PERU 2008: Save the Input of all the Senses

Happiness. Sadness. Love. Guilt. Despair. Hope. These words have collectively been etched in my memory as a single emotion. An emotion one undergoes when crossing a threshold from the abstract to tangible senses. During my remaining hours in Peru, as I attempt to reflect back on my recent experiences with the country and its people, I can only conclude with the five basic methods of perception: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.

I discovered my sense of sight shortly after my arrival into Piura. While sitting in the back of a truck, I observed the obvious poverty as we drove through the poor communities. From driving on the dusty dirt road, a cloud of brown sand formed along the homes and the scorching Peruvian sun would heat up the ground. Entering a typical home, which was made from a few bamboo stumps and thin sheets of wood, helped ease the rays of the sun, however, the air remained the same. The older woman, who kindly invited us into her home, began apologizing for a small mess that was formed from the rain earlier in the week. She explained how her biggest fear is rain, as her roof did not protect her home from the water that would fall, mixing with the sand to create mud on her floor. She proudly introduced us to her husband and children, who gave us a tour of their small home which consisted of two single beds, one that the four children shared. Looking around, I noticed various photos hanging up on the walls of what looked like an American family on a tropical vacation. I immediately felt shame as I realized that they were the sponsor family and I only hope that one day they will take a trip to Piura to visit the woman’s family and spend some time in her home, rather than a consumer filled resort. Heading back to the truck to unload the bag of rice and cans of food, I felt a confused emotion knowing that their entire home is as big as my bedroom and there was nothing else I could do other than offer my time and service. As I was leaving the home I was informed that the woman was blind. To us, however, her sight was evident from the love that we felt stepping into her home and her kind, warm words toward us.

The language barrier quickly vanished after a few cultural activities we were lucky enough to participate in. Even though the Spanish language is completely foreign to me, there was nothing more to understand than the beautiful sounds from guitar, drums and voice forming the lively rhythms of Latin music. Hearing the music and seeing the joy and happiness that accompanied it, made it clear to me that these words would not be lost in translation.

While traveling one of my favourite things to do is experiencing a country’s true culture by its cuisine. An interesting drink that was prepared for us here is called Chicha Morada, a purple drink, served chilled that has a fruity taste (which hides its ingredients: corn). Drinking this drink, gave me a taste of Peru’s rich culture and I immediately felt the joy and enjoyment of my company.

Smelling the coastal breeze of the Pacific Ocean refreshed my senses, yet also made me realize that smell cannot be captured. Earlier in the week, one of the students wished that “pictures captured smell.” It had then occurred to me that regardless of the amount of pictures or videos I took, nobody would understand or appreciate this experience without undergoing it themselves. Nobody will truly see the happiness, hope, joy and love expressed by the people of Peru without interacting with the country themselves. This is why I hope to encourage my friends and family to give back to our communities with their service, love and kindness, for what you will receive in return exceeds that of what you give.

Lastly, my heart was touched by the genuine hospitality offered to me here in Peru. From the moment we arrived, to the time of our departure, we were cared for. Many of us at times became ill on our trip, either from a reverse reaction of the Malarone (malaria medication) or from the different diet and ended up in bed for a day or two. The immediate care and time spent on us exceeded any expectations I may have had. It is the little things in life that mean the most. The kind words and gestures touched me more than anything else and I only hope that one day I can give back to the people of Peru as much as they have given me.