Jul
1
An attempt at describing my growth from the trip to Peru:
“Lost there; felt here” was a slogan from the presentation about the Amazon. We lost fresh air while in Lima, and we sometimes lose the feeling of peacefulness during our chaotic schedules in the United States, but I was at peace and close to nature in the Amazon.
I can’t put into words how I felt the past 25 days. Reading this blog can’t truly give readers the full experience, but I hope my writing and photographs inspired at least one person to experience Peru for himself or herself as I have experienced so much.
Peru has helped me push my physical limits and get back in shape. Although I played sports in high school, I haven’t made time to work out, but the Amazon reminded me how much I enjoy being active and opened my eyes to hiking, canoeing and embracing nature.
I am usually scared in the dark because the dark provokes my wild imagination to the unseen (especially animals in the rainforest), but I managed to shower in the dark (in cold water) in the Amazon every day–it’s amazing how fast I’ve learned to shower!
I’ve learned more about the indigenous of Peru. The indigenous here have difficulty preserving their languages and culture because there are so few of them who speak it. Plus, in order to get a job and make money, they must learn Spanish and often English, especially if they want to go into tourism or attend school.
I’ve learned that people from each region live differently, yet most of them simply want to make a living. The way of life in the Amazon is so different than the other regions of Lima and the United States. The people of the Amazon region go to bed after dinner or when the sun goes down while most people in Lima and Cuzco stay up really late. The jobs here are different and make less money. Yet there are problems (mining, mercury in water, etc.) here like there are in other regions.
As compared to people I have talked to in Lima, the people in the Amazon don’t want to talk about religion and politics.
Difference between Lima and Cuzco and Amazon…Caroline’s camera was stolen from her hotel room, yet nothing was stolen in the Amazon although we did not have doors or windows. We also left our phones to charge by the reception area, yet nothing was taken.
Lack of electricity was peaceful for me for the most part since it was nice not hearing a phone ring or seeing an e-mail pop up, but I can’t imagine how difficult it is for people without electricity. It’s hard for them to study and do other things at night, so they have to get everything done during the day.
My experiences have also provoked some questions. Feel free to comment on my questions or answer them according to your opinions.
How can the indigenous learn another language (such as Spanish and English) if they do not have the money or opportunity for education?
Environmental protection efforts vs. putting food on table.
How do miners feel about their jobs?
Their health is harmed by the way they make a living, yet what else could they do?
People of the jungle make up about 10 percent of Lima’s population. How can they get their voices heard in the city?
It’s fascinating how the indigenous have learned ways to adapt to the lack of hospitals and prescription medicines. It’s great how they’ve used things around them to help with their health and medical needs.
How many members of the jungle would be better off going to medical doctors and using prescription medicines?
How would they come up with the money and transportation?
How civilized are they if they still believe in love potions and spirits?
How much of the medical remedies are based on their religion?
Does this contradict the Catholic faith?
How many of the people in the jungle are Catholic?
How do they practice it without churches in the jungle?
You hear about corruption and you think a leader needs to step up, but how can he or she influence the people if most people won’t change how they make a living?
Jul
1
A review of Friday, June 25, 2010
Our flight from Lima to Houston, about 6 hours long, seemed fast to me. I sat next to an older woman and 18-year-old Peruvian man. I practiced Spanish with Peruvian native for the last time.
We had chicken ravioli for our meal and a muffin for our snack.
One hike, one boat ride, two bus rides, four flights, one car ride and 28 hours later…I am back home to THE OKC! Hello southern-fried food, washer and dryer, toilet paper, air conditioning, laws and ORGANIZATION! Thank you, Lord, for keeping us all safe!
I can’t believe I am back to the United States! I was so happy and proud when I saw the sign “Welcome to the United States of America” and when I heard “Welcome home.” The customs officer checked my passport picture several times and asked for another form of ID, which he continued to look over several times…sorry I look really good right now after traveling over 24 hours.
Our flight from Houston to THE OKC was at 7:35 a.m.; we got our luggage to take to customs at 7:35. So we missed our flight, but Continental took responsibility, waited for us by the luggage claim and booked us for the next flight! We had more time to bond and stay together before we all separated, but we will have our Perunion soon!
