When in Peru...

When in Peru, do as they do! (Except the whole BYO TP!)

Sitting on a crowded, loud, dirty combi bus zooming through the cobblestone streets of Lima, I find myself admiring the business tenacity of the small boy juggling in the middle of an intersection. Similarly, the solemn girl in brightly colored native attire, holding a baby lamb and charging a sole to take a picture is also quite the entrepreneur. Yes, Peru is poor and run down, but it is still very much alive. The third world poverty is startling, but the people are jolly and content, each actively trying the make a living. The pride the Peruvians display in their culture and traditions is astounding. Though the houses are old and run down, children still laugh and play in the yards and the walks are swept and tidy. The mothers may be doing the wash by hand and the fathers are still working behind an ox and plow, yet they are happy living a simple non-materialistic life. The poverty may seem extreme but everyone seems to be fed and progress is seen everywhere.

Our first stop in Lima was essential because we stayed with a local girl and her family. She introduced us to the food, culture and lifestyle of Peru giving us a jump-start in our immersion. She also taught us how to catch one of the chaotic buses with horns that never cease to stop, as well as how to deter the finagling street vendors. Her family is very close and not unlike most families in South America the children live at home until marriage. Meeting Sophia really helped us get a more authentic introduction to Peru, we even tried the guinea pig.

After the hustle and bustle of the city we were drawn to the majestic mountains of the Andes. Our trek up to Machupicchu was awe inspiring. No matter what your beliefs are, you'll feel some sort of spirituality permeating throughout the mountains. The lush cloud forests that climb out of the river valley are mystical and overpowering. We made our journey up the steep steps at four AM to beat the crowds and see the sun rise over the ruins. As dawn broke we reached the summit and the fog and rain finally stopped. Our anticipation was alleviated as the Inca village of Machupicchu presented itself. It is in the running for one of the new seven wonders of the world and it fully deserves the recognition!

The mystery behind the Incan civilization's disappearance, the Spanish Inquisition and all the folklore surrounding Peruvian culture make for some very interesting museums and archaeological sites. We are practically ruined by all the sites but incidentally we are becoming Incan history buffs. We are learning of all the subtle but distinct differences in style, clothing, food and perspective between the countries. Most of the travelers we've met have been from other Latin American countries ( lots of Argentinians and Brazilians). Each country is very unique, yet all possess that Latin charm.

Traveling and being outside of your element forces you to examine and experience other ways if life, leading to a better understanding of the differences and similarities we all have. Next stop Bolivia and Argentina and we will not forget to bring our own toilet paper!!!!!
Ciao!