Sunday, June 1, 2014

Mass and Pisaq Market

It was still dark when he left. I didn't realize how early it was until I looked at my fitbit later. I had lost my phone by then. 2am. I couldn't go back to sleep, not that I was sleeping before. I buried my teary face into him as he got dressed. He put his necklace on me and said, come back when you can, I will be here. And with that, he was gone. I locked the door and laid motionlessly in the dark, drowning in incomprehensible thoughts.

I didn't want to stay there but it was too early to go anywhere. I had no idea where I was or if I would be able to get a taxi if I went out to the street. I tried to focus on my breath but it was hopeless. Still, I tried. One to ten. Just get to ten. I drifted back and forth between verge of hysteria and unconsciousness. Finally at the first glimpse of daylight I got into the shower. The water wasn't really warm but anything was better than trying to lay still. I got dressed, took a quick assessment of my mental state and decided I was going to be fine.

An unmarked car came by. San Pedro. 3 soles. I opened the door and hopped in, thinking, this is too easy. I'm beginning to recognize the streets by now. As he came up to the market I told him to pull to the right. I got out in front of the cathedral, draped in the sunrise, crimson as if it was on fire. I've been wanting to attend a Sunday service. This is perfect. I found my place in the last row and followed the others as they stood up, knelled down, and returned to seated position. Somehow being there made me feel closer to him. Later a young man took up the empty seat next to me, reeked of alcohol. I had no judgment for him here. We're in the house of god. Even if everyone dies I still don't know if I would I get my turn. Besides, I'm just as fcked up as he was. On my way out I dipped my fingers in holy water and made a sign of cross.
It was still early by the time I went back to the hostel. I didn't want to go back to my room to wake everyone up. I had some tea in the common room and grabbed a book off the shelf. Adam walked by and was surprised to see me there. Good morning! I smiled, what's the plan for today? I need to get to the bus terminal to get my ticket to Cachero for tomorrow. How do you say for tomorrow? mañana. What about tomorrow morning? Mañana por a la mañana. I have no plans for today. I'll come with you. We can go to Pisaq from there.

1 comment:

PlumTreeCastle said...

Hi. Just looking over your blog. I like your style, how you think. In this post you take us through so many interesting parts of your day. It is general where it needs to be, and specific where it should be, which allows me to drift into your shoes.