Why is it, right when I am becoming incredibly comfortable in this city, when I finally feel like I know my way around, and when I know a decent number of people here, that it is time to leave? It really hit me today – my time left in Huaraz is incredibly limited. I keep dragging my feet about making plans to leave but finally figured out that I should be flying to Cuzco by the 26th or 27th, and need to spend a couple days in Lima before that….meaning I need to leave Huaraz in about a weeeeeeeeeeek! (Though no sooner than next Sunday – can’t miss the ‘Bob Dylan’ party at Andino!) While, I am incredibly excited to meet up with a friend from the states, and do a trek outside of
Today really made me realize how much I will miss Huaraz and how attached I have become. I decided to travel to Carhuaz again for the Sunday market (I loved it so much I really wanted to return, plus I promised my new friend I would bring copies of the photos we had taken the week before!) I met a girl from
Upon arriving in Carhuaz, I started looking for my friend from the week before. It took barely anytime to find her. She was incredibly excited to see me again and thrilled by the photos – once again she blew me away by her kindness and beauty inside and out. At first, she insisted that I return again next week and in the meantime she would knit me a hat with my name on it as a thank you. I tried to convince her that was not necessary that the photos were a gift with nothing expected in return. She then attempted to convince me to pick out something from what she was selling as a thank you, she was so incredibly grateful that I returned and so happy with the photos of us – kept saying she was going to have to buy a frame to display them at the market. I am so happy I was able to return and find her – definitely made my day and probably hers as well!
Almost instantly after saying goodbye to her, I heard my name being called from behind, incredibly surprised I turned around to see another familiar face; Pablo’s wife Lucy. Pablo, is the Vicosino I have become closest to while here – he is the one who ran the Yachaqui Wayi center before and has been working tireless for years to promote the tourist program to Vicos. His family is incredibly nice, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit them multiple times while here (his youngest daughter, Daisy, is one of the cutest little girls I have ever met!) Not much longer after saying goodbye to Lucy, I ran into yet another acquaintance from Vicos, one of the Vicosino’s daughters who I had met the week before while visiting the tourist lodges. It was wonderful running into yet another friend, unfortunately though, I did not have the photos with me that had printed to give to their family (they were the ones with a two week old baby who requested I take photos for them to remember by.) Though I was happy I could at least tell her I had printed them and would be sure to get them to her family soon! (By this point the girl I was with commented on how many people I knew – and it sort of hit me how hard it was going to be to leave them all behind!...)
Arriving back in Huaraz, I ran into yet another friend on the walk back to the hostel. Then, leaving later on, to go to Café Andino, ran into Sara again in the street, and one of my favorite little kids here (one of ‘Tio Geraldo’s’ little girls who always says hola to me when I walk by – hopefully I’ll find time to write the story of ‘Tio Geraldo’ soon….) Furthermore, a couple blocks farther I encountered ‘Orlando’ – a man I met a few days ago….he makes incredible jewelry and I spent some time talking to him while deciding on what new pieces I needed to buy….
Finally made it to Café Andino and, as always, felt right at home. The owner, Isabelle, is incredibly nice and one of the first people I met in Huaraz, furthermore, all the staff now know me by name, which is always nice! An hour reading there and I ran into yet another familiar face, Christian, a friend of an Israeli girl I met last week (my Sex and the City buddy). Soon after Sara showed up and more discussions on
I left Andino and realized I had my camera with me and a photo opportunity I keep meaning to capture was only a block away (hopefully with download pics soon). So I ventured a block out of my way and am happy I did; I heard my name being called again, this time from an approaching car – turned out to be Teo; the owner of the hostel where I am staying, “I knew it was you from far away, there is no one as beautiful as you in this city” (lol, I am going to miss all the compliments down here too!) Definitely appreciated having a ride home and the music we got to listen to on the way; “you and me baby ain’t nothin’ but animals….” – music down here is quite varied….Teo cracked me up asking what exactly that song is about “It’s about watching the discovery channel right?”
Yet again this has been much longer than I originally intended! I am pretty sure I got my point across though; love this city and love that I can’t go a couple hours without running into someone I know….and now it’s almost time to leave! A cappuccino made by Jon Carlos, was probably the only thing missing today (California Café is closed on Sunday!) Though, I am sure I will be there tomorrow for one!
**Updated from
Loved that walking in here this morning I ran into yet another friend and her parents then Sara walked in and in the back was a couple of Peace Corps workers I keep running into. Best part had to be that by the time I had said my hellos to everyone and sat down my cappuccino was waiting for me and I never even had to order it! :D
Once again; comfortable couch, best cappuccino in south america, and the nytimes --- is there a better way to spend a morning?
There is no one as beautiful as you... therfore I must paint you, Can't wait to hear more about that! Sounds like you have met and encountered lots of memorable and wonderful people. So glad it has been such a great adventure!
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