Public Speaking Workshop: Cusco

Last Wednesday, I hosted a sold-out speaking workshop in Cusco for my fellow Remotes.  My hotel had a sweet space called the ‘Sun Room’ which felt perfectly Zen for practicing public speaking.  

In honor of my friend and mentor: Cole GP who passed suddenly, the theme for the evening centered around Improv.  We had an interactive discussion on the difference between acting vs public speaking, and improv vs preparation.  

And, we played one of Cole’s favorite games, ‘Best/Worst’, in which the speaker must argue both sides of an impromptu topic on the front and back end of 1 minute.  Best/Worst is a challenging game, but always yields ridiculous results and lots of laughs!!!  

One thing I love is seeing people come out of their shell and shine like a superstar.  Some people claim to be super shy, but when they get on stage, they turn into a rock star!  That was the case with all 4 stellar storytellers!  

Natalie shared a hilarious tale entitled “One Grey Day”, about a first date that ended up with a smoking car and 3 fire trucks on the side of the road.  

Abe recalled a spring break story about almost inadvertently getting arrested for indecent exposure.  

Kelly shared the tale of both earning and expunging her criminal record for illegally cutting down a Christmas tree.  

And, finally, Jess had us in stitches as she told “A Story About Her Butt” and the training and preparation she took to trek on the Inca Trail.

All 4 storytellers were in the zone in the Zen Sun Room.  I’m very proud of everyone who came out to the event, and I hope they all found value in it.  I know I did. 

Special thanks to Miranda for being our event photographer!

Cusco’s Curious Fireworks Fascination

I love fireworks.  Maybe it's cuz I’m a July 11th baby, 1 week after the 4th.  And they remind me of  “Summer, summer summer time!  Time to sit back and unwind...aaand unwiiind.”  

Cusco LOVES fireworks.  Maybe a little too much?  I know what you’re thinking... “But, Matt, is there such thing as too much fireworks?”  Well, actually yes.  I'll explain...

When we first arrived in Cusco, the city was abuzz in anticipation of the Inti Raymi Festival on June 24th.  For 2+ weeks before the big sun festival, the city had parades in Plaza de Armas every day, all day long and into the evening.  

And, they had fireworks.  Lots of em!!!  

Some sets of works seem to be lit about a mile from my hotel.  Here’s a show that happened on Sunday the 19th, around ~11pm.  Just opened my hotel door, stepped outside and started filming:

June 24th is the Inti Raymi Sun Festival here in Cusco, but they party hard in the weeks leading up to the event. Seems like there are fireworks every night! This is the view from my hotel---I just walked right outside my door, and started filming. Peru likes to party!!!

But, there’s one curious Cusquenan tradition that I am still baffled by.  

(OH WAIT, literally as I just typed that, fireworks went off, 7:43pm)  

Morning fireworks.

Yep, morning fireworks.  Almost every morning, I am woken up to a series of fireworks around 6-7am.  We’re not talking a big show or anything, no finale.  Just a series of pops that lasts about :05 - :10 secs.  About a mile away from my hotel.  

This morning, there were approximately 5 or 6 sets of fireworks from ~6 - 8am.  The Inti Raymi Sun Festival is over a week ago.  But, the works keep comin'!

(OH, and there's more that just went off:  7:52pm) 

Wow, Cusco has a serious fascination with works of fire.  

I'm gonna miss Cusco!!!  But, I won't miss being woken up to fireworks.

Lastly, a short video of Patrick and I walking down to Plaza de Armas, and guess what?  Fireworks at the 0:52 mark!

Sorry about the random conversation about GoPro audio quality, I just like the visuals in this. And, surprise! Fireworks starting at the 0:52 mark!

Cusquenan Cuisine

Quinoa Salad, with Andean cheese!

One thing that stands out in Cusco Peru is the FOOD.  Seems like there’s a fierce culinary competition and every restaurant plays the game.  It’s probably because Cusco is a major tourist town, and they know that they have to cater to fickle, hungry American and European tourists who just got done with a 4 day hike?

