On our last day in Qenqo we had a fantastic celebration. The day started with half the group joining some of the friends we made in Qenqo to prepare cuy (guinea pig), a special gift reserved for celebrations. Five of us individually picked the cuy we wanted to eat, and watched the process of preparing them for dinner. Although admittedly it was hard to watch, everyone agreed it was a good, productive experience watching the food we eat as animals not just food.
Kaori helping prepare the cuy.
Brian picking a cuy for the celebration.
At that same time others were finishing their individual projects and packing. Later we attended the despedida, or farewell party. The farewell was a great cultural exchange. The people of Qenqo performed songs.
Juan, one of our cooks, plays the drum with other Qeqeños.
A Qeqeño plays the mandolin and sings in Qeuchua.
And then they suddenly grabbed us out of the crowd and dressed us in traditional clothes. Then we partnered up and danced!
The community dressed us in traditional clothes!
We danced!
…and danced…
…and danced!
In exchange three people from our group sang to “Riptide,” and everyone danced to the “Macarena” and “Cotton-Eyed Joe.”
Lou, Kelly, and Emma sang at the despedida.
After our shared celebration we ate our cuy, which tasted like chicken. Then we lined up and said goodbye to all of the friends we made in Qenqo!
One last group photo.
Saying goodbye.