Our stay in Chilca is finally over. Although we will not soon forget our host families, and the incredible cross cultural impact we shared, it is fair to say most of us were ready for a change of scenery. Currently, we are in Aguas Calientes, a small town near the base of Machu Pichu, and tomorrow we will set out for a long day hiking the ruins. We finished our project in Chilca, and left behind a sustainable way for the community to earn money for their school. The guinea pig barn will be used to educate the children of Chilca on how to raise guinea pigs, and at the same time earn an estimated three hundred dollars per month, to be used for school supplies, and perhaps the possibility of an internet connection in the future.
I was able to attend a Peruvian baptism at a catholic church in the city of Urubamba with our host family. We spent most of the day at the family house in Urubamba, helping the family prepare a feast consisting of nine ducks, potatoes, noodles, and of course, a giant cake. We cooked the ducks in the town oven, sliding each one deep into the fiery furnace, the smell of an assortment of spices filling the air. The baptism was a simple ceremony, family members only. Afterward, the family opened the church doors and a small crowd of townspeople gathered around, hands in the air, waiting for the family to throw a collection of candies into the streets, celebrating the event, and marking the start of the party.
We walked through the narrow streets back to a large blue house tucked away in a quiet alleyway. The father of the baby was a lawyer, a proud father, and a gracious host. He welcomed us into his home with open arms, and we were promptly introduced to the entire extended family. The food was incredible, and was immediately followed by Peruvian music and dancing. We had our fair share of laughs as we joined in on the festivities.
Our host mother, Hilda, introduced us to her younger sister, and nephew, Ociel. Ociel was four years old, full of energy, and became a fast friend. After the party, we took Ociel with us, back to Chilca. We piled into a taxi and began the journey home. About halfway through our ride, the driver began to pray, sign hail marys in the air, and cross his chest. I quickly realized our seemingly trustworthy driver was likely a few six packs deep into the evening, and he was apparently unconcerned with what side of the rode we drove upon. Ociel sat on my lap and was fast asleep. It was a strange feeling, but I could not help but feel overwhelming responsible for this small child, a bit like his protector, his father. I later found out that his mother left his father because he abused him as a small child.
We made it home in one piece and fell fast asleep after a long day. A few days later left for what became the highlight of the trip, and a truly unforgettable experience. We piled into an old rusty truck and began an ascent high into the Andes. We started our hike near thirteen thousand feet, and summited around fifteen thousand where we pitched camp and slept for the night. The air was thin, and the terrain steep. Midway through the hike the entire group was enveloped in a snow storm. We spread across the open terrain and hiked through near white out conditions at time. We were invigorated by the challenge of the conditions and moved forward with smiles on our faces. After a quick stop for lunch, we made our final push for the summit, and our camp for the night. The effects of altitude set in, and conversations bordered on the absurd, as we laughed our way to the most glorious vista I have yet to witness.
When I arrived at the summit, I was overcome by a complex flood of emotion, the triumph of completing the hike, yes, but a sudden burst of much deeper thought. I thought about the time spent imagining this one particular moment, long ago inspired by childhood adventures. I thought about the world, this life, and the delicate balance of happiness for which most of us constantly seek to attain. Thoughts of death, tragedy, struggle, happiness, and joy swam throughout my head, comingling in an overwhelming moment of the most melancholy happiness I have ever experienced. I stood still, staring into the ephermal sky, and let every bit of the feeling melt over me like a quiet stone. I wept tears of joy, because for one brief moment, I felt that perhaps, I experienced some small piece of understanding.
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