I took the longest, warmest and cleanest shower I have taken in 25 days when I got home! It was nice to wear my OU t-shirt, jean shorts and flip-flops and walk around in washed, wet hair instead of wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, 100 SPF sunscreen, bug spray and hiking boots and walking around with sweaty, wet hair.
I had my first meal in the United States with my mother and grandmother at Ann’s Chicken Fry House–fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak, fries and cherry limeade!
I’ve slept 2 hours in the past 32 hours. I’ve been home for 5 hours and already have a to-do list. I decided to take it easy and spent the afternoon unpacking and doing laundry.
I somehow have over 30 bug bites/bruises/cuts/blisters from Peru…what have I been doing the past 25 days?
Jul
1
A review of Thursday, June 24, 2010
The boat ride was bittersweet and refreshing. For once, I didn’t sweat in the Amazon.
We rode the boat for about 2 hours to Infierno, a town along the Tambopatha River meaning "Hell" in Spanish. We rode a bus through the town. We also met Infierno’s president and visited the community center.
We flew to Cuzco and stayed on the plane because we were on the same plane for Lima. The plane was nearly empty; I’d like to think the plane was reserved for us because we’re just that special.
Our layover for the Houston flight in the Lima airport felt surprisingly quick. Here we are taking a last group picture.
Today is our last day in Peru. It is also Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. Dr. Kenney said he planned for us to leave on this day because flights are less expensive.
We woke up at 5:40 a.m., ate our last Peruvian breakfast and hiked to the boat dock. The boat ride was bittersweet and refreshing. For once, I didn’t sweat while in the Amazon.
We rode the boat for about 2 hours to Infierno, a town along the Tambopatha River meaning “Hell” in Spanish. We rode a bus through the town. We also met Infierno’s president and visited the community center and arts center where I bought a wooden Puerto Maldonado keychain and coin purse made of coconut shell by a native man.
Next, we rode a bus to the lodge office to get our luggage. We sorted through our luggage, and I changed into shorts and had Inca Kola in Peru one last time.
The bus took us to the Amazon airport where we watched the World Cup while waiting for our flight. Caroline and I bought meat empanadas and ice cream. The sign at the front of the concession stand displayed a MasterCard sign, so Caroline tried to pay with her MasterCard, but the cashier said they only accept cash. Why didn’t someone take the sign down?
Based on my experiences in retail, this would be considered false advertisement since Caroline and I went to the concession only because we saw the sign and thought they accept MasterCard. We tried to pay with dollars, but the cashier said she would only accept soles. Where was the sign for that?
Because neither of us had soles, we ran to the other end of the airport to borrow soles from other students. Jane had only a 50-sole bill, and she loaned it to us. The cashier didn’t want to take such a big bill, but I told her it was our only way to pay. She then took it and left to find change. After minutes later, we received our change back and ate our food.
We flew to Cuzco and stayed on the plane because we were on the same plane for Lima. The plane was nearly empty; I’d like to think the plane was reserved for us because we’re just that special. I had a great time on the plane visiting with Courtney and Lori and laughing at the show “Gags.”
Our layover for the Houston flight in the Lima airport felt surprisingly quick. We arrived at the Lima airport around 5:30 p.m., and our check-in line didn’t open until about 8:30 p.m. We didn’t want to bring the group’s luggage upstairs to the food court, so Carlee and I went to the food court to see what we should do. We found an empty table so I told Carlee to go back downstairs and send a few people up to eat, then we could rotate.
As I approached the table to “colonize” it, a Peruvian couple also had the same plan. We awkwardly stood face-to-face:
“Are you wanting this table?” the couple asked.
“Yes.” I replied.
“Will you need all six of these chairs?” the couple asked looking frustrated.
“Yes; there’s about 16 of us.” I replied looking frustrated back.
“That’s about how many we have, too…” the woman answered.
Awkward silence…
“I guess we will find somewhere else.” The woman said and walked away with her husband.
