About This Blog
Reflecting on the little things in life in the Central Andes of Peru.
[Note: If you’re coming to visit Huancayo, see my post on What to Do in Huancayo]
My most transformative experiences have come from arbitrarily choosing a new interest or path, then summoning my inner gumption to handle the rest. I often craft a list of reasons for the inquisitive; sometimes I even manage to convince myself they’re true, but do we ever really understand why we are the way we are and why we do what we do? The truth is this: I don’t know why. It’s just a feeling I have. I feel like I need to do this and I know my life will be richer for it.
Let me explain.
What attracts me to developing countries is their unpredictability; to me, this isn’t incongruous. I like how unpredictability keeps me on my feet and steers me away from the hedonic treadmill (the endless cycle of desiring, getting, adapting, expecting and dissatisfaction).
Consider these examples from my time in Peru:
- I appreciate the simple luxuries because they are not reliably available – hot water, detergent, toilet paper, good customer service…
- There are pleasant surprises around every corner – a puzzle competition, a street fair and fiesta celebrating another obscure saint, miracle or food…
- I let go of not-so-pleasant surprises more easily because I know that something else weird or crazy will happen soon that diverts the attention – the time I got a mushroom haircut, the crazy marketplace lady running after you with a stick on Sunday mornings…
- People have so many public mishaps that I feel like it’s okay to be human and am more willing to try in the face of potential failure – the daily soap opera of politicians’ lives, the one traditional dancer who always seems to light his skirt on fire…
- The more serious calamities that I often witness or hear about remind me of mortality, to be grateful for what I have, and to live a full life that is wholly rooted in my own values – a failed abortion from mysterious rainforest drugs with consequences, three deaths in a family from doctor’s error and lack of resources…
This is a conscious shift away from “the big things”: What makes me happy? What brings me peace? Do I need to change? What do I need to change? How do I change so that my life may be happier?
Considering how we don’t even really know what makes us happy (even though we think we do) and the secret may even be in not overanalyzing happiness (people never seem to become any happier thinking about their happiness as Eric Weiner concludes from his research and travels), I’m inclined to think that it might be more worthwhile to live out and document the unpredictable little things instead.
In doing so, maybe I can also move you to take more notice of the beautiful, strange and awe-inspiring little things in your life.
Samantha
Pan
Sam, you are so great of making such a big decision. I think it's hard for someone who come from developed country to ever want to live in developing country indefinitely. As you said, it's full of unpredictability. But with your perception about the unpredictability,at least I know you will live in Peru happily.
I will try to live my day thinking more about little things in life than the big things^-^
Can you give me more example of "public mishaps"?
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, Pan. =) You're always so encouraging!
A more specific example of a public mishap is when the Peruvian president kicked a guy in front of him during a strike. He said that he thought the guy was one of the protestors, but I still don't see how that justifies the kick. =P It was pretty deliberate!
I was also referring to public mishaps of people that i met and got to know in Huancayo. Often, things wouldn't go perfectly during a speech, presentation, party or other public event — people made silly mistakes, were embarrassed by something or aired out their dirty laundry, but it was okay. In fact, the line between "private" and "public" seems like a very grey area. To me, it's a reminder that I'm not the only one who has a blemish, who has been awkward or who has said the wrong thing at the wrong time. It's why I feel I can be more authentic, that I don't have to be perfect all the time.
An old friend
Stumbled onto here not knowing what I'd find.
I really enjoy your views and insight… especially on the little things in life.
To allude to your last entry, if you get a chance, check out this book by Edward Said called "Orientalism".
Keep on writing and I hope all is well with you Santy!
Samantha Bangayan
It's always nice to hear from an old friend. =) Thanks for appreciating what I've written and for the book recommendation — I'll be sure to read it!
Roz
Hey Sam,
also a random stumble onto your website, since it has been a really long time (if ever!) that we really talked, but I noticed you changed your Actual City to Montréal, where I have now lived for two years. I really respect your decision, it's a hard one to take, packing up and shifting gears, lives, languages, cultures. I wanted to wish you luck on your journeys, and if you need a couch while in Montreal, gimme a call.
LOL, my travel bug comes in cycles. But as I get older, the desire to travel to the furthest extents of my limits give way to a yearning for the foundations of things, to set roots, to build and participate in community, to be an activist…the ephemerality of my encounters with people on the road, while they invigourate me, also depress me, I start to crave for the concrete, for the stability of a face that I know I will see tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after. I think this desire comes with age. Always, however, a need to take what I've learned, and compare, and bring home, and relativize, to apply and to change things for the better (PARTICULARLY for these people who touch us so much with their generosity, humility, resilience — how can I justify the privilege to travel to my heart's content, when my government is trying to keep people from entering Canada because they need to flee drug or gang-related violence, natural disasters, persecution? When the practices of my fellow citizens and Westerners are one of the primary causes of so many of these disasters, natural or political?), call me to 'home' whereever that place happens to be (right now for me, it's Montreal).
