A Glimpse into Peru: An Evening in Switzerland

Jun 27, 2002

It's strange how travel can happen even when you're nestled in a cozy chalet in Switzerland. This realization dawned upon me during an unforgettable evening with Francis, our host. 

When Francis offered to show me his Peru album, I expected a montage of family photos, especially since his wife is a native Peruvian. Little did I know I'd be treated to a riveting journey through the tail-shaped nation of Peru, documented with an artist's eye and historian's detail. 

Francis's photography truly shone when capturing landmarks like Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Each image was complemented by the vibrant tapestry of life that surrounds these iconic places. To augment the experience, Francis meticulously made cuttings, annotated maps, and even sketched his drawings. Each page was a piece of art, beaming with intent and message. 

The historical journey of Peru, as depicted in the album, was profound. Each phase has sculpted the nation's identity from the ancient Andean civilization, the reign of the mighty Incas, to the era of Spanish dominance. Yet, amid modernization, aboriginal populations remain somewhat disconnected from contemporary civilization. This diverse nation is segmented into three distinct regions: the arid west coast, the central mountainous belt, and the lush eastern Amazon valley. 

Francis shared tales of the eastern side of the Andes, where rainforest snakes slither, and locals have evolved unique practices for safety. While seemingly peculiar to an outsider, these tales are an integral part of their everyday realities. He also introduced me to the fascinating legacy of Yale professor Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu's magnificence to the world's attention. 

A straw, symbolically fastened to a page, represented the ingenious methods employed by locals to create artificial islands on the sea. This sea, though not very deep, has chilly waters. And a revelation that took me by surprise – accounting for the source of the Amazon River on the eastern side, it could potentially surpass the Nile in length! 

I might never set foot in Peru, and the veracity of all I've learned might need to be checked. Yet, thanks to an evening in Switzerland, Peru is no longer just a name on a map to me. It's a vivid tapestry of history, nature, and culture – a known country. 



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