Happy Peruvian Independence Day! Yes today, July 28, we celebrate 187 years of independence for the nation of Peru (as well as 250 blog posts for the Salvatierras). It is really a big deal here, especially in Lima, and they take the whole month of July to celebrate. Flags and other banners with the red and white have been flying over nearly every building, schools have planned parades and cultural celebrations, and patriotism is high. Noah even had a special show last Friday with his pre-school, where after practicing for weeks, he dressed up and was supposed to perform a traditional dance with his class, but ended up staring blankly at the crowd (adorable video in future post).
Peruvians are very proud of their country (the disgraced soccer team notwithstanding), quick to recognize and boast of its beauty, rich heritage, fine cuisine and other virtues, while also honest about the problems it faces as a nation. It is interesting to read in any description, no matter how flattering or patriotic the publication may intend to be, any list of Peru's virtues is quickly followed by an acknowledgement of its struggles - indeed, it would be dishonest not to do so, for they are impossible to miss. Worlds of cultural riches and natural resources, alongside utter poverty. Warm, generous people and breakthtaking scenery, yet crippled by corruption. It is a difficult incongruity to live with, but this is Peru, a country that we have come to truly love. So we celebrate this day and rejoice with our brothers and sisters here, singing with them,
Somos libres, seámoslo siempre!
We are free, let us be so always!
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