I felt as if I just won a battle. Until I saw a lady walk up to my newly-claimed land and took a chair from me. That’s when I decided to sit down and put my feet on two other chairs. I didn’t care that I looked funny in the middle of the food court with five chairs and three tables. I had to save this area for my traveling buddies
About 15 minutes, Carlee came back and told me the group couldn’t decide what they wanted to do, so no one wanted to come eat upstairs right now. I was forced to abandon the new colony after so much effort. At least I know I could colonize a food court area on my own, right?
Carlee and I went back downstairs, and we all hugged Dr. Kenney and his wife because they were staying in Lima and vacationing with family. I felt like a baby sea turtle challenged to take on the Peruvian seas with my sea turtle siblings.
We took turns going upstairs to eat. I had Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food) for the last time. We walked around looking at shops, paid our airport fee of $31 and hung out before we all separated. Although most of us were ready to return to the United States, we knew we’d miss Peru.
Jul
1
A review of Wednesday, June 23, 2010
We hiked to a pontoon in a lake and fed fish and piranhas.
Then, we hiked to the two biggest trees in the world--the big tree in Avatar is based on these trees. Our group didn't even cover the tree's width.
We saw the inside of the strangling tree--so cool!
We hiked the Medicine Trail and learned about different plants used for medicinal purposes such as numbing, fever, love potions and many others.
We spent time at the overlook watching the sunset.
We slept in until 5:45 a.m. when our alarm clocks, our tour guides, woke us up with “Good morning” by our bamboo wall. It’s amazing how anytime after 4:30 a.m. was considered “sleeping in” to us. We hiked to a pontoon in a lake and fed fish and piranhas.
Then, we hiked to the two biggest trees in the world–the big tree in Avatar is based on these trees. I climbed one of them, but didn’t get far up. Andy climbed those trees like he was born to be a monkey. We saw the inside of the strangling tree–so cool!
We heard monkeys on the way back from the hike. One of our tour guides, Oscar, knows how to imitate the sound of many animals and birds. He interacted with a monkey using his talent. We heard the monkey, but it never came close to us. It’s awesome how much these tour guides know about the Amazon and its inhabitants. One of the tour guides’ shirts had the slogan, “Nature is our passion, sharing it is our commitment.” I have seen the passion, and the guides have remained committed to their promise!
We hiked the Medicine Trail and learned about different plants used for medicinal purposes such as numbing, fever, love potions and many others. We spent time at the overlook watching the sunset. I can’t believe it’s our last night in the Amazon!
We had class before lunch discussing the important things we’ve learned about the Amazon and before dinner discussing an overview of Peruvian culture and history. I never thought I’d learn this much about a country (besides the United States) and myself from one class and traveling for 25 days!
We have breaks between hiking and meals, but my body doesn’t know how to nap, especially in this hot and humid weather without a fan or air conditioning, so I usually write in my journal or hang out and look at our surroundings. It’s funny how often I wash my face here because I’m constantly drenched in sweat.
Jul
1
A review of Tuesday, June 22, 2010
We woke up at 4 a.m. today to hike to the boat dock, then rode to a trail that led us to a clay lick (dry layer of mineral deposits) for a 4-hour birdwatch.
We split up into two groups. Both groups looked at birds behind a wall made of leaves. We hid behind this wall and look from a hole. The birds do not know there are people around, so they are not afraid and act natural.
Then, we played team USA (5 OU women & 1 man) vs. Peru (6 Refugio Amazonas staff) volleyball in the blazing heat. USA won four games in a row in flip-flops and barefoot. People here are so fun and nice!
We hiked to the mammal clay lick, but it's difficult to keep two professors, 17 college students and 4 tour guides quiet, so we didn't see any jaguars or monkeys.
Frogs have been visiting some of us. Lori found a frog on her bathroom wall while Courtney had a frog hop up her leg while she was brushing her teeth.
I learned to adapt to our new environment and slept through the natural sounds. Ryan said he heard me snoring through our bamboo walls. At least he knew I was sleeping!
