This post is way late. But after a week of reflection (in my overheating apartment) in Vancouver, I feel I should share some final thoughts in order to conclude this blog.
When I think back upon the beginning of this experience, I reflect on the end of the first week in Lima: I marvelled to Morgan about how much had happened in such a short amount of time, and how much time there was still left to go. I could go on to say how fast the time went by, but I’m sure you all know that by now. I learned a lot over the course of 7 weeks. Although the “Making and Unmaking of Indigeneity” was an overarching theme of this course, the lessons and reflections I take home with me extend far beyond the lessons learned in the classroom.
What does it mean to be Indigenous to a place? When looking at grand scale contexts, histories, and politics- this question can create definitions that are murky. However, I think the exploration of this concept has allowed for introspection into our own identities in correlation to place. I’ve often found myself bewildered during this trip that the people that I have become close with in South America are people who I may never have met back at home. The versions of them I’ve grown to know being different from their normal’s back in Vancouver. I think about the different version of me that will be remembered by people I’ve met in Peru.
Jason: the Italian/Peruvian shop owner who shared his stories and his gelato at the base of Sacsayhuaman- bringing his two homes together through a sweet dessert.
Nial: a filmmaker who attended Kusi Kawsay, but spends his time with the Squamish nation in BC. He wants to make a film about Indigenous education systems.
Estaban: our friend at Pisac Inn, who watches many people travel in and out of his workplace. Finding friendship in a group of excitable students studying Indigeneity in the Andes
All of you: curious intellects from all walks of life- fate crossing our paths for 7 weeks in the Andes.
I don’t know if I know how to properly summarize all my final thoughts and feelings into a single blog post. But I do know that I will hold my time in Peru and our experiences together very near and dear to my heart. From conversations over delicious food, to late night shenanigans, to a cheeky terrace cigarette here and there, It’s been a pleasure to get to know all of you. I hope we will cross paths again someday in Vancouver.
With Lots of Love
Grace (aka Elk Island)
One reply on “Experience Blog #5: Some Final Reflections from My Apartment in Vancouver”
hey, you finally posted your last blog! elk island is alive after all…
I like what you say about fate crossing our paths for a time, or perhaps it is us who are striding on fate’s doorstep for a time. Either way, the memories of this trip have felt magical, closer to fate, even more so with reminiscing and returning introspection.
I’ve always appreciated the questions you pose, since day one. You always try to find your place and footing within the murkiness, and then it’s a question of whether or not you belong there or if you should move. Perhaps it’s corny to say, but when you feel you need to move, you move with grace. You question and introspect with your heart. With the content we were studying, I think your approach was beyond fundamental.
With these reflections you’ve shared with me aloud, you’ve made me think a lot—probably the most out of everyone. You don’t approach your unanswerable questions with the intention to fully answer, but to find a better footing to ask. There’s no such thing as wasted breath with you. This—I appreciate deeply.
These versions of us—that we leave and take, give and receive, shed and create anew—are perhaps the moments in which fate crossed our paths. Those few interactions, friendships, and fleeting moments we left in Peru… I think these are the moments that fate touched. I think the question is then: what versions of ourselves did we leave in Peru? How has Peru touched our identities?
I think a piece of my heart will always be in Peru, after this trip. It might be in Saqsaywaman, or in the stars, or in Jason’s pistachio brioche bun… maybe it’s on a bridge, in a lock… or on the cusco rooftop, or perhaps it’s in the ashtray on the pisac terrace.
thanks for being my other side of the coin. i knew i was feeling lopsided for the first while for some reason or another; i found my footing eventually. i feel blessed to have been your other half.
i think fate’s got another couple rounds with us, at the very least.
JC☆