Day 3 Arrival in Zurite
We started off our morning bright and early with a 7 AM breakfast meet-up where we got our itineraries and homestay families! From there we reflected on intentions while we ate pancakes, meatballs, pineapple, and watermelon. Once we were officially packed, we set off to Zurite. It was a gorgeous ride as we picked out landmarks along the way before arriving to a gorgeous celebration welcoming us to the community. Representatives from the homestay families dressed in their traditional clothing and gifted us with dried flower petals and "serpiente" necklaces in place of flowers to accommodate the dry season. From there we toured the village in a dancing circle with live music following us!
After lunch, we went out for an excursion up the mountainside. We trekked through the mud and grass until we finally reached the governmental agricultural institute. There, we learned more about the history of the Andean people and the Spanish Conquistadors. Specifically, we learned about the mistreatment of the Andean people by the Spanish: the Andean people were forced into slave labor on their own land and were treated violently if they resisted. However, through rebellions in rural communities and with the help of President Juan Velasco Álvarado, they were able to regain lands that had been dominated by massive landlords for centuries after the Spanish left, helping them preserve their culture and ensure wellbeing for the future generations.
We also learned about the importance of terraces in Incan culture. They help slow down water runoff to prevent landslides. The terraces outside of Zurite are the oldest ones in the world -- built around 4,000 years ago -- and also the largest ones in the world, spanning up to 1.5 kilometers long and up to 6 meters tall.
Later, the group (along with some of the local dogs) played soccer together on a field on the mountain. Although we had some bumps in the road (including having to climb up some terraces when we had lost the ball and nearly tripping over the dogs), the game was an overall success!
Finally, we settled in for dinner with our host families where we were able to spend some time getting to know them. They cooked meals for us and showed us around the house.
¡Hasta luego!
- Jordan and Claire
