Ayni - Peru: Reciprocity, solidarity and humanity in all.
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Ayni - Peru: Reciprocity, solidarity and humanity in all.
This state policy from the Inca Empire transcended the philosophical concept and is now a way of living.
Ayni - Peru: Reciprocity, solidarity and humanity in all.
Ubuntu
Being an avid reader and researcher, stories from around the world, from times long gone have a way of seducing me, calling to me. The lockdown allowed me to give in.
What I came across was something so simple that if you think of it, is one of the most basic ways of being. But just being that way can create much needed balance and change.
Ayni.
For generations, the Andeans have lived in an interdependent society. Every member must honour the other. Work is shared and so is play and prayer. They believe that all is connected, to each other and to nature. And it is all about a balance. The sun/moon, male/female, etc. So, if personal needs are in balance with those of the community then the community is a balanced one. If our needs are balanced with nature then things will be well with the world. And yet look at us hoarders eh?
But the point is, like Mary Oliver says, “we are a family of things”. And that means that things can be ok if we learn to ask for only that which we need and are ready to reciprocate. You give. You receive. THIS is the thread that has held the Andean existence together. And it thrived.
So is Ayni still present? I believe it always will be, if we trust the balance and maintain it. In Peru, it is everywhere – restaurants, homes, towns and villages. Not spoken of but there in deed and action.
This journey therefore, isn’t just about seeing the balance, but seeing and being a part of this Ayni, in action. It is a journey to realize that we can truly go beyond the self.
Ayni. “Today for you, tomorrow for me”.
Tour Highlights!
Everyone goes here. Or at least tries to. It is not about a bucket list though. Machupicchu is wrapped in spirituality and mysticism, culture and of course, breathtaking scenery! It is riddled with stories and theories and yet no one really knows the truth of its construction and existence!
The Quechua-speaking Amaru Community lives in the Andes. Choosing to live away from the cities they reconnected with ancestral knowledge and traditional Inca techniques of agriculture and production of textiles. By spending time with them, we get chance to reconnect to this ancient wisdom and with ‘pachamama’, ourselves too.
This is one of history’s most ancient Sacred Plant Medicines. It takes us deep within to show the root of our problems. And no, this is not some trendy experience. This is your truest connection to the spirit of the Amazon. Only a true Ayahuasquero, can impart its healing wisdom.
Unique to Peruvian culture, this exciting experience has you join thousands of pilgrims and visitors from around the world, over 3 days as they ascend 5200m and more with processions and dances, combining indigenous, Incan and Christian beliefs, to honour Christ, the beginning of harvest and the glacier of Ausangate.
Having a good conversation and listening to the real story of a place is important to any sort of travel. Cue: Local hero, Victor Zambrano. He dedicated his life to the restoration of natural forests and well being of local communities in the MadreDeDios region of the Peruvian Amazon.
A unique place. Callao is Peru’s chief seaport and for years struggled with crime and poverty. Graffiti and some of Peru’s most cutting-edge artists are transforming its urban-scape to reveal a side of Callao that rejects violence and hate.
When was the last time we thanked Mother Earth? In Peru they practice this regularly- one of Peru’s oldest, most sacred rituals. Participating in this ceremony of sounds and offerings not only creates a deep, authentic cross cultural interaction, but also more importantly restores the relationship between humans and nature
From the last green valley of Lima to lush plantations of exotic fruits and cacao you will delve into the ecological world of freshly farmed crops, coffee and chocolate – an integral part of Peruvian cuisine. And while they use modern techniques it is ancient wisdom that makes it truly flourish.
The Esa Eja are an endangered indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon. Their lives are connected to the forest. Walking through the forest with the Ese Ejja or the ‘the real people’ brings us closer to this connection and opens a window into their life and struggles too.
A chance to be in one the most remote parts of Peru. Deep in the rainforest-one that can be heard, touched not just seen. A solitary rare frog hops passed, a cacophony of birds flap overhead and researchers chatter over their wine. The forest of plenty has much to give.
“You don’t take from the sea. (Or land). The sea (or land) gives you”. This is your culinary journey through Peru’s history. Discover the origin of various cuisines, visit markets, street-food carts, meet artisans, chefs, and sample local ingredients, while you understand and learn to respect the bounty around you.
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