Page VIII-Saborear la Vida: Lima, Peru (and it all goes full circle)

August 10, 2013-Day 8

This is probably the second most difficult blog post to write (Machu Picchu day will still be the first).

 What I remember the most about this day is that I dreaded it and welcomed it at the same time.

I believe most of my tourmates felt the same.We were all ready to move out of Puno but we were not ready for the trip to wind down just yet. At the same time, home is calling and the inkling that it will be where we would want to be once we get there was definitely in the air. The feeling was sort of-bipolar. I was definitely not ready to leave Peru. Not yet. Angele and I were flying out early the next day to get back to the US and start back work the next day. I was not ready to let this vacation go.

We visited one last site where in we saw the Puno landscape for the last time. Afterwards, we were driven to Juliaca to the Juliaca airport. The Juliaca that we saw this time around was different. It was lively. Perhaps it was because there was some sort of "fiesta" or ceremony going on in the middle of the street. Nonetheless, it was definitely different.

The wait at the Juliaca airport was excruciating. This airport was probably my least favorite. It was small, cramped and slow. The city girl in me was definitely not liking it and it took a lot of effort to employ the virtue of patience that I really was not gifted in.

Nonetheless, we got on the plane and landed in Lima. It was nice to be back at sea level. We headed back to the same hotel as Day 1 and then we had a bit of free time before dinner. Angele and I decided to buy last minute souvenirs and stop by at La Mora for a light afternoon snack.

Dinner then happened. It was probably one of my favorite dinners in the whole trip, not only for the food but for the whole atmosphere as well. I generally do not take photos of people close up, meaning portraits. I can't do it, at least not to the point that I'm happy with how it will turn out. I need you to be in a setting that I would like to emphasize and you being there will add to the effect but when you are the subject of the photo, for some reason, to me the photo I took falls flat. 

Nonetheless, during dinner, I did it. I took photos of everyone. I guess, there was something about the atmosphere and the sound of laughter and chiding and happy people. Everyone, you can tell, was content. They all felt content. They were all happy. We were all happy. I wanted to capture it. I wanted to hold it in my hand for me to remember. There's something about tender times like this that makes me want to keep it forever.

In this trip, we all started as strangers. However, we're not ending it as strangers. We all shared an experience that is a milestone in our lives. We may become acquaintances but we will never be strangers to each other ever again.

I can't help but thank Elvis and everyone else from that. Gate 1 did a very good job of highlighting something that I realized about Peru and its people. They all live and function under the presumption that we are all connected, and that we are all friends. One is not a stranger from the other. Somehow, somewhere, you and I have a link. We are never alone.

After dinner, Angele and I opted to walk around the streets of Lima once again. It was a very surreal walk. We were both just taking in the city for the last time. God knows how long it will be until we are back, walking those streets, in the midst of the historic and the modern, the young and the old.

This trip was my trip to celebrate. To remind myself why I work hard and who I am beyond what I do for a living. This was a trip to wake up the lost passion in me, the one that goes dormant when responsibilities take over. Sometimes, these things, we lose touch of and if that happens for so long we might not even remember.

Ever since I immigrated to the US, I finally understood that  the world is much bigger than where home is and I made it my resolve to experience it. I will not be ignorant. I will not be trapped. I will savor living in this vast world that's too big and small at the same time.

Saborear la vida. Siempre. 

Until the next adventure,

Nicole

PS: For more photos: My Flickr

Page VII-Saborear La Vida- Lake Titikaka and Puno

August 9, 2013- Day 7

My favorite part about this day is that I witnessed ingenuity and survival at its finest.

We visited the Uros Islands on Lake Titikaka. These islands are all man made, created by the 4-5 families inhabiting these islands. They are made out of reed and they last for about 30 years. Almost everything from these islands are made out of reed--their houses, their beds, their chairs, everything.

We got to the island where our group will be docking. There, a demonstration of how the island was made and how the people utilize reed not only has a means to make items of but also as food or as a "cold towel" when someone has a fever. It was pretty cool. They were saying that if people were angry at each other, the families literally turn their houses so that their doors won't be facing each other. In addition, if it gets bad enough, they literally saw their island in half.

Part of the visit was getting to go into the family homes. It was humble but cozy. In addition, I got to get my sister a reed mobile. She, the more artistic one between the two of us (at least when it comes to making and building things), would probably have an eye feast when she visits the island.

We also rode a boat made entirely out of reed that took as to another island with more souvenirs. The children of the island we were visiting joined us in the boat ride and sang songs for us. Afterwards, they went around collecting tip. It was more cute than anything, in my opinion. When they got to the island, they bought themselves hot chocolate which they all shared.

The rest of the day was a free day. Brenda, Angele and I decided to just walk around Puno and see the sites instead of joining the add-on tour. It's not like Cusco or Lima but it was nice to just walk around and experience the people.

We walked further than the main street, into the market and even the strip where most locals, I believe, shop in. It felt like being in Divisoria or Chinatown in the Philippines.

One of my favorite things was seeing the wall where there was a whole multitude of advertising. People were standing in front of this wall reading this. It was a mixture of an offer for habitation or job openings. We also went in one of the shops and the store owner had asked me where I was from. I'm pretty sure he even asking me if I was Bolivian. (I was asked if I was Japanese in Cusco, along with Angele).

We headed back, saw a mini concert band in the plaza and headed back and had dinner with a few of the people from our tour group. We called it a night afterwards.

It was definitely the moment where you can feel your vacation winding down.

For more photos: My Flickr

Page VI- Saborear la Vida- Raqchi and Juliaca

 August 8, 2013-Day 6

We spent this day on a bus. It was a 7-8 hour trip from Cusco to Puno via bus. However, Gate 1 has decided to give us a bus ride instead of booking a 45 minute plane ticket because, this way, we get to see the highlands in the car.

