Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

While visiting Peru, I was fortunate to witness the rebuilding of the last remaining Inca rope bridge, the Keshwa Chaca. Reconstructed annually over the Apurimac River near Huinchiri, Peru, the bridge is a tangible link to the community's Inca past. For three days, hundreds from surrounding communities work together to complete the project. These dancers, standing in the glow of the setting sun, are preparing to practice for the large festival which occurs on the final day to celebrate the successful completion of the bridge. I continue to appreciate the opportunity I had to witness such a unique cultural event, which demonstrates the importance of historical traditions, and how they are interwoven and continue to play an important role in modern Peruvian life. This image and the experience itself also remind me of the rewards of venturing off the beaten path, even considering the difficulties and uncertainties.