Although it’s tough to determine just how much I have learned during my three months in Peru, there are certain aspects of life that are a little more clear to me. Without further delay, I will impart some of the knowledge that I have gleaned from my experience.
Yuppie travel gear. Nearly every middle-class hiker that arrives at Machu Picchu or any other hiking destination comes with extendable walking sticks, nice Columbia or North Face sports gear, and a massive full-brimmed hiking hat. How much of this is necessary or appropriate, I’m not sure, but I guess everyone needs to look the part of the rugged (or not so) rugged traveler.
Machu Picchu
Speed limits. They don’t exist in Cusco. Although there are signs everywhere for a 35 KPH speed limit, the rule here is that the speed limit is as fast as the car can accelerate and maintain.
Spanish. Like any worthy pursuit, Spanish provides an endless amount of study and time to master. When I first arrived, I thought I was going to be fluent by the time I left. Although I can now listen without internally translating and say what I want to say, it will be a long time before I am eloquent. Unfortunately, that means I will probably have to come back to South America for an extended period of time.
Thinking before I speak. My first couple of weeks here were slightly challenging when it came to communicating. I always had to think about what I was going to say before speaking. I think this is a valuable skill for all languages; hopefully I will translate this patience and thought process to English.
Electronics. Everyone my age (21 years old) give or take, is connected to some form of electronic equipment. I’m guilty myself. Everywhere I go I turn on my iPod and listen to the soundtrack of my life. It’s getting a little ridiculous though as I saw a kid, probably aged 16, with a laptop at Machu Picchu. Who takes a laptop to one of the wonders of the world? I’m sure his blog updates could wait a couple of hours.
Blog. Every traveler has one.
Home comforts. Being abroad for an extended period of time can be rattling at first. Thankfully Cusco has a full supply of chocolate, popcorn, and fresh oranges.
I’m leaving Cusco in a week and it’s strange to think I’ll be starting my senior year of college so soon. Then the real world starts. It’s tough to say how much I have really learned from this experience because it is still occurring. However, I’m fairly confident that it will be one of those things that I am still learning from 20 years down the road. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have changed anything.
Jonah Brill is currently volunteering as a Field Researcher with Arariwa in Cusco, Peru.
Latest posts by jonahbrill
- Hasta Luego - August 20th, 2010
- Day in the Life: Hiking The Colca Canyon - August 6th, 2010
- Day in the Life: Fuegos Artificiales - July 30th, 2010
- Being Inspired - July 23rd, 2010
- Los Precios - July 16th, 2010
- I'll Take a Little Potato with My Dirt - July 9th, 2010
- ¿Dónde Está El Baño? - July 2nd, 2010
- Day in the Life: Summertime and the Living is Easy - June 25th, 2010
- Snapshot: Cow Heart and Confusing Conversation in Cusco - June 18th, 2010
- Day in the Life: Morning Commute - June 11th, 2010
