Smelling the Flowers in the Andes
I had the opportunity to visit a farm deep in the Andes around an hour’s walk away from the closest town and almost five hours away from Huancayo by car. I’ve found that rural areas always have a certain beauty about them and the view from where their farm sits almost seems like the majestical land around Machu Picchu.
I wonder if living surrounded by nature can make you more grateful and observant. That afternoon, I was introduced to mini strawberries, all kinds of color combinations, and clip-like flowers I could attach to my hair. Truthfully, over the entire time I spent there, I learned about all the different ways that the natural world around me could make me smile, whether we were creating string instruments from cacti or finding especially sweet fruit on the tree.
In the city, there’s often this rushed feeling of the need for productivity that we forget about the simplest, most beautiful moments, such as smelling the flowers. What I loved about the people I met in Huancavelica was that they noticed, remembered, and appreciated the beauty around them.
When and how have you recently stopped to “smell the roses”?
Tags: flowers in the andes, huancavelica farm, smelling the flowers
Thom Brown
Daily – as I talk to Tree.
Samantha Bangayan
I love how you follow that beautiful tree outside of your office, Thom! I’ll have to find a piece of nature to follow here too. =)
Bryce Christiansen
Pretty cool Samantha,
What a cool place you can go to. The variety of flowers is also impressive.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! Thanks, Bryce! =) I was surprised about all the different flowers I could find there too! =)
Vinny T.
In that wonderful picture, Samantha,you look just like a “flower child” from the 60s. But I wonder if you even know about that. You weren’t even born then!
That must have been a great experience being in the solitude of nature, surrounded by all that beauty. It really makes you stop and think about what is really important in life and what we should really value the most.
What’s made me most recently stop and smell the roses was watching my mother slowly die of old age in a nursing home. There she was, at the end of a great life, and at that time all that really mattered was to keep her comfortable and relaxed until she passed to eternity. All of her material possessions and the accumulated wealth of a lifetime meant absolutely nothing to her. In retrospect , the experience of my Mom’s demise helped me to value less my material possessions and to put a greater value on the intangeables that can provide a far greater and enduring happiness, things such as friendships, compassionate interactions with others and the peace that non-material things can give,like the peace that you found in Huancavelica.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I can imagine what you mean from movies. =) You would have loved Paucarbamba, Vinny! It’s truly as you describe it — “being in the solitude of nature.” There were people speckled around, but most of what was around me were trees, farms, and animals.
Isn’t that funny that at the end of it all, what we’ve accumulated doesn’t mean much at all. That’s such an important lesson that I want to remember. I’m really sorry again about the loss of your mother, but I’m so glad that you found value in what she could teach you from her example and that I could too. Thank you!
Abe Palmer
I don’t live in a city but I live in the busy, busy where productivity is everything. Honestly the last time I sat back and took in my surroundings was my visit to Peru. I was like a spong everywhere I went, soakiing up every moment I was there. I look so forward to spending a month in Peru this coming summer with Maria and the kids. I only hope the kids can appreciate their mothers homeland the way that I do.
Great post Samantha.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh, I so know what you mean, Abe! It was like that for me when I worked there too. And I felt the exact same change when I came here to Peru. How exciting that you all will be here next summer! I hope I’ll be able to make it over to visit you! =)
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer
Loved that picture of yours Samantha!
You look absolutely pretty with those colorful flowers. Seeing your posts always reminds me of my age old- good old days, when I was in college and such kind of treks in nature were a frequent affair. I guess we also lived in a beautiful valley, which made all the difference. Now that there is a family, kids, work and other things to see you, all this takes a back seat, though whenever we do go for a vacation, such out of the world places are first on the list!
Thanks so much for sharing and connecting us back with nature 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Aww, thanks so much, Harleena! =) I imagine that the beautiful valley you lived in is similar to where I live now. =) I’m so glad that you still find a way to incorporate nature into your lives somehow even if only on vacation! =) Life can get so busy!
Marie from Rock The Kasbah
I like to call that grass therapy….nothing better!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! That has me wishing I had rolled around in the grass too. =P
Barbara
My girl! You look stunning in that picture – beautiful and serene.
“What I loved about the people I met in Huancavelica was that they noticed, remembered, and appreciated the beauty around them.” I experience the same when I am in Tuscany in the country, above all it is this feeling of gratitude for immaterial things.
I am a very olfactory person, sniffing my way through my day, when cooking, when being outside, when working with my essential oils.
