So being in Peru is helping me to learn a lot, not only
about Peruvian culture but about those things that I really love and miss about
my own.
Peru: obviously
this isn’t an exact science since ive been here a total of 3 weeks, 1 of which
I was in bed. But,
everywhere I go I make friends. I
mean everywhere. I have phone
numbers of people I met for 2 minutes and I wouldn’t recognize if they showed
me a picture of us hugging.
Everyone is more than willing to go out of their way to help or produce
a smile on my face; and not just me because im a white girl. This is their culture. They thrive on celebrating life
together. Every morning I wake up
to the sound of fireworks (lots of them and really, every morning). Im told that they are the sounds of
people celebrating the birth of their love ones, their friends or their
religious holidays. Every day in
the street there are bands of people that come together and play music for the
church and for the locals. Walking
down the street I must kiss or say hello to at least 12 to 15 people a day that
I have met and who I really enjoy conversing with. People are patient and kind and girls and boys, they just want
to have fun. They have a healthy
(sometimes) balance of work and living.
Work is 5-6 days a week and just as I wake up with fireworks, every
night I go to bed to the sounds of live music coming from the main plaza. It does help that I live around the
corner from it so I can hear everything until the wee hours of the night. Peruvians that I have met are super
appreciative and thankful for what they have and curious about other people and
their ways of living. I’m trying
to think of what else I experienced… oh yeah, as I walk down the streets and
see people I recognize, a conversation is automatically struck up about
whatever may have happened in the past 24 hours. I am invited into homes, stores and restaurants jus to share
and hear the latest stories. I
know everyone who lives around me and im meeting more people every day.
The most amazing part of this culture is that everyone is
welcome in all homes at all times.
For example, when I was staying at Francisco’s, Oscar (the other roomie)
would make lunch for 5-6 people.
And, every day at 4 PM, 5-6 people would show up at the door and we
would all eat together. Nobody was
charged, nobody was asked to alternate cooking days or to clean up. The men (and I guess women) just
provide for whomever is around the area.
Now, next door to where I just rented my new apartment are 2 men, Luigi
and Joe (and Angel). I walked into
their hostel my first day (Monday) to see if they had wireless connection that
I can steal. Next thing I know I
have two kings (I am their princess) who are looking after me and every day
around 2/3 PM they have a meal waiting for me, they wash the dishes, they
invite me for movies all the time and we play games and I am there 2-3 hours a
day on the computer. They have also
given me towels, offered me their shower if I have no hot water and will be
taking me to the market to show me how to buy food and bargain for good
prices! They are the first people
I see in the morning and always standing by the door to say good evening to me
as I leave for my next adventure. They never ask for anything in return and
never expect anything.
The most beautiful thing I have come across is the true
nature of giving without wanting anything in return. I have a lot to learn and hope to do so while im here. The funny thing is, my culture creeps
in and says, “don’t you feel guilty? They are doing all these wonderful things
for you and you are just taking.. and I feel this need to go out and buy
something for them in return” but,
if I take the time to look around, people receive with humbleness and give with
humbleness. This Is not a
give-take culture. It’s a
give-give culture. The locals that
enjoy the meals too never once offer to help or cook or do anything. They
receive with graciousness and that is the key. People here want to give and want to know they are looking
after their own and that is enough for them.
Of course, I have to still be vigilant of the differences
between the good intentioned and the brinchera. Brinchera(o)’s are the bridge and tunnel crowd of Peru. Literally, the name is after “bridge”
because they are the locals that are looking for the idiot tourists who will be
ignorant enough to think that they
are loved, take them home with them over their “bridges” and really all they
want is the money, VISA, passport, anything they can lay their hands on. Women are just as dangerous as men when
it comes to this stuff. But, it is
usually easy to spot them; dirty, sleeping around, tight clothing, etc. Kind of like the B&T crowd at
home. Oh wait, I forgot I’m now
considered B&T. Never mind!
So anyway, that’s a taste of Peruvian culture for you that I
have picked up on. Of course there
is so much more than that.
The States: (so hard not to call it America!) But, what Im
learning is that America has a distinct and beautiful culture too (something I
refused to see or believe in the past)
Its hard to define a culture when your world is made up of hundreds of
different cultures compounded into one.
But, being here is helping me understand what I love so much about
America. And no, I’m not talking
about the hot showers or the subways and cars.. those are all just
material. I’m talking about the
obvious non-chalant attitude people have as a result of having access to some
of the worlds most amazing inventions, higher education, resources and cultures. The kindness, clumsiness and silliness
that Americans portray in their friendships and lives. The willingness to make fools of
themselves while at the same time protecting their own. The gift of wanting to explore life
from within their own little shell.
Their nature to be inclusive of all others and get them to share in
their joy.
What am I getting at?
Last night 4 American guys came to the Spanish school where I’m taking
classes. They are staying for 4
weeks and they are younger and finishing up medical school. Later in the evening it was the birthday
of the woman who owns the school.
So, the 5 of us along with 4 other students, 6 professores and a bunch
of her other friends went to her house to celebrate. Food was made, drinks were served and at 11PM we started
eating and dancing (super late).
The music was on and everyone was grooving to the sounds of
American/Peruvian fusion music. We
danced salsa, Michael Jackson, merengue and twist and shout. But there was a care-free-ness and
sweetness to the Americans which I haven’t realized before. Just sitting and observing as my voice
went dead, I realized that their intentions, as well, are pure and simple; have
fun. (of course, this is generally
speaking about these Americans)
they weren’t trying to put on any bravado or be any super heroes or
amazing dancers. They were very
aware of their faults and used these “faults” to their advantage by playing
them up and laughing at themselves and others. Immediately I felt at home with them and now have 4 younger
brothers with whom I’m going dancing with tonight. But almost immediately they were making sure I felt ok,
covering me when the locals tried to make me drink (peer pressure here is
sick!), making sure I was eating and drinking and then dancing crazy dances
with me and showing off their white boy non-talent. I was speaking American for the first time in 3
weeks and I loved it. The laughter
and joy they brought to the party was contagious and there was no more
suaveness, slickness (are these words?) macho-ness or sexiness. It was really just boys being boys and
having fun with each other and the people around them. All inclusive, all joy and pure at
heart. Although they did make me
promise to bring some locals dancing tomorrow night!
But I realize while I love the mystery and excitement of
being with foreign men and learning about their culture and how we differ and
how we can share with one another and come to a whole new understanding about
how to live in the world, there is a feeling of home with Americans that go beyond
anything else that I could ask for from a foreigner. Of course it’s easier to recognize that when you are surrounded
by foreigners with 2 or 3 Americans rather than when you are surrounded by
Americans with 2 or 3 foreigners..
And, I do believe there is a difference between “middle” Americans and
East coast/West coast Americans.
These are the in between types of fellers.