Within 2 blocks of my hotel, there are 3-6 restaurants that are amazing!  Even the hotel restaurant, Siete y Siete offers some stunning dishes like the red quinoa salad (pictured above) with avocados, tomatoes, carrots, Andean cheese, etc.  

Quinoa is a big thing in Peru and Bolivia and I love it...except when they don't wash it well enough and I feel like I'm chewing on beach sand.  No bueno.  

One of my faves: La Boheme (or La Bo'M): a creperie that’s part of the Backpacker La Boheme Hostal.  I go here pretty much every other day and get crepes.  

The ‘La Rafas’ crepe is one of my faves: Blue Cheese, Local Cheese, Walnuts, Mesclun, Tomatoes and Olive Oil.  Their crepes are always perfectly crispy on the outside.  And I almost always get either the Refresco Del Dia, or Jugo Del Dia to go with it.  The Refrescos are usually made with tropical fruits like pineapples, papaya, maracuya, mango, etc.  Delicious and light!

La Rafa's

Quattro Queso con Huevo

Another favorite of mine: Juanito’s, a sandwich shop.  No big deal, right?  No, BIG, HUGE DEAL.  The Hawayan de Lechon sandwich, which is listed as a special, is easily the best pork sandwich I’ve ever had in my life.  Sliced, succulent pork and pineapple on a baguette, dripping with pork juice.  They serve it to you with your choice of about 8 different sauces.  I usually go with the pineapple sauce, and the aioli or, the chimichurri.  The bread is crispy, the juices are flowing and the flavors are bursting.  Outstanding!  

Oh and of course, I usually get it with an Inca Kola.  (Think of it like a Bubble Gum Mountain Dew!) 

I probably should mention that in Peru and other South American countries, they eat guinea pig, aka cuy.  It's high in protein, low in fat, they reproduce quickly and require little room to raise.  We did go out one night and I did try guinea pig.  (Sorry to anyone who has guinea pig pets, but "when in Cusco" as they say)  It doesn't really have much meat on it, and it requires work to get the meat out, kinda like eating crab.  To me, it's not worth it.  I'll stick to eating alpaca or llama.

One thing I will guarantee.  If you go to Cusco --- you are in for a scrumptious culinar-ay-cation!

Cousteau Community Service Day in Cusco

Yesterday, 19 Remotes hopped on a bus and headed to the Azul Wasi orphanage, just outside of Cusco.  Azul Wasi is a non profit home for at-risk children and teens that were abandoned on the streets of Cusco.  We brought lunch and ate with the kids; cleaned up the greenhouse & planted veggies and fruits; did arts and crafts with the kids; played futbol together; etc.  Also, we donated our fundraiser $ for the kids to buy warm winter clothes.  Special thanks to Arestia, Max, Kirsten, Sam & Travis for organizing this awesome event.

The thing that struck me about this orphanage was how loving and warm the kids were!  I’ve volunteered at orphanages and children’s homes before, but often the kids are a bit standoffish.  Not the kids of Azul Wasi!  They greet you with big hugs, and they are all very warm and sweet!  They genuinely seemed really happy to have us there, and welcomed us with open arms.  I think this is a testament to Alcides, the warm father figure who runs the home and creates a beautiful environment for them to learn and grow.

Alcides, introducing us to the home, and each of the kids.

I hope that our work in the greenhouse proves fruitful for the kids!  I hope that they use the $ we donated wisely.  And, I hope that the kids get more support from other groups like ours.  

When I return to Cusco, I will do my best to return to Azul Wasi.  

To Beard or Not to Beard?

One of my goals for this year is to push myself out of my comfort zone.  So far, so good.  I’ve traveled more than ever; lived in 4 foreign cities; kinda learned Spanish; climbed a 6,000 meter mountain; lost a toenail; etc.  And, now, I’ve grown a beard.

I started growing a beard because mi chica de Buenos Aires: Fernanda, said she liked me better with scruff.  Most guys in Argentina have facial hair.  And, apparently, she has always had a thing for Charles Darwin.  

Seemed apropos to Darwin: I must adapt to my environment in order to survive in South America.  More scruff is needed.

