A unique feature in Brazil and Peru is where the poor lives. Because basic services like electricity, running water and piped gas are difficult to deliver, the hillsides would become abodes for the poor unlike in rich cities. These self erected houses, of the most basic materials are called favellas.
We wanted to see them but didn't get to do so when in Rio (under advisement by our conservative travel guide). We thought this chance had passed us by but were surprised to see that most of Cuzco lives in favellas, much like in Rio: mountain side, basic amenities and of course poor but with one big difference, its safe, not drug addicted nor gang controlled. Again, goes to show what good governance can do.
Quite a number of the archaeological sites around Cuzco are a stone's throw away from these favellas and you can see how the locals try to make an honest living off the tourists rather than picking their pockets. More significantly in every shop, market stall or even street vendor we saw, if there was a kid there, more often than not you will find her studying. Yes, her... for women here are an extremely important part of the economy; participating in all activities even manual labour restoring the old sites.
There is a certain determination to the people you see here, perhaps the proud and conquering Inca blood from half a millennium ago still fire them up. They retain their own language, Quecha, and have largely not intermarried. They therefore have a unique look: brown complexion, with elongated friendly faces.
And despite the best evangelical efforts of European priests, they still cling on to their traditions, even featuring them in the cathedral carvings. Don't forget the Incas believe they had superior (and we cannot really dispute that) architectural and artisanal skills, and they even claimed to have mastered astronomy.
Yes, a proud people, determined to move forward. If the rest of Peru are like those we have seen in Cuzco and Macchu Pichu, this country can expect to develop well.
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