We woke up at 4 a.m. today to hike to the boat dock, then rode to a trail that led us to a clay lick (dry layer of mineral deposits) for a 4-hour birdwatch. We hiked for 1.5 hours there and back through vines, over tree stumps and under fallen trees–I saw the biggest tree I’ve ever seen, and it’s still living! It’s amazing how much goes on before the sun comes up, but I don’t mind because the temperature is so much cooler!
We had lomo saltado, rice, chick peas and mango pudding for lunch.
Then, we played team USA (5 OU women & 1 man) vs. Peru (6 Refugio Amazonas staff) volleyball in the blazing heat. USA won four games in a row in flip-flops and barefoot. People here are so fun and nice!
We hiked to the mammal clay lick, but it’s difficult to keep two professors, 17 college students and 4 tour guides quiet, so we didn’t see any jaguars or monkeys. Our tour guide made a baby tarantula come out of its nest, so it’s the same thing, right?
Since there’s no electricity, there’s not much to do at night except go to the lodge’s built-in bar (they know how to make money) and play board games. I decided to be with friends–yes, I played Mancala in a bar in the Amazon while sippin’ on water and eating kettle corn.
For class, we watched a presentation about the Amazon and its inhabitants presented by the staff of Refugio Amazonas. We learned about the endangered species and what officials and organizations are doing to protect the Amazon.
Frogs have been visiting some of us. Lori found a frog on her bathroom wall while Courtney had a frog hop up her leg while she was brushing her teeth. Ryan found a bug (that looked like a cockroach) the size of my hand, but the tour guide said it’s not a cockroach and that it eats wood.
Jul
1
A review of Monday, June 21, 2010
Our rooms at the Refugio Amazonas lodges. The fourth wall to our room is a giant open wall, which made me scared animals would come in at night, but we never had any cuddling with us.
We woke up at 4:30 a.m. to hike to a 30-meter canopy where we saw guans, parrots, toucans and butterflies for about 2 hours. The sunrise was beautiful!
We wore helmets and hiked 1.5 hours through the Castana (Brazilian nuts, some of the largest and tallest trees in the Amazon) Trail and saw mammal tracks and uprooted trees.
Then, we cracked open castana shells (look like coconut shells) with machete knives to get to the Brazilian nuts. It took me the longest time, but the reward was good because I felt accomplished, and they were very tasty!
I wrote in my journal in a hammock this afternoon.
We visited a farm along the Tambopatha River across from our lodge in the Amazon. We tasted fruits and vegetables native to Peru and others that are in Vietnam like coconut, sugar cane, starfruit, ladyfinger banana, ginger and others. This farm has five different types of bananas.
Then, we had a facepaint party with a natural dye from seeds. I painted OU on the tour guides' faces! Boomer Sooner from the Amazon!
We had class in the upper-level of our lodge in the Amazon until we were distracted by a giant preying mantis, the size of my Hello Kitty iPhone--it was so cute...we played with it and it crawled on my head!
We woke up at 4:30 a.m. to hike to 30-meter canopy where we saw guans, parrots, toucans and butterflies for about 2 hours. The sunrise was beautiful!
Because there’s no electricity or phones, our alarms and wake-up calls consist of Peruvian workers saying “Good morning” by our door (which is a curtain) and we must say “Good morning” back to let them know we heard them.
After our 5 a.m. bird watch, we had scrambled eggs, papaya and melon, granola, hot chocolate and biscuits for breakfast. Then, we wore helmets and hiked 1.5 hours through the Castana (Brazilian nuts, some of the largest and tallest trees in the Amazon) Trail and saw mammal tracks and uprooted trees.
Then, we cracked open castana shells (look like coconut shells) with machete knives to get to the Brazilian nuts. It took me the longest time, but the reward was good because I felt accomplished, and they were very tasty!
I don’t understand how workers have the energy to crack open over 150 lbs of shells for about $7 a day. But then again, do they have any other options?
I wrote in my journal in a hammock this afternoon.
We had chicken and rice, potatoes and watermelon for lunch.