It was a winding road. I remember sleeping for a part of it and being awake for the other half. We had stops along the way, of course, and that was the reason why we took the bus trip. If we did the plane, we would lose about 6 hours (1 hour to the Cusco airport, 1.5 hours in the airport, 1 hour in the plane, 1.5 hours in the airport, 1 more hour to Puno from the Juiliaca airport).

Our first stop was in Oropesa to get this bread called Pan Chuta. Elvis bought it fresh off the oven. It was a circular bread as big as your face. When he shared it with us, it was warm and soft. Just how bread should be. 

We drove a while and Elvis said little legends and stories about Peru. My favorite was when he told the story of the Coca leaf. As bad of a reputation it gets because of people who process the leaf to produce cocain, the Peruvians view the plant itself as sacred. It was a product of tears of reconciliation between men and women which cured them of their sadness and emptiness.

We stopped for at Raqchi. It's another archeological site of what used to be a temple. The photos I took there, however, are one of my favorite sets. Perhaps because there's not a lot of people and the sky was cooperating.

We left and continued driving. Not much has happened during the drive but the "explorer" mode has finally hit when we entered Juliaca.

Juliaca was such a contrast to what we have visited so far. It was grungy and dark. It seemed as if a dark cloud was over it and the clear, blue Peruvian skies are being blocked by it. Elvis did say that it was one of the rougher parts of Peru but since a University was just built close by, it's on its way to improvement.

We finally got to Puno and it's probably one of my favorite hotels (although, it's functionality is a bit questionable). Angele and I took a walk at their main street. Puno was a bit rough, as well. I definitely felt my city instincts kick in. I had to bring my DC girl out. It wasn't dangerous but I really should not do anything stupid.

We had dinner at this nice little restaurant. I really can't remember the name but we had a fairly good dinner and drinks before heading back to the hotel.

We got to the hotel and saw a bunch of people by the bar. We joined them after we decided to talk to Carlos, the bar tender, and get a straight shot of pisco. However, Carlos, was nice enough to have us all try about 1/4 of a shot of 4 different bottles of Pisco which Angele and I shared. When we finally settled at which one, we each got a glass but we can't shot it. We sipped it.

As you can tell, this is when the night became blurry. Nonetheless, Angele, Matt, Freddy and I ended up trying the night life. We went to a discoteca but since it was still too early for it to be enjoyable, we went karaoke. We then went back to the discoteca before calling it a night.

Let's just say I haven't "partied" that much in forever (even if it was a 4 people party).

For more photos:My Flickr

Page V: Saborear la Vida-Cusco

August 7, 2013- Day 5

Cusco.

It's hard to write about Cusco without smiling. There is something about the place that made me love it. Angele and I started the morning walking around town, visiting places that the kind lady who sat beside her on our flight from the US a couple of days ago recommended.

We stopped by the ATM first and there, we met the lady who sold me pulsera-like bracelets that I'm a big fan of. I asked her if I can take her photo and she obliged, giving me one of my most favorite photos to date. You see, I cannot take a decent photo of any one who poses for me. I'd rather catch you in the moment. But this lady, this abuela, she and I connected and her photo just transcended my expectations for my wannabe role as an amateur photographer.

 

Angele and I visited a lot of churches, just taking in Cusco by foot. We walked amongst the people, artists, vendors, tourists, families--definitely a multitude. We conversed with some vendors, especially by the San Pedro market by the San Pedro Cathedral. There was a festival going on. The locals were dancing outside the church courtyard. I wanted to go in. However, Angele and I decided we look too much of a tourists and backed out the last minute.

We headed back as it was close to the time we're suppose to meet the rest of the group for a guided tour of Cusco. Before that, however, we stopped for ice cream and it's definitely one of the highlights in our gastronomic escapades.

We got back just in time and as we the group assembled at the hotel lobby, a little girl approached me and said "Hola, Nicole," and then she gave me a hug. I was a little taken a back and then I saw Elvis. And it all clicked. Last night, I told Elvis, that if he brought his kid (since he is from Cusco and I'm  an advocate for spending time with your family, especially if you're in the same town), I wouldn't mind baby sitting. Bam! There she was.

She understood a little bit of English, I understood a little bit of Spanish. Perfect pair. We rode the bus together and this is when the trip has become blurry. I will be honest, I don't remember the places we visited.

My memory of this day was of a child-like innocence and a familiarity.  Perhaps, because I was half watching Thayra and observing how she took in every single place we went.

Saqsaywaman was definitely the highlight. I didn't hear a single word that Elvis said about this place, but I do know that this place is one that kids would definitely love. There are natural slides on the rocks that Thayra definitely enjoyed. Seeing her climb up to slide down was a sight to be remembered. Watching her run around the open field, I can't help but wish I was seven once again so I can run around with her, freely and sans the inhibition.

My favorite thing about being there was the part that it was all accessible. I was amazed at how children can play at a historical site such as this and not get reprimanded. Especially, I'm sure, these kids are locals. They enjoyed this place without the historical perspective which I appreciated. Sometimes, we get caught about preserving things when it was made to be treasured by using it.

We went to the Jesus sculpture, the Brazilian's gift to Cusco, which had a beautiful view birds eye view of Cusco. As I'm in love with view points such as this, the moment I was there was not an exception. Our last visit was the Cathedral which was extravagant and massive. It was sort of a rushed visit because it was close to closing time but, point is, I saw it.

I want a summer home in Cusco. When I get to the point that I have enough money for real estate, I'll definitely invest one there (after Barcelona, that is). Cusco, to me, is a place of contentment and childlike innocence. It was a place which reminded me how I vacationed as a child and deemed every place as my playground where I can run free and savor life.

For more photos: My Flickr