So I took the night bus out of Lima, taking me to a small pueblo within the central part of Peru. I traveled with the founder of the coop, Yuli, along with her parents. 15 hours later, we had arrived to our destinaion. Feeling like zombies upon our arrival we decided to rest and meet in the afternoon. I was fortunate to be picked up by the family and was taken to one of the artisans home who makes the beautiful belts. We took a taxi, over the hills, and into el campo. The houses were made of mud, the roofs of bamboo. Cacti, small gardens, burros, and chickens in the fields. We arrived to a warming house filled with good energy. To celebrate Rainas Birthday, all the neighbors came over. We were poured endless glasses of soda, chicken and rice soup, followed by goat with carrots, spinach, and white rice. The food was warming. This of course was followed by more soda and a colorful, sugary cake. The eyes of the children grew a few sizes as the cake was cut. I walked around taking notice of the cathedral adornments which are glued to the roofs, symbolizing the amount of the families whom are living in the house. It is also for prosperity and protection. I admired the simñlicity, the happiness despite the poverty. This word is so relative. We exchanged laughs and stories. Our curiousities were mututal. The view was unbelievable. I was able to see a panoramic view of all cordilleras mountains. I was filled with warm hospitality and fulfilling feeling, knowing I was getting to know the artisans in which I work and knowing they are living rich lives.
