Machu Picchu. Pisco. From a earthquake devastated town to the pinnacle of a civilization. It's impossible to justly describe the experience going from one end of the spectrum to the other. Otherworldly is the best I can do.
I can't begin to understand the hardships the people of Pisco have had to face over the past few years, but I can say I felt helpless being there in the midst of the ruins of a town trying to survive and helpless leaving said area. All I hope for is that over time the area will recover and the things we were able to do there will have an impact on at least a few. The time we were able to spend with Jimmy and his family there was a blessing. I'm thankful we had the opportunity to work with our hands and make a real difference in the daily lives of one family. It was emotional to see Jimmy becoming tearful as we tackled projects around his house. I could grasp the full weight of what us being there meant to him. It is not a memory I will quickly lose.
The bathroom jordan and I built was a foreign experience. Neither of us have much carpentry history, but with the help of Dan we managed to create a nearly flawless bathroom. (;
It's strange realizing the wealth of our nation in this atmosphere. I've lived without a lot of the material possessions I'm used to enjoying for the better part of the last two months and I don't feel as though I have a hole in me. We all came to this realization last night and it was challenging. I mean of all the people we've met and stayed with the vast majority of them have not had cars. Now I know I had heard this before, but seeing it with my own eyes is perspective shaking. This simple measurement, the ownership of a car, shows the massive chasm between home and here. Overwhelming.
For me Machu Picchu was an amazing 22nd birthday gift. I have never been to a place that so thouroughly takes my breath away. It's a place that I doubt I could ever describe in words, but I will say this I'm not sure even if I spent days and days there that I could ever fully take in the beauty and mystery that is Machu Picchu. Hidden in the mountains, these Incan ruins are from another world. Everyway you turn is picture worthy, but no picture could do it justice. It was one of the few things in this trip I really wanted to see and I'm overjoyed that I got to. There was something mystical about being in that city in the clouds, walking those streets, touching the stonework, meandering through the maze of levels and passageways, and looking out over the vastness and just feeling completely at awe with the world and with the people who lived there.
I'm not usually this romantic about nature and history, but I think this once romanticism is the only appropriate response. (:
Randomness
It's crazy that I'm celebrating my 22nd birthday on a bus and in Chile. How time flies.
With the trip drawing towards it's close I must say it's bittersweet. Much of what I miss at home is drawing me back, but at the same time I will dearly miss everything about these countries and their cultures. It's been enlightening.
Jordan and I have taken to singing the sound of music jams. The hills here are alive. (:
Ollantaytambo, our takeoff point for Machu Picchu, had a stunning backdrop of mountains and more ruins.
In the aforementioned city we were able to do a small deed for a needy family, which was cool. The touristy areas too often mask over the reality of life for some, I'm glad we could at least contribute groceries and such.
From earthquake caused ruins to Incan ruins, this part of the trip was eye opening, awe inspiring, and spectacular.
Miss yall dearly.
