Two Faced

So it has roughly been two weeks now that I have been in Perú and it feels as if I was here for a month. Within theses two weeks I have learned so much about Perú and the culture of the people. Even though both North Americans and South Americans have spawned from somewhat of the same western world, each has very different ways of life. This past week I have met more people and have been in many different events but I have seen the other side of Perú and will see more of it this next week.

Perú has roughly 30 million people living in the country and 10 million of those people live in Lima. The rest of the population is spread out throughout the country. The second largest city is Arequipa which is the power plant for the city of Lima I told. So Perú has about the same population of Canada but a much smaller area to live in. Not to mention that most of Perú is mountain ranges. Of the 30 million 45% are Amerindian which is there indigenous people of Perú. 37% of the population is Mestizo which is the mixed population of Spanish and Amerindian like Canada´s Metis. 15% is white and the rest of the percentage is a mix of other cultures such as Japanese and Chinese. The President of Perú use to be Japanese.

So what I am learning about Perú is it has a two sides of it. In the city of Lima you can stay in areas such as Miraflores, Corpac, Barranco and other areas where the people live comfortably. But you can just walk over an overpass and you will be in a very different side of Perú. A side in which has dirtier streets and poor living conditions. I recently went to an area in Lima called Gamarra. There I got a good taste of the culture of Perú. In this district of Lima it is a crazy shopping centre where you can buy many clothes very cheaply. It is a very bumping place with the area completely closed off to the cars. It is an area in which stores are in what looks like apartment buildings but are really mini-malls with stores after stores of cloths and shoes. It is a overwhelming experience and goodthing I was with a Peruvian. In areas like this you have to be careful where you go and especially if you do not know Spanish.

On the outside of Gamarra there are many warehouses it seems that sell bulk goods to patrians. I of which was looking to kola, not Inka Kola though. I was looking for Isaac Kola and after looking at three different places I finally found the kola. Originally I want to find just one kola. Instead I came out buying a 15 pack. Hopefully I can bring it on the plane as checked luggage and people can try my special brand of kola when i get back.

Now even though I have been warned about the possibility of muggings and theft in Perú I have felt safe and I know that I am staying in a very secure area. Though in Gamarra I still felt safe even though many people were asking if I went alone. I believe that I would of been fine there myself.

There is a great fear that some outsiders have when entering a country that has a different language and is at a different wealth scale then their own. I have taken precautions when going around in Lima and I know the risk. Though I have asked a lot of questions to people about the culture and life of Peruvians. In Gamarra for example it is a place where you can by cheap clothes and it is an area that you should proceed with caution. I have been told the history of the area and how it came about. What I have gathered is that it is an area where people want to show their worth. It is an are where the other side of Perú the one that does not have the wealth but wants to show that they are worthy.

It is the side of the majority; the Amerindians and Mestizo. In Perú these people have been worked hard for years by the Spanish when they were invaded. They were left poor and now struggle to make money. University here is very different from Canada and it is hard for people here to get a post-secondary education. You have private Universities and public ones. The public ones are free to the public or relatively low cost but they are strikes or the government can close them when ever they want. Private Universities are the next option but they are sometimes $5000 sols a month and I am told the basic salary for some people are $500 sols a month. I believe that post-secondary education is good thing to have, it does not however define the person that you are. Here in Perú Gamarra are the people who know how to work with their hands and make a better life for themselves without the post-secondary education and I can respect that. So I am going to get a little spiritual on you here.      

Myself I really do not believe in a higher power and that there is this almighty God figure in he clouds. I do believe that there is an energy that people give off and that we are connected in life. Just think when you are in love someone or when you meet someone you have never met before but they have a very bad energy about them. You can not explain through science or prove it in anyway. It is there and you feel it and it stirs your emotions. So when I walk into area such as Gamarra or even though I do not know the language and help an elderly person cross the street I respect them. I walk in with the energy of respect to the people that surround me. I try not to walk around with a camera around my neck that is shouting out tourist or act with dominance like I am from a better country. I find that if you embrace the culture that you are in and walk with respect for the people around you will have no troubles in your travels. Take moments and sit and watch how the people interact with one another. How they talk and how they ask for things. In Canada we are very polite and when asking for something we usually say "Can I have....please" or "I would like....please." Or even when we are in the store and someone bumps into to us we say sorry even though we did nothing wrong. In Perú the people are more forward with there approach to life. When asking for something it is "I want....please" or when getting off the bus you got to confront and be loud to get off. Even though it takes you out of your comfort zone the people will respect you. You feel more like them and you are embracing their way of life.

When in different countries ask about the culture and what stirs the people that live there. Try your best to speak their language and learn from them. Take the time to listen to them and explain themselves. Remember that you are a guest in their country and treat them like you would want to be treated. Though keep in mind that even though people may come off very strong and could get you mad, it is their way of life that they have lived for years. Humans are adaptable and can manage any situation that comes at us. Just take your time life is the longest thing you will ever do and it is a journey not a destination.