It’s so hot and humid here; I gave in and wore shorts and flip-flops around the lodge while covered in bug spray in hopes bugs won’t bite me. I got a few bites, but it was almost worth it compared to how hot I was in long pants.
We visited a farm along the Tambopatha River across from our lodge in the Amazon. We tasted fruits and vegetables native to Peru and others that are in Vietnam like cocona, sugar cane, starfruit, ladyfinger banana, ginger and others. This farm has five different types of bananas.
Then, we had a facepaint party with a natural dye from seeds. I painted OU on the tour guides’ faces! Boomer Sooner from the Amazon!
We had pork chops and rice, cream of leek soup, steamed vegetables and banana cake for dinner last night.
Then, we discussed the ways it means to be “indigenous” and its importance in society, particularly in Peru. We had class in the upper-level of our lodge in the Amazon until we were distracted by a giant preying mantis, the size of my Hello Kitty iPhone–it was so cute…we played with it and it crawled on my head!
One person got sick and another was stung by a wasp…we’ve only been here 24 hours!
Jun
28
Four tour guides and a driver of Rainforest Expeditions picked us up from the airport, put our luggage on top of the bus and took us to the office (about a 15-minute ride from the airport) for welcome drinks (cocona juice).
Our first boat ride in Peru. The boat ride to our lodge was about 2.5 hours, and we ate fried rice.
The rice was inside banana leaves, so we were able to throw our trash in the river. I love that the people try to have biodegradable products.
It was dark when we arrived to our lodge, but lines of kerosene lamps beautifully lit it.
We left the hotel around 9 a.m. and dragged our luggage through the small streets of Cuzco to where the bus was waiting for us. My luggage was top-heavy, and it flipped over eight times. We also had llamas in our way.
Rafael and his wife met us at the airport with our tickets, and we took a last picture with them. Rafael was thankful for the tip and the OU hats. He wore the OU hat immediately!
Our flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado was about 30 minutes, and we saw beautiful views while flying.
Four tour guides and a driver of Rainforest Expeditions picked us up from the airport, put our luggage on top of the bus and took us to the office (about a 15-minute ride from the airport) for welcome drinks (cocona juice). We rested and left our big luggage, the luggage we would not need for the next five days, there.
Next, we took a 45-minute bus ride to the dock while munching on our snacks (banana chips, sugar-coated Brazilian nuts, an orange and cocona juice) and listening to a tour guide inform us about Puerto Maldonado.
We picked someone up on the way to the dock. I offered to let the man sit by me. He was very nice, and I practiced Spanish with him. He told me his name is Pedro and that he’s from the area. He later helped us load our bags on to the boat.
The boat ride to our lodge was about 2.5 hours, and we ate fried rice. The rice was inside banana leaves, so we were able to throw our trash in the river. I love that the people try to have biodegradable products.
There are three lodges along the Tambopatha River owned by Rainforest Expeditions; ours is called Refugio Amazonas, and it is the second lodge.
We stopped a few times to look at caimans, turtles, birds, capybaras (the largest living rodent in the world; looks like a giant guinea pig) and howler monkeys. We also stopped at the National Tambopatha Reservation to register, pay fees and get our passports stamped (the stamp is not mandatory; just for fun).
I can’t believe I am in the Amazon! It was neat to see our lodge at night surrounded by kerosene lamps. I was excited to see what it would look like in the morning.
Our rooms have mosquito nets and only three walls…this means pumas, snakes and other critters may be cuddling with me tonight! We put our snacks and medicine in a vault so we don’t attract animals. Our showers are all-around see-through with no hot water–talk about embracing nature!
We had cream of tomato soup, tallarines saltado de lomo, yucca fries and rice and milk pudding by candlelight prepared by our lodge in the Amazon. I find it amazing that our food is cooked with stone pots and coal, our towels are handwashed, we use kerosene lamps and candles…but we have Wi-Fi at certain hours. Welcome to the 21st century in the Amazon!
We went hunting for caimans in a canoe-like boat in pure darkness finding some baby caimans! As we hiked to the dock, we encountered many spiders the size of my hand! Welcome to the Amazon?
