We opted out of the optional tour this final day (our financial resources were getting pretty tight), so that we could spend time “alone” among the “local tourists” who have come to Cuzco for the celebrations leading up to Inti Raymi. Parades had been part of the activities occurring in Cuzco ever since we arrived, so we wanted to partake in what locals do in anticipation of the winter solstice and attend the parade that embraced the Plaza de Armas.
What I loved about the floats in the parade is that their messages weren’t as literal as parade floats I see in the local festivals in America. Each one depicted a scene to send its message as opposed to making signage to tell the message. One of the MOST interesting examples of this was the float of an airplane being piloted by a pig. Running around the float were lab coated “doctors” chasing “patient” pigs with a very large syringe. All of this chaos was illustrating the importance of immunizing against H1N1. What a far more entertaining way to get PSA out to the public, don’t you think?
Looking around the crowd, you could almost picture yourself right back in America. The vendors walked up and down the rows selling treats, and hats, and collapsible chairs; the “boy scouts” walked along in their uniforms carrying donation cups and bags; and “political” groups sought support by handing out a variety of different colored ribbons for patrons to wear for the low cost of a 1 sol donation.
But what captured my attention among all of this were two boys watching the parade. The eldest (and the tallest) had the younger one perched on his shoulders so he could see the parade over the tops of the crowd.
What I’ve learned from these sights: people are people no matter where you go. Whether we live in a different region or speak in a different language, we are all really just seeking happiness; and that quest can really unite us all. You could have dropped that parade almost anywhere in the world…and I’d bet you’d have found many of these similarities. I have to travel more to prove that hypothesis.
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
5 hours ago
Adventure Life helped me plan my trip to Antarctica. They always responded fast to my emails and were a pleasure to deal with.
Debbie W
23 hours ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 day ago
The travel specialists we've worked with for 2 vacations have made the trip planning process easy! They ask good questions to ensure they understand our goals and likes and have done an excellent job matching adventures with our preferences - even suggesting things we would not have thought about on our own!
Amy
2 days ago
Erin is great to work with on our adventure to Antartica. She gave us great choices and is very knowledgeable about the options. Her recommendations saved us from making some big mistakes.