Note #3 @ Peru: Creativity means Survival

In the days of travelling in the busy cities of Lima and Arequipa, I had the chance to wander around and be a live witness of the daily routine of active peruvians. When you're a tourist, every detail is a source of contrast to your own routine and its normality.

You go to Peru already expecting a different reality, a poorer, more latin american one. But unlike my expectations, I did not see extreme poverty, or at least not to the point of cultural shock. It is clear that peruvians have less possesions and lead a more "humble" life; yet, it was awe rathen then shock I experienced.

Bottom line is, you become impressed by their creativity. "Ordinary" work is scarce and so is the money available. But that doesn't stand in their way. It simply can't - bills have to be paid, children have to be fed, etc...So they literally "work around" that lack of jobs, by selling everything they can think of: ice-creams in scooters (it's clear that D'Onofrio has the monopoly of the ice cream empire), oranges juiced-in-the-moment, oranges' peeled skin as bracelets, their great physical condition as an entertainment show while you're in traffic, you name it and you'll be sure to find it...

Solutions only exist because of problems needed to be solved...

Note #2 @ Peru: Bonding with Pachamama

The heritage of Inca and their ancestral parents (Tihuanacos, Qollas) is widely respected and followed through by all generations. True enough, they do oversell it to turists, bringing out the FREAKIN' condor and puma one too many times. Yet, they live that tradition in the intimacy and seclusion of their homes and beliefs.

La PACHAMAMA (mother earth), el MAYO (river), el INTI (sun), la APU (mountain), are more than QUECHUA words in their vocabulary. There are gifts, shrines, numerous symbols, legends, and events in name of these holy items... Even those closer to the fruit of capitalism (tourism money) share their first spoon of soup with soil (as an expression of gratitude to mother earth) and their whispers with the wind.

And whilst colonial impressions can be tracked in every city, monument or person, they have managed to respect an earthly balance between the two worlds. Making these two realities cohexist is a relevant part of their life and an important proof of their unique culture - Example: Whilst catholic, my guide's parents do not own or want any paintings that portray Jesus Christ. Why? Well, these paintings are associated to drunken hypocritical catholic artists, who disrespected and violated the teachings of the religion..."La Iglesia hizo muchas cosas malas" he says, with a justification look on his face...

Note #1 @ Peru: Profile of the Inca sons

Dirty dark skin, deep dark eyes, humble expression...these are traits that make the descendance of the (rough) Inca people. Quiet and peaceful, they have tenderness in their nature whether making friends or ends meat. And this seems to reflect throughout age and social structure:

- their elder seem wise and experienced,

- their youngsters seem to respect segniority (rather than authority), with an distintictive obedience.

- their men seek to work in the cities

- their women embrace their role as work

Other than that, they follow the natural "social genetics" of latin people: very open, accessible and relaxed. Their smile and openness welcome you wherever you go, even more if you are european! In fact, acting & living like europeans seems to be one of their key aspirations - apart from the obvious interest they have in garanteeing a job in tourism (fed by europeans), they seem to take joy & pride in learning english, french, italian, portuguese...

Having european friends (from wherever) is considered a priviledge of a small segment, often perceived as those who are more likely to succeed in a life built abroad.

Yes, they are allured by economic wellbeing (who wouldn't be) but their attitude towards life and poverty is envidious; they live their "poor condition" in full joy and optimism rather than cry and beg for richness. Well, of course, they would like to have more, but they face what they have with a sense of serenity and fate, rather blaiming and cursing others for what they never got to have.

This deserves an applause.

Back from Peru

Back from Peru. After more than 24 hours travelling (Lima - Miami - Madrid), I am exhausted, yes. But as I go through my first picture-selection moment, can't help to share the first impressions this 25MM inhabitant-country had upon me.

Of course, as with everything that is meant to be savoured delicately, I'll share them in small quantities...