Our lodge and my first night in the Amazon: We have only three walls in our room, and they’re made of bamboo and thin with no doors or windows; showers have clear curtains, toilet stalls have curtains; hot and humid; no electricity or hot water; bugs and bats: candles with a broken lighter; I heard snoring, talking, animal noises throughout the night; I sprayed my mosquito net with 40% deet bug spray while in it and couldn’t breath. Just a few of the many Amazon adventures!
Jun
20
A review of Saturday, June 19, 2010
Today was our free day in Cuzco!
We visited the Saturday arts and crafts market in San Blas Plaza. I bought many precious handmade goodies including hair accessories, Delta-shaped earrings, Alpaca fur socks, a ceramic nativity scene, magnets and a leather photo album--just helping the Andeans. 🙂
After Mass, we went to a native cultural show with traditional dancing and singing in Quechua. The women sing in very high voices. Each performance included different dances and costumes from various areas of Peru.
During intermission, we looked at traditional clothing from the different Peruvian regions.
After the native show, we power walked through the mass of people to the Plaza de Armas for tonight's big celebration in preparation for one of Peru's biggest festivals, Inti Raymi, the Incas' honor of the Sun God. There was a live concert, fireworks and all kinds of food like a giant carnival or fair. I've never seen so many people in one place. What a great last night in Cuzco!
The official flag of Cuzco consists of the colors of the rainbow because it’s the Inca flag. The mayor requires all businesses to have the flag displayed. Our tour guide from yesterday, Jimmy, said many tourists are confused and think Cuzco is a gay community until they find out its origin from the Inca Empire. Isn’t it interesting how institutions differ in how they look at the same things?
We visited the Saturday arts and crafts market in San Blas Plaza. I bought many precious handmade goodies including hair accessories, Delta-shaped earrings, Alpaca fur socks, a ceramic nativity scene, magnets and a leather photo album–just helping the Andeans. 🙂
We spent about two hours at the market, and returned to the hotel in time for lunch. We had lomo saltado, my favorite Peruvian dish.
We collected money from the group to give Rafael and Saúl for tips. I’m giving Rafael and his wife OU hats, and I’m giving Saúl an OU clock. There are few things better than spreading the Sooner spirit!
Dr. Kenney and his wife, Señora Marchand, Lori, Carlee, Jane and I went to Mass at the Jesuit Church in the Plaza de Armas. It’s beautiful! The precious priest was old and physically fragile–I wanted to give him a hug! I smiled at him when I went up for communion, and he gave me the biggest grin (the first smile I saw from him that night) then patted my face. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me that a smile goes a long way! God is Good.
After Mass, we went to a native cultural show with traditional dancing and singing in Quechua. The women sing in very high voices–I feel like I could be a star in these shows with my voice. Each performance included different dances and costumes from various areas of Peru. During intermission, we looked at traditional clothing from the different Peruvian regions.
After the native show, we power walked through the mass of people to the Plaza de Armas for tonight’s big celebration in preparation of one of Peru’s biggest festivals, Inti Raymi, the Incas’ honor of the Sun God. There was a live concert, fireworks and all kinds of food like a giant carnival or fair. I’ve never seen so many people in one place. What a great last night in Cuzco!
I found candy like M&Ms called Chin Chin. I’m pretty much famous here, but the makers just forgot the “H” like many do when they write my name.
I had gelato, starfruit flavored, for what may be the last time in Peru at a place down the street from our hotel called Dolce Vita.
I can’t believe we leave for the Amazon in the morning. Bye Cuzco, electricity, Internet, hot water and civilization; hello jungle, crocodiles, pumas, mosquito nets and NATURE!
Jun
20
A review of Friday, June 18, 2010
The Cuzco Cathedral has so many giant paintings, gold-covered adornments and original items from the Spanish conquest. One of my favorites from the Cuzco Cathedral is the painting of the Virgin Mary in which her eyes move like those of the Mona Lisa because the artist went to the same art school as Leonardo Da Vinci. Other fascinating things are the first cross the Spaniards brought to Peru and a silver-covered car only used for special religious celebrations.
