When I made the decision to return to Cusco and see my old haunts just one more time, I don’t think I could have realized just how perfect of a choice that was. I have spent the last few days in Ollantaytambo just one more time and it was worth all the effort.
I think what keeps surprising me on this trip is just how wonderful the people are I have met. Not only those who I have worked with at My Small Help or Casita Girasol, but the incredible Peruvians. Those who I have met have inspired me to no end. They have helped me realize what I couldn’t see before. That I am so lucky.
This trip has been such a blessing so far. I have learnt so much about the world around me, about people, and about myself particularly. When I returned to Ollanta, it sort of felt like I was returning home. I found myself seated next to a blast from the past. I found myself sitting next to a man who works in the oil and gas industry here in Peru. A local man living in Lima with his wife and two kids, all heading to Machu Picchu for the first time.
I found his entrance into my trip to be entirely incredible. After all this time traveling I have yet to really encounter someone working in Oil in Gas, especially down here. We talked about the industry here and about his work. I talked about the rules and regulations in Canada. And found myself intensely curious about the industry here. What zones where they producing? Where? What companies?
Perhaps part of my interest is just that I know a lot about oil and gas. More than your average bear. But I think that is probably where the line is drawn. I have to admit I am more interested in other things now, other different aspects of our society. But I am still surprised that a part of me was so curious and I would be lying if some of that interest wasn’t to check up on those companies and see what’s really going on.
The funniest part of the last few days is a growing confidence that I am somehow on the right track. That my life is just going to work out just fine. And that feeling was confirmed as soon as I saw Caroline. She was the person I was closest too during my time in Ollanta and I have to admit saying goodbye to her today was harder than I thought. I will miss the time she ate my quinoa soup, the time I showed her my goofy walk, the time we went to the club and danced the night away. I will miss a lot of things.
The strange thought I had as I left Ollanta, for real this time, is that I get to take all that goodness with me. Every single experience, laugh, and lesson will come with me. While it may be too early to talk about how amazing this trip has been, I still feel it is worth admitting. This trip has been more than I could ever imagine. My spiritual guru, Colleen, was right when she said I would be utterly changed by this experience.
What I can say is that I have met some incredible women on this trip. I will continue to be inspired by their persistence, kindness, sense of humour, and selflessness. I only hope that they remember to take care of themselves too.
Today when I left Caroline at the Urubamba bus terminal, I couldn’t help but feel just how much love I have found on this trip. The friends I made in Ollantaytambo will be ones I attempt to keep alive, no matter our distance. During the windy trip up the mountain to Cusco, I couldn’t help but shed a tear for the sadness I felt. But in no time I had a moment of realizing that it was ok to be sad and to miss these wonderful people. I can take this experience with me no matter where I go, and frankly I will always have the memories.
So to all you ladies who I met in Ollanta, I thank you. I thank you for an experience that while short was profound. I will miss dancing to my music while cooking dinner. I will miss the banana pancakes at Cafe Heart. And most importantly of all, I will miss you all.
Cuidate!
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