About this episode Join us as we journey to the majestic Andes of Peru, a land steeped in ancient Inca traditions and vibrant culture. Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu, taste the flavors of Andean cuisine, and hear captivating tales of mountain spirits and legendary heroes. This immersive story will transport young listeners to Peru, igniting their imagination and fostering a deep appreciation for the world's diverse heritage.
0:00 the air is thin and sharp in your lungs peru is home to more than 3,000 different kinds of potatoes just last week we were exploring the vibrant coasts of india today we are standing so high in the andes mountains it feels like we can touch the deep blue sky all around us jagged peaks scrape against the clouds0:29 the wind whispers secrets as it rushes past and look down in the valley do you see them a herd of alpacas with woolly coats of white and brown and black they move so gently their eyes are dark and calm for thousands of years they have been a part of life here their soft wool is spun into thread0:54 then woven into stories suddenly we hear music a lonely beautiful melody from a wooden flute we follow the sound our feet finding a dusty path around a bend the village appears it's a splash of color against the brown earth and everyone is gathering in the main square women wear bright red skirts embroidered with flowers1:24 men wear ponchos with patterns like lightning bolts they are celebrating a girl with two long dark braids smiles at us it is the planting festival she says her voice as clear as a bell we are giving thanks her name is elena she tells us they are thanking pachamama the earth mother for the soil for the sun for1:52 the rain that will help the potatoes and quinoa grow the music gets louder drummers join the flute player dancers begin to move in a circle their feet stomping a rhythm that feels as old as the mountains themselves alina points to the patterns on her own small poncho this is the mountain she says tracing a zigzag line and2:16 this this is the river it's not just a pattern it's a map it's a story you can wear alina's grandmother hands us something warm wrapped in a corn husk it's a potato it's purple on the outside and bright yellow inside it tastes nutty and sweet and like nothing you've ever had before every dish here tells a story2:42 this one tastes of sunshine and rich soil the dancers slow down an elder with a face full of kind lines steps into the center of the circle he holds a small woven bag one by one people step forward they take a few dried leaves or kernels of corn from the bag they whisper something to themselves and then3:04 place their offering on a beautiful blanket spread on the ground3:09 a gift for pachamama elena is given a single bright pink flower she holds it carefully in her hands then she turns to you she holds it out a silent invitation you take it and your fingers brush against hers you walk to the blanket and gently place the flower among the other gifts for a moment you are not3:35 a visitor you are part of the circle part of the thank you3:42 ancient traditions like this haven't survived by standing still they live and breathe with the people they are in the way the land is worked and the way communities come together they are as real as the warm potato in your hand and the soft alpaca wool in a poncho and you realize you don't need to speak the same4:07 language to share the same feeling gratitude looks the same all over the world it looks like a dance it tastes like a shared meal and sometimes it feels like placing a single flower on the earth just to say thank you
