by Tyrin
Starting this blog, I want to acknowledge how extremely ignorant I was about life outside of my own. Ignorant in the denotation meaning of lacking knowledge, not in the connotation of rude, bad manners, and closed-minded. A quick background about me is that I’m from the Southern USA, specifically living my whole life between San Antonio, Texas, and Pensacola, Florida. While both of those places have many differences, the similarities include hot, sunny climates, a lot of Hispanic influence, and the traditional “Southern Charm and Hospitality” that I had yet to imagine could be outside the South. But my perspective was flawed; the South to me means cowboys, farms, and humid days. But being in Perú, I am actually in the south for the first time. One particular moment that struck me was walking through the vibrant markets of the capital of the Sacred Valley, where the smells of fresh fruits and meats filled the air. Here, the south is defined not by cowboys but by rich traditions, lively colors, and the Andean mountain culture. The warmth here doesn’t come from the climate, but from the welcoming smiles and open hospitality of the Peruvian people, reminding me of a familiar yet wonderfully different “Southern Charm.”
It has been exactly thirty-six days since I left home, and for the first time, I have been out of my “South,” and my whole perspective of life has changed. I have been blessed to leave my bubble and see other parts of the world. In those thirty-six days, I visited Toronto and Niagara Falls in Canada, Buffalo and Albany in New York, Boston in Massachusetts, Lima, Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Yucay, Huaran, and many other places throughout the beautiful country of Perú. One moment that will stick with me is the first week I was in Urubamba. There was a celebration happening, and the vibrant sunset on the mountains contrasted the vibrant music and dancing being performed in front of me. That was the moment when I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.
This country has accepted me, and that acceptance means everything to me. Every day, I find myself enchanted by the sight of mountains, engaging with locals in Spanish, and diving deeper into the rich culture around me. Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate a personal shift in values and mindset. Before arriving here, I viewed life from a predominantly regional perspective, rooted in my Southern upbringing. But now, I’ve come to embrace the beauty in diversity and the warmth of unfamiliar generosity. I realize that growth comes from moving beyond comfort zones, and I cherish these moments of learning and connection. I hope, in time, I can repay this kindness and belief shown to me, though it’s often said that foreigners aim to help locals. Here, it’s been the Peruvians who have offered me invaluable lessons. I’ll carry with me each smile, buenos días, and the sincere hugs I’ve received. With ten weeks still left in this journey, I can’t help but feel grateful for how much Perú has already enriched my life.
Muchas gracias Perú por todos,
Thank you very much, Perú, for everything.