It’s interesting that the Santa Catalina Monastery for women was once the Incas’ haven for the Virgins of the Sun. The Incas and Spaniards had the same idea for the same location.
My favorite part about the La Merced Convent was the room in the basement once occupied by a priest. This priest lived in the room for 13 years without ever leaving, but it is believed that he left the room once a year for the celebration of Corpus Christi. He split the room in half, and painted one side to be Heaven and the other side to be Hell. He chose to sleep in the Hell side of the room and to live this way of life because he wanted repentance from his previous years in which he lived a life of sin.
San Blas Catholic Church is in San Blas Plaza, surrounded by art shops. San Blas has the most beautiful and detailed pulpit in Cuzco. It took the artist more than a decade to create the pulpit. The artist’s skull is placed on top of the pulpit to honor his dedication and work to the church. It once had a small crown made of diamonds, but it was stolen years ago.
The girls and I went out with our Peruvian friends, Saúl and his brother, to a show at Ukuku’s Cultural Pub. We watched two boys perform an indigenous dance involving scissors and bright costumes.
Ukuku’s Cultural Pub where we listened to a Peruvian band.
We had dinner at Norton's Pub in the Plaza de Armas. The ceiling of the restaurant is covered in flags from the world, and it has a tiny balcony that looks out to the plaza where people were celebrating the Inti Raymi! Most of us enjoyed hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and fries there.
OU Journey to Latin America students visited the Cuzco Cathedral, Santa Catalina Monastery, San Blas Catholic Church and La Merced Convent.
All of these places were once Inca places of worship, and parts of the original structures are still standing.
The Cuzco Cathedral has so many giant paintings, gold-covered adornments and original items from the Spanish conquest. One of my favorites from the Cuzco Cathedral is the painting of the Virgin Mary in which her eyes move like those of the Mona Lisa because the artist went to the same art school as Leonardo Da Vinci. Other fascinating things are the first cross the Spaniards brought to Peru and a silver-covered car only used for special religious celebrations.
It’s interesting that the Santa Catalina Monastery for women was once the Incas’ haven for the Virgins of the Sun. The Incas and Spaniards had the same idea for the same location.
My favorite part about the La Merced Convent was the room in the basement once occupied by a priest. This priest lived in the room for 13 years without ever leaving, but it is believed that he left the room once a year for the celebration of Corpus Christi. He split the room in half, and painted one side to be Heaven and the other side to be Hell. He chose to sleep in the Hell side of the room and to live this way of life because he wanted repentance from his previous years in which he lived a life of sin.
San Blas Catholic Church is in San Blas Plaza, surrounded by art shops. San Blas has the most beautiful and detailed pulpit in Cuzco. It took the artist more than a decade to create the pulpit. The artist’s skull is placed on top of the pulpit to honor his dedication and work to the church. It once had a small crown made of diamonds, but it was stolen years ago.
It’s awesome learning more about the Catholic faith and seeing the result of the merging of Catholic and Andean/Inca symbolism in the architecture and art.
We later discussed Spanish colonization, presence of Catholic Church and observations from today’s visits to four Catholic institutions in tonight’s class in the courtyard of our hotel.
There’s traditional dancing and live, Andean music around Cuzco because people are celebrating the upcoming Inti Raymi, an Inca festival honoring the Sun God!
We had dinner at Norton’s Pub in the Plaza de Armas. The ceiling of the restaurant is covered in flags from the world, and it has a tiny balcony that looks out to the plaza where people were celebrating the Inti Raymi! Most of us enjoyed hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches and fries there.
The girls and I went out with our Peruvian friends, Saúl and his brother to a show at Ukuku’s Cultural Pub. We watched two boys perform an indigenous dance involving scissors and bright costumes and listened to a Peruvian band.
I finally have Wi-Fi to update my blog, but it won’t let me upload pics, so just visualize with me.
It’s funny that most of the tourists around here wear North Face…even the native wear (fake) North Face. I’m assuming the North Face the native wear are fake because I priced North Face clothing here, and it’s more expensive than in the United States. Plus, I have an eye for distinguishing between real and fake brands. Did the people of Cuzco start wearing North Face because many tourists wear North Face?
