I was a volunteer; however, I learned this on my
penultimate day. Nevertheless, I am fine with every Sol spent at this establishment. It was all worth it. Another
great local eatery with internet is Frio Caliente (Honestly, it will always just be Benjamin's to us).
It is owned by Benjamin, a local, who is the
nicest bartender you'll ever meet! Thank you all, you wonderful restauranteurs!
(Photo credits by PintsizedPioneer) |
One of the most amazing aspects of my Projects Abroad experience and my Peruvian adventure was the other volunteers. The first few days I knew no one here, and then all of a sudden, a British girl and an Aussie dude introduced me to some of the funnest people I've ever met. They were supportive, empathetic, and just a bundle of joy to have in this tiny town. I will miss partying with them, making conversation at Ulrike's, and just being with adventurous, pleasant people who know that sometimes - Peru is just Peru.
The feeling that resonates through Peru is pride. You feel it. No matter where you go, the Peruvian people will show you their worth in their food, in their art, and in their languages. They know that the whole world wants to visit this place, and this is understandable since it is stunning and the cultural center of the Andes (Qosqo specifically). Peru is still very impoverished for being so touristy, but that doesn't stop the life and passion of the nation. The Inca chose this place for a reason. One of the greatest empires to exist in mankind's history called this home after moving from Lake Titicaca according to myth. The Inca still live on in every word of Quechua spoken, every potato grown, and every Pachamama sewn. The Inca live on because Peru proudly persists and will exist until the sun (Inti) and moon (Killa) stop screaming across this southern sky.
Good bye Peru! I will miss your cobblestones, delicious spuds, and the Spanish and Quechua you speak. The languages spoken here are so beautiful. Peruvian Spanish is smooth, and Quechua is mysterious and just weaves its way into the tune of the nation. I will definitely be back here. I need to explore and adventure this place with someone. I will be back here with a partner in crime (hopefully he'll speak Spanish) to dive deeper into this beautiful land. I must see the Amazon! I must see the ocean! I must see the desert! Peru, you have not seen the last of me. I'll be back real soon. Don't change too much. I've fallen for you already.