I’m going back to Sudamerica. The Andes can’t get rid of me that easily. I will be venturing to Peru’s Sacred Valley in order to learn Quechua this time. I’m going with Projects Abroad, a new organization for me, which will place me in a host family in the most glorious cordillera in the world.
Projects Abroad focuses on volunteering over seas and professional enrichment, and I already made a summary for them in the “Go Away!” page. However, I will be taking advantage of one of their language programs. They offer courses and instruction in French, Spanish, Mandarin etc. (“The Popular Languages” not surprisingly) but also less commonly spoken tongues like Patois, Wolof, and Quechua.
Source: Wikipedia
As a budding field researcher who is infatuated with South America, knowing one of the continent’s indigenous languages will be useful. I am sure I will be back either in Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia (where it is spoken), so having a language advantage/ cultural insight from Quechua will be quite advantageous for me.
Besides native culture, Peru is also known for its amazing landscapes and gastronomy. I cannot wait to explore the Sacred Valley’s terrain. After Chewonki, I am in a hiking mood. However, Cusco, a beautiful metropolis in the mountains where my classes are, is located right next to the valley, so I can get my taste of “urban life” as well. I will live in Pisaq, which is about half a hour from Cusco. From what I’ve read, Pisaq seems like a beautiful town – I’m ecstatic. The food should be amazing as well, but I’m trying to live without expectations. The birthplace of the potato shouldn’t let me down though, right? I cannot wait to try some Peruvian ceviche and cuy (guinea pig).
I’m not super worried about the language barrier. I can speak adequate Spanish, and unlike the Chilean accent, I’ve spoken with this dialect before. It is fast but not Chilean. I repeat. It’s not like its southern linguistic relative. It will be interesting to see what people think of my accent. It’s definitely American, but I use Chilean phrases and inflections. I’ll adjust, and maybe I’ll pick up a little bit of a Peruvian voice. Quechua will sure to help me become accustomed to Peru and its tones. It will be fun to see how mixed Quechua is with the Peruvian dialect; hopefully, the intermarriage will help me with learning the people’s language (Quechua’s direct translation from Quechua). I am not worried about Quechua since I don’t really speak it yet, but I am overjoyed to begin this challenge. I’ve done a little pre-study, and can already say, “This dog is brown”: Kay allqu allqam. *Very useful if I meet someone’s dog
I am not sure what type of wildlife I will encounter in Peru. I’ll be in residential areas for most of my time, but I hope to see a camelid of sorts: llama, alpaca, or guanaco! I don’t care which, but it’s such an iconic image of the Andes and Peru, I really want to see one. It sounds like a mildly simple and possibly stereotypical wish, but I speak my truth. I want to see one because it’s a cultural representation of the Andes, and because they are adorable buggers! Also, I must thank the creatures that make such great, knit-able yarn. I’ve knit a poncho out of alpaca wool. I have to give my respects to the creatures.
It should be an experience in Peru. The World Cup with all its controversy will be a country away, and having a prominent politician recently come out as gay might make my trip quite memorable. Hopefully there isn’t as much civil unrest as in Chile. Sadly Peru isn’t in the World Cup this year, but I’ll be sure to be rooting for the United States. Regretfully, South Korea and Chile is already out of the tournament!
My mission for this adventure will be language and cultural study. I want to learn about the customs of Peru. Having honed some observation skills at Chewonki, hopefully I will accomplish this goal. The sights and sounds of Peru will be what I am looking for, and for this reason, the famous, touristy sites might go unvisited by me this trip. ¡A ver! Only time will tell where I go.
Ojalá que yo aprenda bastante runa simi hablar con gente allá. No sé el futuro pero yo tengo fe. Creo que yo podré hablar el lenguaje algún día y empezaré la misión en Peru. Beside the possibility of altitude sickness, I am súper excited for Peru. Get ready for the incoming swell of posts about art, people, food, and place! Peru, get ready, Expat-terns is coming for you. *7/1/14: The United States are out of the World Cup as well.