Our hotel in Cuzco, Casa Campesina, has unisex community restrooms and showers. So, it’s startling when we forget that, and we see a man walk out of the shower or stall. BUT our lunch is always delicious. You win some; you lose some!
One of my nostrils is constantly bleeding while the other nostril is constantly running. Thank you, chilly Cuzco and your high altitude! The Peruvian germs are attempting to make me sick…I must fight back!
Jun
19
A review of Thursday, June 17, 2010
There was a strike today in Cuzco by some businesses and most automobile employees including bus drivers and taxi drivers, so no automobiles were found on streets. This was nice because Cuzco is crowded and full of cars. The strikers were parading around the Plaza de Armas.
Because of the strikes today, we were unable to drive anywhere. SO, we hiked to and climbed Sacsayhuaman, Inca ruins in Cuzco. The hike was about 25 minutes, but it was worth it. We were able to see the entire Cuzco area from the top and see it clearly due to lack of pollution since no cars were running today.
OU Journey to Latin America students at Sacsayhuaman, Inca ruins in Cuzco.
My favorite part about Sacsayhuaman was the natural slides. Rock erosion caused parts of the stone structures to be smooth and wavy, like playground slides. Inca children may have played on these naturally made slides.
We also visited Santo Domingo Church and Convent. It was once an Inca temple, Qoriqancha (or Koricancha( but was rebuilt into a church and convent during the colonial period. There is a garden in the center of the structure. It was neat to see the mix of Incan and Spanish work.
We later had a 3-hour class in the courtyard and multipurpose room of our hotel. We discussed our Machu Picchu experience and a famous Machu Picchu poem and watched a video about the Spaniards' conquest of the Inca Empire.
There was a strike today in Cuzco by some businesses and most automobile employees including bus drivers and taxi drivers, so no automobiles were found on streets. This was nice because Cuzco is crowded and full of cars. The strikers were parading around the Plaza de Armas.
So much excited today—we’re blessed to be here at the right time to witness all of this!
Because of the strikes today, we were unable to drive anywhere. SO, we hiked to and climbed Sacsayhuaman, Inca ruins in Cuzco. The hike was about 25 minutes, but it was worth it. We were able to see the entire Cuzco area from the top and see it clearly due to lack of pollution since no cars were running today.
We went through a stone tunnel at the Inca site. Saúl said the Incas believed this tunnel helped them pray and focus as they went through it. It was completely dark and small. Although I am claustrophobic, I’m glad I went through it to experience it.
My favorite part about Sacsayhuaman was the natural slides. Rock erosion caused parts of the stone structures to be smooth and wavy, like playground slides. Inca children may have played on these naturally made slides. We all went up and down these slides, and some went several times. We were told people get hurt and break their arms and legs every year while playing on these slides. The toughest part was climbing to the top of the slides because the rocks were slippery, but no one was hurt.
We also visited Santo Domingo Church and Convent. It was once an Inca temple, but was rebuilt into a church and convent during the colonial period. There is a garden in the center of the structure. It was neat to see the mix of Incan and Spanish work.
We had a very delicious buffet lunch at the hotel, Casa Campesina.
We later had a 3-hour class in the courtyard and multipurpose room of our hotel. We discussed our Machu Picchu experience and a famous Machu Picchu poem and watched a video about the Spaniards’ conquest of the Inca Empire.
It’s chilly in Cuzco at night, especially with no heat!
The weather and constant traveling was trying to make me sick…BUT I skipped going to dinner tonight to rest.
I have the best traveling companions: Proomie (Kim) brought me lentil soup, C.Boss (Courtney) brought me her leftover vegetarian rice, Kristankyleg (Kristina) brought me Lay’s classic potato chips and Juanita (Jane) brought me silverware to eat it all. This should get rid of the headache, tummy ache, running nose and fever, right?
After eating, some girls came over to our room to hang out. We had stations to clip nails, cut cuticles and file nails. It’s interesting how much we enjoy these little things in life while traveling and spending time with new friends.
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