A Refusal to Rest Content

08Sep09

After ten long years, I’m going back to Peru to visit family and introduce my son to his heritage and a wonderful culture. Not just the archeological and historical elements of this culture, but the current socio-economic elements as well. There are still many pueblo jovenes (shantytowns) in and around Lima, and roughly half of the populace lives in poverty. My first exposure to this when I was my son’s age changed my outlook on life for good. No longer was it such a big deal that I only had basic cable or  didn’t have the latest Reeboks. Granted, the high school years ushered in my era of screaming about these inequities, but at the tender age of nine, I was sobered by the realization that there was a world outside of the US.

Never forget where you’re from.

In addition to his social awakening, I also want to highlight the spirit of adventure on this trip as well. Gone are the days of merely visiting local (in this case Lima) tourist sites or sitting around relatives’ houses. After months of maniacal planning, the whole group of us (seven!) are going to hit the sights below over the next two weeks. It’s the first time for all of us, so the images and the stories are sure to be interesting.

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Here’s hoping that my camera’s memory card is large enough…

Main square in Cusco, Peru

Cathedral in Lima, Peru

Huacachina Oasis near Ica, Peru

Hopefully I won't break my neck sandboarding the Huacachina dunes

Machu Picchu, Peru

Wonder how my first time whitewater rafting will be...(Urubamba River)

If time permits, I might sneak away for this (Putucusi climb up Machu Picchu)

Famous Pisac Market in Cusco

Sacred Valley, Peru

Aguas Calientes nightlife (near Machu Picchu)

Ollantaytambo, Peru. Photo: Kaj Bjurman

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Filed under: Inspiration, Misc., Musings, Opinion, Random, Society, Travel   |  5 Comments
Tags: Aguas Calientes Peru, Cusco Peru, Huacachina oasis, Ica Peru, Musings, Ollantaytambo Peru, Peru, Pisac Market, Putucusi ladder, Sacred Valley Peru, Travel