Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Christmas...mmm...doesn't really feel like Christmas...
Christmas Eve in Puno, the shops and mercado are trading still at 8pm. I have been warned to stay indoors or at least away from fire crackers this evening as it is quite dangerous. Had a very pleasant evening dining with some of my trail buddies after the tour. The Aussie mum and daughter and a swedish couple who run ski trips to Iran and excursions to Antarctica. We all disappeared to our respective lodging at about 10pm and by 10.30pm the fire crackers started. Slowly at first and to a crescendo by midnight. Christmas Eve seems to be the climax for Peru's Christmas. In fact the quantity and volume of crackers became like rolling thunder, the storm peaked at midnight and then gradually died away with the thunder rolling away as the morning grew.
Incredibly quiet this morning in Puno. Feliz Navidad everyone! Had a sleep in, did some washing in the sink and wandered into town about 12. Only two restaurants open and they were being patronised by the westerners on holidays. All the locals were at home doing the family thing.
Treated myself to an alpaca steak for Christmas lunch and shared the restaurant with about 10 Yanks. Bolted back to the hotel by 2pm for my pick up for an afternoons exploring of one of the mainland archeological sites. Sullistani is another of the sites where progressive cultures have identified the significance of the location. There are three different time periods represented here with temples and burial mounds. Quite low key, and not a lot to see but very interesting to notice the similarities in styles of worship across the ages. The sun and moon, summer and winter soltice all play an important role in these societies cultures.
It was a cold and scuddy afternoon, so different to the last couple of days on the lake. The people of the area didn't seem to notice it was Christmas, they were still tending their crops and livestock. I think that is one of the reasons evenings are so important here. Once the argricultural activities are complete for the day, then there is time for human socialising and enjoyment.
There was quite an interesting discussion over Christmas lunch about 'civilisation' and what does it mean. There was general agreement that civilisation was often defined by imperialist nations as the ability to create and accummulate material wealth. These nations did not equate spiritual wealth with civilisation. And of course that meant that nomadic nations were also considered uncivilised. Of course this myth is busted when you meet people from cultures where material wealth is either not important or unable to be accumulated while living the life their environment dictates.
For those of us who can afford to - Keep travelling - and for those who can't - keep hosting those who can. Only then will we continue to break down the barriers between 'different' peoples.
Christmas Eve in Puno, the shops and mercado are trading still at 8pm. I have been warned to stay indoors or at least away from fire crackers this evening as it is quite dangerous. Had a very pleasant evening dining with some of my trail buddies after the tour. The Aussie mum and daughter and a swedish couple who run ski trips to Iran and excursions to Antarctica. We all disappeared to our respective lodging at about 10pm and by 10.30pm the fire crackers started. Slowly at first and to a crescendo by midnight. Christmas Eve seems to be the climax for Peru's Christmas. In fact the quantity and volume of crackers became like rolling thunder, the storm peaked at midnight and then gradually died away with the thunder rolling away as the morning grew.
Incredibly quiet this morning in Puno. Feliz Navidad everyone! Had a sleep in, did some washing in the sink and wandered into town about 12. Only two restaurants open and they were being patronised by the westerners on holidays. All the locals were at home doing the family thing.
Treated myself to an alpaca steak for Christmas lunch and shared the restaurant with about 10 Yanks. Bolted back to the hotel by 2pm for my pick up for an afternoons exploring of one of the mainland archeological sites. Sullistani is another of the sites where progressive cultures have identified the significance of the location. There are three different time periods represented here with temples and burial mounds. Quite low key, and not a lot to see but very interesting to notice the similarities in styles of worship across the ages. The sun and moon, summer and winter soltice all play an important role in these societies cultures.
It was a cold and scuddy afternoon, so different to the last couple of days on the lake. The people of the area didn't seem to notice it was Christmas, they were still tending their crops and livestock. I think that is one of the reasons evenings are so important here. Once the argricultural activities are complete for the day, then there is time for human socialising and enjoyment.
There was quite an interesting discussion over Christmas lunch about 'civilisation' and what does it mean. There was general agreement that civilisation was often defined by imperialist nations as the ability to create and accummulate material wealth. These nations did not equate spiritual wealth with civilisation. And of course that meant that nomadic nations were also considered uncivilised. Of course this myth is busted when you meet people from cultures where material wealth is either not important or unable to be accumulated while living the life their environment dictates.
For those of us who can afford to - Keep travelling - and for those who can't - keep hosting those who can. Only then will we continue to break down the barriers between 'different' peoples.
# posted by The Essence of Good Taste @ 10:57 AM 
