With climate change our weather is different every year from what it was in the past. The year’s seasons show greater fluctuation. This is more visible in some areas of the world than in others. In many cases it is causing economic and social damage.
Still, the cold in the Andes blows from corner to corner from dusk. It leaves tracks of frost on roofs, grass, water, and even on our streams. They change from a liquid state to solid. Our rocky hills get painted like snowy peaks, as if this were in style.
In the morning roosters crow with a tenuous and hoarse voice until they can warm up their vocal chords with the arrival of the sun. Like roosters, workers begin their daily routine by preparing everything for the day, their feet straightforward and faith raised up to be able to obtain their most desired dreams.
The sky dresses in blue with few clouds. The sun gives its first rays and they are like a caress from warm hands. But with the passage of hours the earth becomes hotter and people began to look for something liquid to calm their thirst. Without drinking even a drop of water it would be hard to put all their effort into their work, especially if they work outside.
Many people who are out and about, making their rounds, such as taxi drivers, need to rehydrate themselves to continue on a hot day.
They find different options for slaking their thirst. They might drink a cold and delicious glass of chicha morada with slices of apple inside. Or they could have a limeade, a glass of corn chicha, or a refreshing soda of whatever brand they like. They might also drink a cold beer.
In our streets and markets you will also hear roaming vendors, caseras, shouting “maté”. This refers to bottles and glasses of refreshing and cold herb tea made from “cooling herbs”. They are one of the most loved things for us Cusqueños to drink to beat our thirst. They are also very inexpensive, costing only about 1 sol. Of course, if we are at home we can also take a cold bath or shower to cool our bodies and give them fresh breath.
Afternoon claims its own and the breeze begins to caress faces tired from a day of hard work. It is time to return home to enjoy supper and rest. On street corners you will always find emolientes, barley and herb infusions served hot, to warm you and protect you from the cold dropping onto the city. People with layers of clothes on now stand by the carts sipping a hot glass, warming their insides and their hands holding the glass, as they gain energy after their busy day.
Hot coffee is what lifts the spirits of those who continue their work day into the night.
At home, people drink fava bean ponche or a cup of hot chocolate with milk
along with their family and have a good dinner before getting into bed and resting, in order to have energy for the next day with all its difficulties, sorrows, and joys, as well as new adventures.
This is our daily round of cold, hot, cold along with its drinks that change according to time and temperature.
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