Finding the answers in the Peruvian Andes

by Wiktoria Wilk (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find Peru

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The exciting excursion to 5080 m above the sky level mountain started at 4 am in the morning. All ready and well-prepared, I was waiting for the pick-up from the Plaza Kuripata in central Cusco, in Peru. Dressed in a warm, polar, blue jacket, comfortable mountain-shoes, gloves and the hat from the alpaca's wool with brides and a touristic 'Cusco' writing. I was listening to the drunken Peruvian group of friends, singing and finishing up their alcohol bottle, on dark Wednesday morning. The agency bus arrived. I climb aboard the bus, took my seat as the first passenger, consumed the herb pills that were supposed to help me with the attitude and fallen asleep immediately. I've woken up shortly before starting point of our trek. The bus was already full of people, and there were 17 of us taking part in the hike. 'Montana de Siete Colores' remained our goal for that morning. 'Forget all your problems. The mountain is your only challenge for a day.' I was thoroughly prepared - I had a water bottle in my backpack, the hiking sticks, and the coca leaves - the secret Inca's weapon dealing with the altitude sickness and giving them the power to traverse Inca's trails. We set off not as a group, but as a 'family' called 'Pumas'. Currently, the coca leaves are used by local habitants. Keeping the coca leaves on the side of the mouth that goes beyond the mere feelings of hunger, thirst or tiredness. I've shared some and at the same time, something peculiar directed us for the conversation. Yitzak, it was his name, explained to me the exact way of chewing the coca leaves and the strength that relates to its use. He referred to it as an energy that flows within us and connects with the Universe. Philosophical debates like this excite me. We found the common ground straight away. However, asking where he was from, he answered - 'How much is the car? - That's a very general question. Precise it and I'll give you the accurate answer.' I enjoyed his unique way of thinking. It turned out he was born in Kyiv. And he could understand my mother tongue - Polish. He explained he felt the vocation to travel to Peru, to connect with Pachamama. Conceivably our meeting was written in the stars? His career followed the traditional path. University in the USA, work in the UN, big talks, significant people, action behind the doors. How much of it did truly matter? What was actually happening behind shut doors? How much of your work actually matter? These questions kept my mind busy during climbing. My head didn't mind the negative 3 Celsius's degrees, it was surely warmed up. He, on another hand, suggested an alternative life path. ''First and most of all, find your area in the world' - said, drawing with his climbing stick a little circle in the ground symbolizing the Earth, and the tiny cross inside being that place. 'Create there something own, generate an energy that will flow. And remember, you won't create it only for yourself. It will surround all people around. Your role here is more significant than you think.' I stood there speechless. I felt like those were the words I needed to hear. At that moment the colorful, however, covered in snow mountain appeared from under the clouds. The sky cleared out showing us the light green, brown-ish and red hills painted with different minerals. I sensed from Yitzak's unique energy as if we had met in a different Universe. I sensed the understanding and a connection that made our conversation flow. For the following day, Yitzak had a flight to Costa Rica, where he planned his activity for a Costa Rican society. I, however, started to wonder if our encounter was meant to be. In that particular place and time to clear out my future plans. Very likely, Yitzak's energy will cross paths with mine once again. I gained more than I imagined - the base for the future, and a part of the energy that at the same time stayed in the Rainbow Mountain, 5 thousand meters above the sky level flowing amongst tourists from around the world.