So much has happened in the past two days but when everything keeps happening it's hard to remember what was important previously.
Volunteering at the Coca Museum I have learned so much about the coca leaf. From its mythical origins, its ideal place of growth, and how to use it medicinally, to how to make cocaine. Today I was able to work more directly with my bosses and learn how deep their passion is for showing the world the benefits of the positive use of the coca leaf.
My boss's name is Nancy. Her husband's name is Francisco. Nancy was an accountant. Francisco was a professor. In the Peruvian, or Incan culture as a whole, coca is heavily used for medicinal purposes. The other day Francisco told me, when you say "coca" in Peru, Peruvians will think of medicine or tea. When you say "coca" to someone who is from overseas, they will think of cocaine. Coca, and more specifically the coca leaf, has helped the Incans with vitality, energy, and health for thousands of years. It is said that it was essential for the approximately 20,000 men who built Machu Picchu to chew coca leaves in order to build the city in its approximate 10 year construction. The coca leaf alleviates altitude sickness and can be used as an anesthetic. These are only a handful of beneficial effects that come from the coca leaf, but many people will still only think of cocaine when the word "coca" is mentioned.
Francisco and his wife, Nancy, noticed that while everyone in the Andes knows and uses coca for its beneficial effects, there wasn't a place for tourists and other people to learn of the many uses of coca. This is why they opened the Coca Museum. Their only goal is to educate people about coca, to hopefully one day spread its use around the world to help alleviate the many ailments that can be cured or prevented using the leaf. With this being said, "We need to somehow find a way to maintain our store in San Blas in order to keep the Coca Museum open. Everyone needs to know how beneficial coca is, and how it can help them. I don't care about money. I have everything I need. I just want to help the world," Francisco said to me. Nancy and Francisco believe with a passion that coca can help cure many illnesses in the world, including osteoporosis and arthritis.
I have to admit, had I read his words anywhere else, and not heard them for myself I think I would have found it a little corny and over ambitious. But his words had such devotion and passion that every part of me wanted to do what ever possible to help make his and his wife's dream a reality.
The sole purpose for their store in San Blas is to help fund the Coca Museum - nothing more.
Francisco and his wife, Nancy, noticed that while everyone in the Andes knows and uses coca for its beneficial effects, there wasn't a place for tourists and other people to learn of the many uses of coca. This is why they opened the Coca Museum. Their only goal is to educate people about coca, to hopefully one day spread its use around the world to help alleviate the many ailments that can be cured or prevented using the leaf. With this being said, "We need to somehow find a way to maintain our store in San Blas in order to keep the Coca Museum open. Everyone needs to know how beneficial coca is, and how it can help them. I don't care about money. I have everything I need. I just want to help the world," Francisco said to me. Nancy and Francisco believe with a passion that coca can help cure many illnesses in the world, including osteoporosis and arthritis.
I have to admit, had I read his words anywhere else, and not heard them for myself I think I would have found it a little corny and over ambitious. But his words had such devotion and passion that every part of me wanted to do what ever possible to help make his and his wife's dream a reality.
The sole purpose for their store in San Blas is to help fund the Coca Museum - nothing more.
I just thought I'd share their story, as I was deeply moved by their passion
Lessons learned and experiences gained:
1. Unfortunately, I think I have again become a workaholic. I have more drive than ever to help Nancy and her family. Their passion and drive truly fuels me to want to do whatever I can to help them. Nancy has repeatedly told me to take a walk and visit places. She says I'm working too hard to be a volunteer. Luckily I don't feel as stressed as I felt at my previous job. I think that's mainly because, although I liked learning a lot about the world at my previous job, here I can see the immediate benefits of what I'm doing, and immediately use my creativity to help people.
2. After my first day volunteering at the Coca museum and feeling high from all of the coca I had consumed, I began pacing myself with coca. Yesterday someone told me that 80% of people that come to Cusco for long periods of time get parasites (James, if you're reading this I thought of you and the parasites in Senegal). Today my boss, Nancy, told me that coca helps to rid your body of parasites. Soooooo I've kinda starting consuming more coca tea and products. :/
3. Everyday while I'm headed to work, the same people ask if I want a massage, pictures, or something else. I have memorized their faces but apparently they haven't memorized mine? Dissapointing!
4. Although there are many people here with dreadlocks, there's a guy here that sits outside of the McDonalds with his friends most days and yells at me, "Hey Prima (cousin)," or "Hola Rastafori!" I try to ignore him most days, but it's hard when I live past the McDonalds. :/
PICTURE TIME! :D
These are the people I work with at the Museo de Coca. :D
A girl in my residence lost a game of Jenga and had to buy guinea pigs for the staff member she lost against. Poor things will be eaten. :(
Everyone in Cusco is preparing for the Peruvian Independence Day. I guess it doesn't matter that their independence day is many days away, almost everyday there are people on the plaza marching or playing instruments.
This is just a small part of the huge hill I have to climb to get to San Blas, where the other Coca store is.
This is Chico. Chico stays outside of our door and just meows. Sometimes it literally sounds like he's howling and saying "nooooooo." One day I should post an audio of him meowing, since he does it EVERY night.
If there's something you want me to ask the people of Cusco, or to find out for you while I am here, just ask. I wouldn't mind making a video or doing a blog with information from the local people of Cusco. :)
1. Unfortunately, I think I have again become a workaholic. I have more drive than ever to help Nancy and her family. Their passion and drive truly fuels me to want to do whatever I can to help them. Nancy has repeatedly told me to take a walk and visit places. She says I'm working too hard to be a volunteer. Luckily I don't feel as stressed as I felt at my previous job. I think that's mainly because, although I liked learning a lot about the world at my previous job, here I can see the immediate benefits of what I'm doing, and immediately use my creativity to help people.
2. After my first day volunteering at the Coca museum and feeling high from all of the coca I had consumed, I began pacing myself with coca. Yesterday someone told me that 80% of people that come to Cusco for long periods of time get parasites (James, if you're reading this I thought of you and the parasites in Senegal). Today my boss, Nancy, told me that coca helps to rid your body of parasites. Soooooo I've kinda starting consuming more coca tea and products. :/
3. Everyday while I'm headed to work, the same people ask if I want a massage, pictures, or something else. I have memorized their faces but apparently they haven't memorized mine? Dissapointing!
4. Although there are many people here with dreadlocks, there's a guy here that sits outside of the McDonalds with his friends most days and yells at me, "Hey Prima (cousin)," or "Hola Rastafori!" I try to ignore him most days, but it's hard when I live past the McDonalds. :/
PICTURE TIME! :D
These are the people I work with at the Museo de Coca. :D
A girl in my residence lost a game of Jenga and had to buy guinea pigs for the staff member she lost against. Poor things will be eaten. :(
Everyone in Cusco is preparing for the Peruvian Independence Day. I guess it doesn't matter that their independence day is many days away, almost everyday there are people on the plaza marching or playing instruments.
This is just a small part of the huge hill I have to climb to get to San Blas, where the other Coca store is.
If there's something you want me to ask the people of Cusco, or to find out for you while I am here, just ask. I wouldn't mind making a video or doing a blog with information from the local people of Cusco. :)
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