Sacrifice.

So we've all heard of ancient sacrifices, sacrificial tables, offerings to the gods, etc... Well, let me just say that I had NO IDEA it still takes place today. I thought it would be a couple of hours, go up the mountain, see the sacrifice, and down again... boy was I ever wrong!!! The day started at 8:30am and I got home at 3am this morning! Not kidding. I'm not going to go into a lot of details out of consideration for those who are animal lovers, vegetarians, etc. BUT, I experienced the day in full from the point of seeing the selling of the llamas, sacrificial tables, and wood... all the way up to the killing, splashing of blood, skinning, burrying bones and organs, and the cooking/eating. There were so many times I could NOT believe my eyes... other times I had to walk away because I couldn't watch... and other times I had to escape just to get away from the drink rounds! Man these guys can drink... and when it's a party... watch out! It was an experience of a lifetime. I ended up with llama blood all over my jacket, pants, face, hair... unbeknownst to me, in a very chaotic manner... after the llamas (FOUR!) were killed their blood was thrown and splashed all over... the doorways of the mine, the nearby residences, and all the people who are participating in the sacrifice. It was a shock and slightly difficult to handle at first, but understanding the honor and blessing that it's believed to bring, and just getting over the fact and fully participating in the celebration- "when in Rome..." (but to make matters worse all the laundry mats are closed today because it's Sunday) Oh well!
Now, for the bad news... there won't be any pictures... yep one more camera stolen (if you're keeping track I will be on camera number four now-not including my parents' camera which was also a casuality of South American travel). So, if you read in Lonely Planet they warn you about all these scams where people drop stuff and then somehow when you're trying to help them they steal your stuff. Well, I wish I had heeded that warning a little better... yesterday midmorning after a wonderful (surprisingly) breakfast in the miner's market of a caserole of beef, a type of pasta, weird type of potatoes, onions and tomatoes... I was with a girl my age, a student of the institute waiting for Rolando (the guide and professor) in the market near the road. I bought a bottle of water, put my little money pouch back in my jacket pocket (the same place my camera was)... and then a guy in front of us dropped a bunch of pills on the ground... we both started helping him pick them up and he kind of pushed me with one hand to move me (I thought) so I wouldn't step on one of the pills... well five minutes later I realized I had been relieved of both my money and my camera. It was ingenious really... a great plan... just can't believe I didn't think or feel anything! And hey, at least he was a nice criminal and left me my keys and chapstick! hahaha!
SO... no pics, but an experiece that is ingrained in my memory and possibly my jacket and shoes as well :)
Much love! Hope everyone's had a good weekend!
Kate