Seaside

Ilo. I like the name, Ilo.

Ilo is what one may consider a boom town. It is on the coast, and its trade was not tourism or gold or oil or anything like that. It used to be a major port that shipped copper among other metals to cities all around the world. Not near as exciting as some others mentioned, but hey, I'll take it. Common trade boats bob next to bright blue wooden fishing boats that fill a harbor with no slips, but with anchors and line and trust. The fog rolls in every morning casting a grey sheen over the water only to be reflected two-fold to the Gringo attempting to take a picture.. The air is thick in Ilo. The temperature is mild in Ilo. Ilo is quiet. Ilo is… sleepy. I may like Ilo itself more than the name. 

 

The birds wait for low tide to search for open barnacles and oysters. They’re not scared of you. There are pelicans that make our Louisianan Brown Pelican look like children. Talking about size, here. No metaphors. There are birds that shine like used motor oil with bright red beaks and red eyes. There are white cranes that dance on the dark, wet sandy rock that Ilo calls beach. Contrast. They have to know how gorgeous they are. Have to.

The seafood is great. A question that I often hear, “Have you tried…[they always pause] Ceviche!?!?!” They get so excited to say that word. I guess because it is in Spanish? Or because it is one of Peru’s most famous dishes. Who knows. Oh! The question. I always answer, “si.” I had ceviche every day that I was in Ilo. My terrible appetite coupled with the anxiety of no seafood upon the return to Arequipa bred one hell of a feeding frenzy. I was the Tiburon. Oysters, muscles, octopus, crab, fish, sea urchin and squid. They all fell.

Once again, I was on the ocean. I lived the ocean life; even if it was only for a few days. I do not know if there is much more of a greater peace. For me anyway. I mean hey, I have friends who prefer other places and that’s… cool.

I realized that rarely do I speak of work in my writting. I wonder if that is actually saying anything considering I normally speak of these travels – type of these travels – in a positive light? Do I subconsciously dislike my job? I do not think so. Maybe I can give myself some credit and define the reason as a subconscious effort to avoid speaking of my job to those of you who may not find it interesting. Got to keep the readers entertained, ya? Though I will say this: I would not work at the Cultural in Ilo. Ok. That’s enough.

Since I am not an artist with words (nor any type of artist, really), I figure a few pictures will help. Not like you haven’t been seeing them thus far.

This week is my last week at the Cultural. What was that you ask? Why am I not returning until August 15^th? Well, that is a great question that I would love to answer! Later. Whenever it is finished. Basically, I am going to backpack Peru for about 3 weeks. I have been terribly grief-stricken about it.

Cheers!

Jonathon