Lovely post, Sam, thanks for sharing your Peruvian life.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! Than you so much, Barbara! =) I’ve heard so much of Tuscany in the news and in films, but I’ve yet to visit there. I had no idea that it was such a beautiful place too. =) I’ll have to include it on my list of must-experiences!
J. P. Cabit
I love doing stuff like that. 🙂 Getting lost in a field, pausing in a bike trip to watch a stream, sitting outside to read a book…
That looks like so much fun!!!
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly so, JP! That’s the only thing that was missing — a book to read. Although, the trip turned out rather nicely even without the book! =)
cath
You can’t put a price on the serenity of nature, can you? Wonderful photos Samantha, and a rewarding post to read. It always warms me to think that the basics of life, such as enjoying nature, have no borders and are the same the world over. 😀
Samantha Bangayan
That’s right, Cath! =) Who could buy that type of serenity? =P
I always love reminders that we need oh-so-little to truly feel joy!
Janine
Ah what you describe makes me yearn for some time surrounded my nature and peace.
Samantha Bangayan
Me too! Reminiscing on the trip makes me want to go back! Or at least create a similar type of peace here in the city too! =)
Stuart Nager
love the hat…honestly, it’s you. bright and smile worthy
Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! =) Aww! Thank ya, Stu! =) In the Andes, ladies often look for flowers to put in their hats before setting out to work in the field. Love the idea of it!
sangeng wong
I thought it is a good idea to have a few palm tress (shape like bamboos), and over the stems of the palm trees you surround them with a wire and over the wire you hang two or three orchid plants. When the orchid plants flower, the palm trees and orchid will present a nice scene in your car porch.
To me, garden is an essential part of living environment. Strolling near the cacti, palm trees, orchid plants and bamboo plants in the garden enables one to cool his/her mind and calm his/her soul. Doing yoga in the garden, while enjoying the sight of trees and flowers is definitely an enjoyment. At least for me. Samantha, thanks for bringing the topic of nature up. Love the topic.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! Palm trees are such a good idea! What a creative idea to combine palm trees with orchids. That’s exactly what I’m missing by living in an apartment — no garden to tend to or admire. I can so imagine myself doing yoga in my future garden too. =) That’s something to strive for!
Deeone
Very beautiful post, Sam!
I’m usually not a fan of the rural areas, but you’re so very right; when I’m there the world shares all of it’s delights. The air is fresher, the mood is still, and you take the time to really enjoy what life has to offer you.
It appears you enjoyed your trip. I can tell by that gorgeous smile you shared with us in your photos. 🙂 I love both of these shots. You look so like you don’t have a care in the world. Which most of your shots do, but these two images share your free spirit with us. 🙂 It makes me smile just thinking of the good time you had with Roy’s family.
This was a very touching post. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Thank you so much, Deeone! =) You know, in general, although I idealize the lifestyle, I don’t know if I would ever choose to live in a rural area like the one I visited. But I sure do appreciate it and like you say, I also appreciate the world’s diversity. =)
Aww! Thanks so much for the compliment on the photos! I hadn’t thought about it, but I love the idea of expressing a free spirit in an image. =)
Janet Callaway
Sam, aloha. You look wonderful with all the flowers in your hair and on your hat. The only thing that is missing is a lei around your neck.
Sam, I can hoenstly say that I “smell the flowers” every day and appreciate them. Where I live I am surrounded by pastoral beauty with a Hawaiian touch. It is simply magnificent.
Today I received this link from a friend which seems to be the perfect accompaniment to your post. To me, it is a flower ballet; it is simply exquisite. Enjoy.
http://player.vimeo.com/video/27920977?title=0&%3bbyline=0&%3bportrait=0href=
Best wishes for a terrific rest of the weekend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! A lei would have been a perfect addition! =) Hawaii brings to mind images of flowers and I bet you’re enjoying them daily just as you describe. =)
Thank you so much for sending that beautiful video, Janet! I imagined it as a flower ballet and it had me thinking about what it would be like to see those flowers grow bit by bit if I lived there in Huancavelica. =)
Adrienne
I LOVE the flowers in your hat Samantha! You look so beautiful with all that color around you.
I LOVE flowers. To me it’s Mother Nature’s way of showing us how much she loves us. All the color and fragrances… I wish more people would stop and smell the flowers. If I had some around me I’d certainly do that but I will when we go to the country.
Thank you for sharing this with us Samantha and it looks like you had a wonderful time.
~Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Adrienne! Thanks especially for your enthusiasm! =) I love how you describe flowers as “Mother Nature’s way of showing us how much she loves us.” Though I didn’t think of it at the time, your description sure does describe how I felt among all that beauty! =)
Joy
It’s very fleeting, but I do kind of take a mental pause when I drive Noah to school 2x/wk and see the beautiful trees lining the hills around us. I agree with you that nature does have a calming effect. Oh and those flowers!…wow they look so lovely on your hat and hair! So cute Sam! Glad you had such a relaxing time :-))
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! How lucky you are to have such beautiful scenery in your new homeland! =) Now that I think about it, there have been moments like that during drives in Vancouver too!
Aww! Thanks so much for the compliment! =) I’m definitely considering putting the picture up on Facebook, at least in an album! =)
Akos Fintor
Hey Samantha,
I never been to the Andes but I always wanted to go ever since I watched the movie “The motorcycle diaries” which is one of my favorite movies.
ps: You look cute with those flowers!
cheers
Akos
Samantha Bangayan
I love that movie, Akos! They had some really excellent scenes there and I imagine you would love the Andes too. =)
Aww! Thanks for the compliment, friend! =)
Penelope J.
What gorgeous flowers! If they are abundant in that place, it must be a glorious area to live in. I imagine that a life surrounded by such natural beauty must be full of happiness and fulfillment. It heartens your soul to see that the world still offers such a wealth of natural beauty. How often in life have we missed out on the opportunity to pause and enjoy what this world has to offer.
Samantha Bangayan
It seems like many of the farms had gardens with beautiful flowers like the ones I picked! I had always imagined the Andes filled with farms like what I see near the city her, but it was new for me to see gardens too. =)
You know exactly what I mean, Pennie! It certainly “heartened my soul” to almost be a part of that beauty for a short while. =)
Claire Bowen
Great picture of you, Samantha!
Totally agree about the effects of nature (especially gorgeous flowers like those!) – City life often is too rushed and too busy – and finding beauty and tranquility can be a challenge. It is good to have reminders like this to ‘smell the roses’ wherever possible – even if not in the stunning scenery of the Andes ;o)
Samantha Bangayan
Thank you so much, Claire! =) I’m starting to get used to putting up pictures of myself. =P
It really is a challenge, isn’t it? Somehow, it just felt so natural to pass the time picking flowers there in Huancavelica. I’m sure I could do so here in Huancayo too, but life here doesn’t seem to match the activity. =P
The Pepperrific Life
Sadly, the only roses I have come in close contact with recently are those on my PC desktop!
Yup, when we’re surrounded by nature, we are reminded of the simple things in life. These are the things we fail to appreciate when we’re too wrapped up in our everyday lives. I wish I had at least a garden to escape to everyday- even just for a few hours.
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Those roses count, Pepper! That reminds me, I should include some flowers on my digital vision board, so I have a garden in the future! =)
You describe it so well — I often myself “wrapped up” in everyday life. Maybe we need to plan these moments, so we don’t get too sucked into negativity and routine. =P
J.D. Meier
> I wonder if living surrounded by nature can make you more grateful and observant.
when I was stranded in a campground for longer than expected, I came to appreciate nature quite a bit more. I loved waking up with the Sun and going to sleep in the woods to the sounds that came out at night.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s such a perfect example, JD! It’s about taking advantage of misfortune (i.e., being stranded). What a beautiful image of going to sleep in the woods to the sounds of nature. =)
Leonor Miller
I love Country side. I always go to my village to spend the vacations and enjoy very much. The flowers here are very beautiful. I love the beauty of nature at this place..
Samantha Bangayan
It’s so great to meet you Leonor! =) You are so lucky to have your village to escape too. =) I’d love to see pictures of it!
Mac
I love nature and also spend sometime with it by staring at the blue sky, listening to the singing of the birds. Lives has become very busy but I feel everyone must spend sometime everyday with nature. Thanks for the useful post!
Samantha Bangayan
Mac, it’s so great to meet you! Thanks for taking the time to comment! =) I wish there were more days with clear blue skies here in Huancayo. We’re in thunderstorm season right now, so it’s been pretty gloomy these days. =P
Gabriella
I must admit with you, there is a sense of honest beauty within rural areas. I love going out and seeing how people live their lives there in comparison to those in the cities.
I also find life in the city rushed and people are so consumed with their own thoughts that they seem to have no time when it comes to being friendly – it’s sad.
