Inti Raymi in Tilcara, Juyuy Argentina

Greeting to all my relations,

i hope all is well with my family in Turtle Island, just wanted to take this time to update every body on the situation here on the southern route. Everyday seems to get more beautiful and the communities have been incredible.

This past week we took part in one of the most beautiful ceremonies since i have been on the run. On June 20th we ran to the town of Tilcara where we were greeted in a big way. The community had gathered and welcomed us to their Inti Raymi Celebration with was getting started. Inti Raymi is the Andean New Year and marks the begining of winter. We gathered around their fire and shared a beautiful circle.

Afterwards we enjoyed traditional food and drinks for the celebration, and stayed up all night sharing songs with the grandmas and the traditional musicians.

At about 5am we all grabbed an offering and climbed up a mountain playing music the whole way up. When we got to the top we GAthered in circle around another fire, shared a sacred drink and had many round dances. When the sun started to peek, we stopped and recieved the first rays of the new year. Then each of us offered a prayer to the fire and gave an offering of sacred coca leaves. Then we clebrated some more dancing and singing and being in harmony with our surroundings. ....

Our gratitude goes out to the community there in Tilcara for everything we were able to share during those days, and also to the communities that recieved us there after, the communities of Humahuaca, tras cruces, La Quica and any communnity i may have missed. They are all now part of this beautiful prayer that we are taking accross the continent.

Jallalla brothers and sisters.... and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oscar