One of Many in Cusco

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The bus ride to Cusco I believe was my favorite. I had the pleasre of sitting next to a medical student, Percy, and between his English and my Spanish we discusses a lot of things. Mainly politics. I had the impression that, beauce of political messages and endorsement splashed EVERYWHERE, that social change is super-important to Peruvians. According to Percy, this is not so, and corruption is a huge problem. Aparently, the votes of Campsesinos and other poor or rural folks are often acquired through ¨gifts¨of food and gasoline from political candidates. Um, I guess it´s good that politicians are interested inthe welfare of campesinos, but apparently this consideration doesn´t last much longer than elections. That, and the fact that so much of exports from Peru are privatized and don´t benefit the economy considerably. Not to mention a ton of drilling for oil and other profitable resources happen in lands that should rightfully be managed by indigenous peoples. I really appreciated talking with someone about more of the South American scene than partying or where I should go be a tourist (and spend money).

After Percy, a really nice lady sat next to me names Bat. Her first language was Quechua, and she told me about some of the words (which sound a lot like you how imagine a mountain would speak-very beautiful, but difficult to remember). Actually, reflecting back, I was the only westerner on that bus. As the bus got closer and closer to Cusco, more and more ethnically Quechua folks got on, and lots more cute kids. Why does it make me so happy that eveywhere kida seem to understand peek-a-boo?

There were lots and lots of twists and turns in the road, and we ascended and desceded different river valleys, tons of terraced fields, lots of folks bent over, with views of red-purple earth and gigantic crystal-topped mountains in the distace.

I got to Cusco, scrambled to find a hostal in this lovely high-season of backpackers. The westerners are here in mass. I´m feeling glad to have space to mellow and get my breath back (Quito was nothing compared to this, and I had no warning after days on a bus). It´s good to just admit to myself I have very little interest in going for drinks or clubbing with other Westerners. I am trying to remain non-judgemental and excited for everyone, in the face of a lot of evidence that poeple save up (or are given) a ton of money to just wallow around in the hostal courtyard and smoke cigarrets. Obviously, this perception is just an aspect of me being reflected back, so I´m trying to learn from it. I´m looking forward to language school in a matter of days, and a probable homestay with Shipibo embroiderers after that. Let´s see what happens....

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Comments

[Sharyn Entrop]

enjoying your blog
Susu, Your blog is facinating! I had no idea you were such a talented writer. You have an amazing vocabulary. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us. I can't wait to read further entries. This sounds like a trip of a lifetime. Love you, stay safe and healthy. Auntie Shar