Friday night I was introduced to a passion that most kids growing up in America never learn to respect. The soccer game between Peru’s national team and Ecuador was everything I hoped it would be and more. A packed stadium, constant noise, and a Peru win were all it took to make a soccer fan out of me. Growing up in rural Georgia, Soccer was kind of made fun of and definitely not pursued very often. But recently I have been intrigued by soccer because it is one of the few things that can bring most of the world together for such passionate competition. I was fortunate enough to sit next to an older gentleman who knew english well enough to explain to me the magnitude of this game. Peru had to win to have any hopes of going to the world cup. The players left it all out there, and the fans were there to help in any way they could. I remember this one moment when Ecuador almost scored and seeing the relief on the face of the guy next to me. The shot block almost brought him to tears. I couldn’t help but to get a little jealous of the passion these people had for the team that was representing their country. I will definitely follow the action leading to the world cup and always yell ....... ARRIBA PERU!!!
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Saturday, we traveled 40 km south of Lima to Pachacamac, an archaeological site that dates back well over a thousand years inhabiting multiple cultures. Pachacamac was a religious center, and a place of pilgrimage for pre-hispanic cultures. As we entered the site the first building on the right caught our attention. The Mamacona building built by the Incas and stood out due to the abundance of trapezoidal doors that lined the building. Trapezoidal doors were common for the Incas and may have played a part in preserving the site due to their added structural support.
Everything at Pachacamac was done with deliberate purpose. Streets were designed to correspond with north and south. Ramps were also built, most likely to carry large loads to the top of the buildings. We also went to the temple of the sun which had a nice view of the Pacific Ocean. Dr. Brown pointed out that the way the temple was situated upon a hill with high and rectangular walls, would appear intimidating to any one who may have walked up to it. The Incas took much pride in their temple of the sun considering their heliocentric ideologies.
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Michael and I also had the opportunity to attend mass this morning at St. Jose Cathedral. I have been to two, maybe three Catholic services back in the states but it has been several years. Despite being in spanish, I was able to observe many things while at the service. I am glad I was able to attend this service, and now feel like I am a little more connected with the Peruvian culture considering a majority of the country is Catholic. Michael helped fill me in on some of the Catholic customs, and even made a funny statement about communion saying, “that was organized about as well as the driving situation.”
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