Sadly, I have not had time to go out and experience the natural beauty around and about. Whenever we drive passed the more secluded beach areas, I always say that I want to go there. Mainly, want to go to the countryside or a farm.
Samantha Bangayan
Same here, Gabriella! People in rural communities seem so much more carefree and connected. =)
I hope you do find the time to soak in nature very soon! It’ll do wonders for city stress! =)
Anna
I want to go there!!!! It seems like a fairy tail…And it seems so pure..and UN-spoiled and preserved!!I fell in love with it:)
Samantha Bangayan
Anna! It’s so great to meet you! =) Thanks for sharing your thoughts and energy. My experience in Huancavelica was definitely like a fairytale. =)
A Sunshiny Blogger and Expat in Peru - What Little Things
[…] What Little Things Reflecting on the little things in life in Huancayo, Peru. Skip to content HomeAbout the BlogComment PolicyAbout the AuthorContactBlogroll ← Smelling the Flowers in the Andes […]
Adeline
Really love what you did with the hat. Such beautiful flowers, Samantha. Now that you mentioned it, it’s been a while since I really took time to stop and take things slow (mainly ‘coz of so many events and work to be finished). After reading your post, I’m definitely going to schedule one day this coming week to just relax and unwind. Thanks for such a wonderful reminder, my friend! 😀
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thanks so much, Adeline! =) Even though I moved to Peru to learn to live a slower lifestyle, it’s been tough for me too, especially being connected to the high-speed world of the Internet all the time!
I hope you *do* find the time to relax! =)
Paula
I love that picture of you in your flower hat! Last month, on a road-trip to Dollywood, I got to enjoy seeing all the trees in their autumn colors. They were beautiful! I guess that is the closest I’ve come to “stopping to smell the flowers” lately. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Thank you, Paula! =) I was nervous about posting it, so it means a lot to get positive feedback. =)
Wow! Road trips are the best when it comes to scenic views for all the in-between drives. =) Loving the image you describe of autumn and its trees. =) Hope you smelled them! =)
Lynn Brown
So cute Samantha! The flowers are beautiful just like you …. and we really do need to stop and smell the roses (as they say here in the US). I am lucky as I live in a small town on the Central Coast in California. Only 25 minutes from the ocean and one a few miles from rolling country hills filled with horses, cows and vineyards. I always enjoying taking time for nature and your post today is a wonderful reminder -thanks Samantha!
Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea that you lived in a small town, Lynn! For some reason, I totally imagined you in LA or San Francisco. =)
You are so lucky to have such beauty around you with the ocean and vineyards nearby. =) Love your descriptions. =)
Bonnie Copeland
Samanthat you are so right. I have lived in both rural, semi-rural and now (sigh) a bigger city. Some days I feel so much sadness for all that I see people are missing. You can watch them march along, get on the train, get off the trains…march. For me it’s just awful. The morning commute is just full of life-zombies! I once took my grade two class out and we spent science class exploring the spring buds and talking about the growth and what will happen next. It was amazing the curiosity and pleasure and they learned so much. Shame we can’t take time to look and explore like that more often.
You however, look simply radiant in your flowered hat! Love that beautiful smile.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I hadn’t realized that you’ve lived in so many different *types* of places, Bonnnie. =) I sigh when I think about living in a bigger city again too. Marching is a good description — I got sick of marching to and from the Canada Line everyday and packing myself into a train where everyone in is their own little world. =P
How cool that you took your class out to explore the world around them! That’s what we encouraged mothers in rural communities here in Peru to do too. =) And I remember a friend of mine imagining a new type of education where it would be all about exploring and researching together with as many classes outside as possible. =) Wouldn’t that be amazing! =)
Aww! And thanks for the amazing compliment, Bonnie. =) You made my day!
Janettte Fuller
Beautiful flowers, Samantha ~ You look so pretty.
I live in a rural area and love it. Our favorite wild flowers in Texas are the bluebonnets.
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thank you so much, Janette! =) Flowers can make any girl feel pretty, I think. =)
I just Googled bluebonnets and love the image of fields of them! =) You are one lucky lady to have such beautiful flowers nearby. =)
Sherry Zander
You look adorable in those pictures with all those flowers. Hey, I had no clue that Roy had relatives living in the area. You’ll have to give us the skinny on that story sometime. Would love to hear it.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Thank you SOO much, Sherry! =) What a great idea to write a bit more about Paucarbamba. =)