I never really thought it would work for me.  I don’t have that natural full bodied mane like a Jeff Sloan or a Brent Blum.  These guys could be on the cover of Beards Weekly.

Jeff Sloan

Brent Blum

My beard comes in patchy, and it’s a blend of calico cat colors, ranging from brown to red to white.  I tried growing it when I was in Colorado a few years ago, and when my sister saw the train wreck, she immediately called it off.  I concurred.

But, after not shaving for 2 months, I actually got a lot of compliments.  I think I blended in more with the South American culture.  Some of the Remote girls said it gave me “street cred.”  Remote Jacek said, “Yeah, I don’t like it.”  

To beard or not to beard?  Seems split.  When I got to Cusco, I shaved because I needed a change.  But, then I kinda missed it.  Personally, I think it looks good when it's in that in-between stage, like the 5 o clock shadow that almost broke the internet two months ago.  :]  

Lesson learned: It is nice to push yourself out of your comfort zone.  

Cusco Welcome Party

Kudos to Travis & Sam for planning a perfect Peru Welcome Party!  We arrived to this amazing mansion overlooking Cusco and of course a llama was chillin’ and waiting to greet us.  (Cuz, llamas are a thing here)  And the path was lit by torches.  Check out the video of our grand entrance:  

Check out the entrance to our Welcome Party here in Cusco...the path to the mansion overlooking the city was lit by torches and created this amazing ambience. The views were spectacular. My favorite part of this video is David Baum saying to Diane Brashear, "Everything is about to commence, my sister."

The mansion had an incredible view...

...a draw bridge...

...impressive rooms with Peruvian decor...

...a church adjacent to the house...

...a sweet little fire pit...

...etc.  

All great vibes at the party last night!  (Except when that local guy tried to steal Heather’s phone, YIKES)

Mucho bailar anoche!  (Much dancing last night)  

Here's a video of the dance floor jamming with one of my favorite songs - “One More Time” by Daft Punk

"One More Time" by Daft Punk is one of my faves. This was early in the party, but I love seeing all my fellow Remotes groovin' especially Casey with her poor shoulder in a sling!

Unfortunately, the party included a “going away” for 3 of our fellow Remotes: technically 2 and a half Aussies.  Tom(Mountain Climbing Buddy), Tanya and Lisa are leaving Remote Year for various reasons…

...and they will be sorely missed.  

But, everyone has a path in life.  And, everyone has to follow their heart.  

Our group is down from 70 to 66 now.  But, Candice, Tom, Tanya & Lisa will be with us in spirit.

Hello, Cusco!

I’ve been lacking in blog updates lately because of 2 things: 1) traveling; and 2) work!  I took a side trip from La Paz to Buenos Aires for 10 days, but I’m in Peru now!  City #4, Cusco, aka Cuzco.  It's charming, cute and cozy.  I haven’t explored much yet but, this Sunday, I’m embarking on a 4 day hike of the Inca Trail, which leads up to the top of Machu Picchu.  Can’t wait!  I have a ton of work to do before I go, so it's nose to the grindstone for the next few days and the reward is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World.

Side note: Tuesday, we celebrated 100 Days of Remote Year!  We are a little over 1/4 of the way done with our travels, and just under 1/3rd.  Cusco is our last month in South America and then it's on to Europe!  

One thing that bummed me out big time -- yesterday, I realized that my favorite camera lens is broken.  (85mm prime)  This was probably my best lens, and I think maybe it was damaged when I was traveling.  My camera bag may have been dropped at one point in the airport, and I think that lens was attached to the body.  The threading seemed to be bent a bit and when I tried to reconnect it, it was super tight, and I think it scratched the lens contacts.  UGH.  At least, I’ll be in London soon and I will be fixing or replacing it.  There are some camera shops here in Cusco, but I’m not expecting them to have this specific piece.  

Oh well, lesson learned: travel with your least expensive lens attached to the body.  

More coming soon!  Best of La Paz photos!  Buenos Aires side trip photos!  Salt Flat photos!  Stay tuned...

In the meantime, here are some pics of Cusco from my hotel:

The Cafe here at the Hotel