Estoy en Puno!
I am spending the week in the Puno area to scout out a place to live for the month of March. I set out from Arequipa on Monday, February 10 and had a front row seat on a Cruz del Sur bus. These buses are double deckers, so if you ride on top and are lucky enough to get the first seat, you have a panoramic view of the countryside.
We arrived late in Puno and ran smack dab in the middle of the region’s biggest party of the year! The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria was in full swing (on a Monday!) with thousands and thousands of dancers and musicians making their way down the street we needed to go down to get to the bus terminal. After about an hour of waiting, it became apparent, that the bus would not be moving for many hours so all the passengers debarked and began walking to our destinations. Luckily, I was travelling light and had not checked any baggage AND I had gotten a map of Puno while in Arequipa. I still got really turned around because most people could not tell me where I was on the map and most streets do not have street signs.
Slowly, after walking through many back streets, I oriented myself and realized that I had to CROSS the main parade route to get to my hostel and there seemed to be no way through the blocks and blocks of bleachers that had been erected for the parade (Vashonites: think Strawberry Festival on triple steroids!).
Finally I came upon a little gate to go through and I had the chance to test my ability to be “pushy.” I had to go through a tiny gate with a hundred other people, cross the street, and through another gate before another procession came by and I became a part of the festival! Once through, it was not far to my destination and I stepped through the gate of the El Manzano(apple tree) hotel to find an oasis of trees, birds singing, and a smiling host to welcome me—he even reduced the cost of my room—I’m not sure why! It was soon to be dark, so it was so nice to be in my cozy room before the real partying started in the streets.
I was so tired, and a little worried that I had over-done it a bit and not respected the 12,500 foot altitude or my age. So I decided to rest for the evening, even though I could hear the bands playing a half a block away and it was very tempting to go back down to watch the festivities.
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The tienda faces the plaza and there were some young men outside on the steps. Meliza and I moved outside to sit near them. I asked if they could spin. Freddie, sitting next to me smiled broadly and said yes, and he started using the little Turkish spindle while his friend tried out the one that Ben made me.
Courage?
This blog entry is especially for all those people who have commented to me about how brave I am for travelling on my own. Occasionally I have these experiences that put me in my place where so-called “courage” is concerned. And what is courage, after all?
Worries & Fears
People often ask me if I am afraid to travel alone.
Yes, sometimes I am afraid when traveling. But no more often than when I am at home. Experience helps. Sometimes you just need to step out and meet your fears head-on.
2 thoughts on “Estoy en Puno!”
I've written in my book to go back and read what ever I've missed and not read from your last several blogs! I so enjoy your days there!
And, I think you took terrific, dramatic, beautiful photos from the bus.
Wish I were there!
Love on Valentines Day from Devon Atkins
Hydration and rest to acclimate to the altitude! Take it easy for a few days and you will be fine.
Happy Valentines day Cousin! Hugs, Billy