“It is confidence in our bodies, minds and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures, new directions to grow in, and new lessons to learn – which is what life is all about.” – Oprah Winfrey
Other things to take into consideration were flight prices. Certain directions were $30 one way but $100 if we came the other direction. I also had to place myself in internet stable conditions for 2 web calls I have to make over the summer. The first already passed and even though I planned accordingly, I still had to use my local sim data card because my hostel WiFi wasn’t strong enough. I hate to think what’s going to happen in August when I make the second call while in a remote area.
Once I had a rough sketch of what cities we’d be in, the next thing was to figure out what was happening at that time and place. This is when things got exciting for me. Our time aligned perfectly for the Inti Raymi Fetival occurring in Cusco. This is a weeklong festival where they celebrate the Winter Solstice, while North America celebrates the Summer Solstice. Each day that we made it to the city center, something new and exciting was happening. The first night was more of a religious ceremony for Corpus Christi. The days following were filled with lively music, dancing, and costumes representing each region of Peru and there are a lot of regions. I think this part of the celebration, the parade, lasted quite a few days. What I especially liked about their parade, is that unlike parades that I’ve enjoyed in North American, these parades were rocking. The MC or announcer treated it as a sporting event and was totally into it. As he announced the region entered the main square, you would have thought that it was the World Cup champions gracing us with their presence based on his excitement.
Besides the daily parades, all of the surrounding parks and plazas had something going on too. One day the squares were filled with vendors all selling the traditional meal to be eaten at this festival; chiriuchu. This traditional dish is served to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. Cuy (Guinea pig), other meats, vegetables, bread and cheese make up the meal. It’s served cold and eaten with the fingers. We never took the opportunity to try the meal because this coincided with our stomach woes. I’d like to try it another day though. Other days the parks were filled with games and betting, which were a blast!
After we left one square, we’d pass marching bands playing exuberant tunes, with their shiny suits and stylish shades. On one of these days in the park is where Samson and I found the 40 man band being directed by the 5 year old. Through their energy, it was clear that they loved what they were doing and in turn, I could have sat there for hours watching and listening and smiling ear to ear.
The passion that was demonstrated this week through their celebrations was palpable and contagious. It made me feel alive and wish that we had something back home like this that brought the entire country together through song, dance and laughter.
We left Cusco, Peru two nights ago by over-night bus. The bus station wasn’t far from us, just a 10 minute taxi ride. Our driver was one of the more aggressive drivers that we’ve had but in the end, he ended up being a life-saver. We arrived where the point on the map indicated that our bus terminal should be, but it wasn’t there. We drove the block again, still nothing. We drove behind the block, still nothing. Our driver pulled over to ask multiple people where the terminal was, still nothing. Panic was started to rise inside me, as it was after dark and we had about an hour to spare to locate the terminal. It was clear that he was getting frustrated, but also wanted to solve the problem. I assured him we would be giving him more than the 6 soles ($1.80US) that he quoted us. I had flashbacks to being lost in Shanghai years ago and that was not a good feeling. At least this time, I had a partner in crime to be lost with me? I’m not sure why that made it better, but it did. However, crisis was averted on our 5th pass through the area. It turns out that the terminal was nothing more that a large aluminum gate that was later illuminated and opened; we were simply too early, but not early enough for my liking. We hugged and thanked our driver many times and of course, almost doubled the fare cost show our gratitude.
We boarded the bus at 10pm. I slept a little, Lauren slept none and we continued our travels into Bolivia. After 24 hours, including a boat ride to the Uro Floating Islands, the border crossing into Bolivia, a boat ride to and hike on Isla del Sol, a pedestrian ferry to cross a straight, and mountainous twists, turns and bumps along the way, we made it to our hostel in La Paz, Bolivia.
Now, it’s a new day and a new country to explore.
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