A few days ago a friend sent me a link to the new video created by Peru to promote tourism in their country. I expected another fluff piece but what I found was a touching video that not only showcased the magnificence of Peru, but also eloquently captured how easy it is to forget what is really important in life. It begins with a shot of a man at a desk in a sterile office environment in the year 2032. But I won’t spoil it for you – better if you just watch the brief video:
I traveled to Peru last November and spent a month discovering the country. Of course, Machu Picchu was a dream come true for me and met my every expectation, but what surprised me most was how much I loved the country in general. From the pre-Incan ruins in northern coastal cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo, to the capital city of Lima, and the more remote areas like Colca Canyon, I found the people to be exceptionally warm and welcoming, and the food of Peru to be intriguingly delicious, if a bit of a challenge for this vegetarian. Unlike the man in the video, I waited until I was 54 to begin wandering the world, but the sentiment is the same. It is so easy to forget that love of friends and family, laughter, and joy are so much more important than working 70 hours per week for things like money, success, and fame, which in the end bring no joy. In my case, joy results from realizing, time and again, that we are all one human family, and Peru was one of the places on this earth that forcefully brought that message home.
Great to see your website still going… thanks for this. Paris is another great city. Next on the list is Caral, the oldest civilisation in the Americas – in 10 or 15 years time it will be one of the most important destinations in South America.
Hi Jonathan: Where exactly is Caral?
Caral is just north of Lima – a couple of hours’ drive in decent traffic. Totally agree with Jonathan – it’s an amazing site and I don’t think it will be long before it’s on everybody’s “must see” list in Peru.
Hi Anna: I’ve heard of Caral and have added it to my list for next time around in Peru. Thanks for the tip.
There is soooooo much to see and do in Peru. The list is endless and I am forever questioning myself and whether I should tell others about the secrets, or keep them to myself and protect them from being spoilt!
But the truth is that I feel privileged to have travelled through this wonderful country. I recommend heading north and visiting Trujillo, Chiclayo, and, for the really adventurous, Chachapoyas, which I personally think will become the new Cusco in 15 years time.
Peru – an experience you will never forget.
I loved Peruvian coast and wound up spending so much time there that I actually missed Machu Picchu. Chicama has one of the best waves in the world and I spent some time at an eco-village along the coast. And Lima, parts of it at least, feels like a European city with all the outdoor cafes in Miraflores
Felt the same way about Lima, Noah, and found the Limenos to be so wonderfully friendly. There was a day when I might have tried that break, but a bad hip and knee ended this girl’s surfing days. Glad you liked Peru as much as I did.
We too were touched by their campaign… anything that promotes inspiring life change is an asset to all travelers.
Totally agree, Monika!
Couldn’t agree more. As the saying goes, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer 🙂
There are more tourist spots in Peru than the amazing Machu Picchu. Personally, I love the food of Peru. What do you call the people of Peru? I just wonder. 🙂
Hi Steve: I wholeheartedly agree. I was very fortunate to see a great deal of what Peru has to offer, though I could easily spend another month there. In English, they are Peruvians. In Spanish, Peruanos.
Thanks Barbara. I have a plan of going to Peru next year! My first stop is the Macchu Picchu. Lots of research to do to prepare for the trip. I can’t wait to live with Peruvians.
Hi Steve: So glad you are going to Peru. I loved it! Machu Picchu was a dream come true, of course, but there were so many other great places to go as well, and so many other ancient civilizations to discover that existed centuries before the Incas. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.