But I agree with you. Living vs. travelling in a foreign country for sure.
I guess all this rambling to say that I was really touched by what you wrote, a lot of it spoke to me. I cannot but admire (and even envy a little, because everyone has a different way of going about it) anyone who follows the pulses of their own heart rather than the overwhelming drone of societal pressure, and the hedonic treadmill. I hope your heart (and courage) leads you to extraordinary places (externally and internally). Happy trails,
Roz.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a note! It was really meaningful to me. I'm interested in the idea of how your travels have brought you full circle — away and back "home", motion to stability. It's so true that everyone has their own camino and it's beautiful to hear what you've made of your travels and how they've spoken to you. When i received your note, I was already on a train back to New York =(, but I do hope that we can cross paths soon and share more about our experiences. =)
Manuel Páucar
Almost ten years ago I started writing a column called Crónicas del Exilio, where I told my impressions on living in the Caribbean and in the States to readers in the American Northwest. It was a beautiful experience, contrasting your own reflection to that of your host country. What I find exciting is the idea that travel chronicle is not dead; and having stumbled upon your blog gives me the satisfaction of discovering a distinct and insightful voice -a deeply sensitive one, too-, which candidly creates a fresco of today's South American provinces. After all, it doesn't matter how quaint the experience, it always has this universal element that lends it a timeless value. From chronicler to chronicler, "may thy travails lead thee to the truth thou seeketh."
Samantha Bangayan
Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement and inspiration. =) Thank you for finding the value in my writing and for reminding me that we all start somewhere. You are ever a role model to me.
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Alex
I spent the last couple of hours reading your blog, a place that I found by fortune. Right now I'm wordless. One think I can say more, it's an old chinese proverb : "Happiness is someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for". I wish you all of this because I like the way you think, the way you are and the way you do and I consider you deserve the best of all.
Please, keep up your blog. Thank you. Alex
Samantha Bangayan
Alex, your message was so encouraging. Thank you so much for identifying with my thoughts and wishing me so many good things. I'm glad we're now in touch. =)
Saul
Thanks, @samanthaluy You inspire me also to make a radical change in my life path. Will tell you ore when we speak.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I'm so glad to hear it, Saul! =) Can't wait to hear more. We'll talk soon for sure. =)
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Leann Zarah
You’re a good writer, Samantha. I agree with you that too much analysis can lead to paralysis. Yet, when I read posts like yours, your introspective and philosophical nature shines through. Perhaps the paralysis is caused by words or thoughts that have remained imprisoned or hidden until we write them down and share them with others.
Aside from that, I can’t help but admire for having the courage to get out of your comfort zone and live more simply. May your tribe increase, Samantha.
Thank you for sharing a piece of your personal thoughts to online strangers like me. They’re really inspiring.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! Thank you soo much for stopping by and for peeking into my soul, Leann! =) You’re right that it’s tough to kick the habit, which is why blogging has been such a blessing. It has helped me sift through those thoughts and discuss them with others. Sometimes, it’s almost like I can live and breathe more easily because I know that I can leave the analyzing part of it all for blogging time. =P
I really appreciate your support and encouragement, friend! Looking forward to staying in touch. =)
Fred Tracy
This is awesome!
I can really relate to being someone who used to over analyze everything. Relaxing and simply let life flow is a much better option.
It’s also great that you are in Peru. I want to travel the world eventually…
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks, Fred! Truthfully, I still find myself overanalyzing a lot, but that’s why I try to consciously live from the heart. =) Letting life flow is often a daily decision I have to make!
Hope you can make it down here to Peru one day during your world travels! =) So glad we’ve met, friend!
lucho
Hi Samantha,
I found your blog by chance…a nice chance to know a person who writes about my country Peru. I have not lived in Lima, my hometown in over 30 years and it is refreshing to see that a foreigner woud leave home to come to a very challenging reality as it is living in Huancayo. My best friend is Philipino- American and knowing him and family for over 20 years have been one of the best things that happened to me. They were and are my family in the US and all I can tell you is that the priinciples such as family and loyalty are as strong in your country of birth as they are in my own. I wish you the best in Huancayo and take good care of yourself.
Lucho
Samantha Bangayan
Wow, Lucho! I’m so glad you got in touch! It’s always so amazing to meet Peruvian expats around the world. =)
I can so imagine the similarities you’re able to find with your Filipino-American friend because I think it’s the same foundation that I feel I share with Peruvians. =) Thanks for identifying with me and for leaving your beautiful message! Cuidate también, amigo! =)