We had an exciting yet bittersweet end to our Spanish Immersion week today. While we had to say goodbye to our teachers and host families in Ollantaytambo, we were able to welcome the remainder of the high school group to Pisaq this evening. Our time in Ollantaytambo was short but filled with many memorable experiences, from spending time watching Turqish telenovelas with our host families to learning about the context of the teacher strike, or “paro” that currently dominates the political sphere in Peru. Our classes also covered a wide range of subjects, from the Spanish imperfect subjunctive, to Switzerland’s relationship with Peruvian cacao farms to finally the basics of salsa (of which the entire STRIVE group are experts now!). Ollantaytambo was truly a beautiful place to visit (and run!) as city set at the center of three merging valleys. Ollantaytambo is also a city built on Incan ruins, further exposing us to Incan history, culture, and breathtaking views (such as the Ollantaytambo ruins, built in the shape of a llama!). Not to mention it also allowed us an escape from the chaos that is Pisaq during the weekend of La Virgen del Carmen, the largest festival of the year for the Pisaq community.

Our return from Ollantaytambo to Pisaq today began with a bumpy travel schedule that foreshadowed the chaotic situation we would find in Pisaq. The teacher protest, or “paro”, originally only scheduled for last Thursday and Friday, made a brief reappearance this morning and early afternoon. Roads throughout the Sacred Valley were again blocked with protestors, seeking to catch the attention of the government through inhibiting Peru’s main industry; tourism. As a result, there were a ton of road obstacles along the route between Ollantaymbo and Pisaq, from massive boulders to police check points. While we arrived later than anticipated, we ultimately made it to Pisaq in time to welcome the highschoolers, while also catching the tail end of the weekend of La Virgen del Carmen. As some of the interns walked to the bakery (Sofi’s of course) we passed by a large parade walking down the street. The people carried brightly colored flags and wore traditional Peruvian clothing, some wearing the characteristic (but semi-unsettling) Peruvian festival masks. The backdrop of tuba players playing to a loud and catchy tune completed the colorful setting. This little parade reflects one of many celebrations rocking Pisaq at the moment, joined by countless other singers and dancers currently spotted throughout the city.

The weekend of La Virgen del Carmen is a multiday festival that began Friday and ends Tuesday. While we missed the heart of the celebration that took place over Saturday and Sunday, we nevertheless have gotten a great window into the reverence with which the people of Pisaq hold La Virgen del Carmen, the patron of the city of Pisaq. I was also surprised by the extensive participation in the festival. People from all around Peru, even outside of the Sacred Valley, flock to Pisaq to partake in the celebration! While an exciting time for Pisaq, the festival created a rather chaotic environment for the new high schoolers (especially for their first day in Peru). But being patient (although probably extremely tired) they all took in Pisaq with high spirits! We played several name games at Chaska Wasi, the high schoolers’ hotel, before heading to El Sabor for their first Peruvian dinner. They head out tonight for their very first Circle, a time to reflect and to appreciate the beauty of the Andean environment and night sky. Stay tuned for the exciting next few days as the high schoolers become acclimated to Peruvian culture, altitude and are introduced to the varying STRIVE service projects!