After the crazy festivities of the previous day with the uncomfortable ceremony and very excited people. We were so happy to leave Ilabaya for a while to chill out and swim in a waterfall. When we headed out that morning, that's what we thought we'd be doing... Turns out that the president of the Tacna/Arequipa district "forgot" to tell us that we were going to Cambaya (another tiny town) and there we would be greeted by a huge ceremony as well. That whole situation was very uncomfortable for us, because not only were they treating us like kings, but also there were cameras everywhere to track our every move. There was chicha and confetti and we danced. They grow a special oregano in Cambaya that's supposedly the best in the world.
Women of Cambaya in traditional dress
When we finally could leave though it was very nice. We drove to a parking spot and had to walk to the waterfall. We walked for about 30 minutes in the sun and dust on a narrow path, on the side of a mountian. When we finally arrived it was the best thing in the world! It was really beautiful and huge! We of course had to swim! It was so much colder than I had imagined. It felt like stepping into an ice bath and I lost feeling in my feet and legs very fast. As soon as I got in though it felt refreshing! The cameras followed us there too which was very uncomfortable in swimsuits.
Carter, Me, and Martine
We walked back up the beaten path and took the bus back to Ilabaya to pack up all our stuff and for a final meeting to say goodbye. We recieved gifts from the officials of Ilabaya. Huge pieces of bread and a little statue scene of Ilabaya.
That day was also the birthday of one of the exchange students from Arequipa, so we had a little cake for him. I was a great day and I think I remember this one better than most of the others.
L
No comments:
Post a Comment