2 good days

Wow. So far I have been absolutely blown away by Cusco’s beauty, the kindness of its people, and the simplicity of the lifestyle. Cusco is filled with Incan architecture, art, and history. Everywhere you turn there is a museum, cathedral, local artist, or street art. When you drive just minutes outside the city, you encounter ancient Incan ruins, colorful tropical plants, and mountains as far as the eye can see. Next, the people! Everyone (volunteer coordinators, other tourists, locals) has been incredibly kind and welcoming. Walking around town feels safe, and when it doesn’t or if it gets dark, there are taxis on every block. Not to mention that people are so happy – literally singing and dancing in the streets. Finally, I want to comment on the lifestyle here. “Simple” may not be the correct word, but I am trying to say that the emphasis here is not on luxury. People generally do not use air conditioning or heating, water is only made warm by using low pressure, and people typically do not use toilet paper; if you do, you have to throw it in the trash can. This may sound like a primitive way of living, but it clearly allows people to place emphasis on other things in life – engaging with one another, dancing in the street, hiking a mountain, knitting a scarf, or cooking a meal as a family. Cusco seems to understand something about how to live that other people in the world don’t get. It’s undeniably special, and I feel very grateful to be here.