Sunday, May 22, 2016

Last Day in Ica: Trip to Las Islas Ballestas in Paracas and Afro Peruvian Dance


We had a lot of fun last night, but it was a long night last night, so this morning was tough. It’s a last day in Ica so we made the most of it by visiting Paracas – the town where many go to see Peru’s own version of the Galapagos Islands. Despite the groggy morning, it was a sight to see! One of the most spectacular, breath-taking visits we have had on the trip so far – I haven’t forgotten about Machu Picchu, but that wasn’t until the end of the trip. Regardless, this was definitely a must-see if you come to Peru. I love the outdoors. I love fresh air. I love boats. And I love port breeze. And that’s exactly what I got today.





We line up behind a group of other tourists, making our way to the small boat that would motor our way across the ocean to see Las Islas Ballestas. I cannot say enough about my love for boat rides and the need for sea-excursions. I whole-heartedly believe that I would definitely be a pirate in another life. I secretly still want to be one today honestly. Maybe after graduation since a lot of people ask me what I want to do when I leave Northeastern. We board the boat and I immediately run up to the front of the boat like a little boy, so that I could embrace the view. Hell, I didn’t even sit down the whole ride. I spent most of us with the ocean breeze bristling against my cheeks, air brushing back my hair, and the oxygen in the air rushing through my respiratory system. I felt alive. On our way to the islands, we got to see dolphins – my self-assigned spirit animal - jumping out of the waters left and right! I also love dolphins. Just a beautiful and majestic boat ride as a whole. We arrive at the islands and they were magnificent. Just a grand beautiful sight covered in blue-footed boobies and sea lions. Amazing.



We made our way back to the port to get ready to head home. It’s a 4-hour bus ride home so it was a long day. Before heading home completely, we had stopped by this small Afro Peruvian town to expose ourselves of another part of Peruvian history. I didn’t know where we were going exactly at the time. We would pull up in front of this house where an African man greeted us. He directed us to all come into the house and sit around the living room with chairs all set. It was interesting because we were literally sitting in this man’s home. He had a microphone in hand and introduced himself to us and what we were going to see. He sits down and music began to play. Drum rolls. Other Africans began dancing their way through a beaded curtain, one by one dancing their way out. They began a traditional afro Peruvian dance routine. It was a very lively time. Towards the end of the performance, we all got up to dance with them and that was great because I love to dance.

After our short stop with the Afro Peruvians, we would make our long 4-hour ride back home on the bus.

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