Jessica had the largest and widest brown eyes I have ever seen. I had time to study them because she seemed to be equally fascinated with staring directly into mine. Only twelve years of age, Jessica was part of our Coffee Tree team for a short while. Along with beautiful brown eyes she had an amazing smile. She giggled at my Spanish and spoke to me only in one word sentences.
Jessica was my colleague and friend for only two weeks but in that time we thoroughly made the most of it. In the occasional quiet periods between lunch and dinner times, and when nobody else was looking, we would push back a few tables and chairs and practice our new dance routine.
Jessica very quickly caught on to the steps of an Irish Reel and she taught me the moves of a traditional Peruvian dance which I had seen at one or two festivals during my stay. As we practiced there was much laughter and giggles. We alternated the Gaelic and Peruvian steps to make our own original sequence. It certainly was great exercise and a test for my adjustment to altitude at 2,800m a.s.l.
Dancing in Peru is central to all celebrations and festivals. It was my friend Hoowert who made that very clear to me, (Mini-Market Friendship). I look forward to telling you more these dances and festivals in up-coming posts.
©Caroline Cunningham Author of Wild Star Landing Blog
An Irish Woman’s Journey in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
woohoo!!!
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