One of the most interesting cultures on our planet, are the communities lñiving on the floating reed islands of Lake Titikaka. The people not only use the reeds to construct their islands by stacking and weeving, but also for nourishing and medicinal purposes. They apparently have toothpaste-like properties, serve as an anti-inflammatory, and can be eaten. However brilliant, I found myself extrememly jaded during and after my tour of these fantasy-like islands. How can such a unique culture be evolving into a zoo-like community that doesn´t know any better? And even if they do know better, their lives have become dependant on tourism. Every morning they prepare for the boat-loads of people coming to watch them. As spectacle. I found myself ashamed and ignorant and have discovered that I do not like tours. Just a hint if you are ever to visit Lake Titikaka...go directly to the docks in the morning and you will find a ride to the islands. And you will be welcomed by the locals and they will take care of you. And your money will go directly to the people in exchange for an authentic experience.
Although Peru is behind me, it is unlikely that it will soon leave my conscious. The time that I felt in that unpredictable, radical, head-trip of a country, is somewhat difficult to recapture; however within my mind stirred such contradictions...deep political concern, and somewhat tormenting realizations. Regardless of its degree of volatility...there is no doubt such mysticism abounding. I witnessed child-like kindness, surreal BEAUTY, AND- I have never had a more difficult time holding back the fat kid within me. haha I actually didn´t hold back in all honesty, I swear I eat everything! It is great. The food hear is beyond ddeeeelicious, ricisimo!
Even though I wasn´t able to know Cusco this journey because of the protesting, I passed a quasi-dream of 4 days in Colca Canyon with my French amigo, Victor. A part of me is still wandering, lost within that canyon of condors, dreamscapes, and some of the most challenging terrain that I have ever hiked...what an awesome experience. And what a pleasure to share such comrodery among the brilliant travellers I met along the way. The last day in the canyon I met Daly of Ireland, and Leonie of Holland. We were all relaxing in the middle of our day in an oasis with a perfect view of the over 1.1km vertical switchbacks we were about to climb. I made it is 3 hours, but I swear I was near death! haha When we returned to Arequipa, we spent 3 days exploring and falling in love with that phenomenol city! Again, I was among protest (this time transportation related), which actually provided me with the excuse to stay one night longer in my soul city... and ofcourse made things just that much more interesting too! Uprisings aside-so far, of all the large cities I have visited, Arequipa is easily my favorite. And the funny thing is, I thought Arequipa was going to be so ugly and I would maybe leave after one day. From the terminal it seems that way, but what a misjudgement eh!
BIG Misty, the active volcano hovering in the midst of Chachani and Pichupichu mountain ranges, palm trees, funky cafes...que perfecto!
And the last thing I must mention of Arequipa is Santa Catalina...the worlds only convent composed of a city within a city. This convent took us over 3 hours to wander though and I was never once bored. The entire place is made of volcanic sillar and the walls, colored of vibrant blue and orange. Plants everywhere. The craziest part is that this convent was functioning for almost 400 years while being restricted to the public! What a taunting thing...to have a city within your city that you are not permitted to know. This place will blow your mind it is unbelievable. Truly a historical artpiece of elaborately intricate architechture and sacred history.
CHILE. Beautiful Arica, Chile today...and from here I will head South to Iquique. Y DESPUES- San Pedro de Atacama, Valparaiso, Santiago, Mendoza (Argentina), Bariloche, Iguazu, BA. This is an extrememly tentative itinerary because I´m blowin´in the wind! LOVE and PEACE.
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