February 7, 2025

Chongae and I really like to take off on our own when we come to a new port, but Salaverry was about 45 minutes from our intended destination of Trujillo, so we had to take a bus. In December, in Cadiz, Spain we visited The Royal Andalusian School. (see blog of December 16, 2024) The school is well known for its “dancing stallions” presentations staged in its purpose-built arena designed in 1980 by the Spanish architect Jose Luis Picardo. The school is also devoted to conserving the ancestral abilities of the Andalusian horse. After seeing this beautiful breed, we wanted to see the equally beautiful Peruvian Paso horse. This sub-equine breed, originally from Peru, has the gentlest gait of the riding horses with a unique four-step timing. The horses are descendants of the Barbican Cordovan horse that the Spaniards introduced during the Conquest of Peru (1532). They were bred to cross the Peruvian deserts, moving the front and back hoof of the same side simultaneously, creating an amble-like step. The main breeding places of these horses are in Trujillo, where we planned to see an afternoon horse show.

On the bus ride to Trujillo, we passed some very impoverished neighborhoods where basic necessities and sanitation were lacking. Most noteworthy were a father and son who were dressed as clowns hoping for those passing buy to offer some spare change. It is always difficult for me to just drive by and not be able to help.

Enroute to Trujillo, the bus made about a 25-minute stop at a town square. Not unusual in this part of the world for passengers to buy some things and for the bus driver to get a quick street food lunch. As is very common there was a small church in the town square. When I travel, I love stopping in churches and supermarkets. Both reveal to me a lot about the culture.

Although it was about 11:30 a.m. on a Friday, as I set in the pew of the church numerous people seemed to stop in as if to just say “Hi to God”.

I don’t know if we do that in America, or perhaps because I don’t, I don’t know if people do or don’t. But here it appeared to be like an everyday event. I wouldn’t normally take a photo, but a grandma came in and knelt a little bit in front of me, so I confidentially took a photo to memorialize it for you.

A short time later an event occurred that was very touching to me, so I photographed it as well.

A father came into the church with his young daughter. He went up to a kneeler to pray while his daughter waited in the pew. After he was finished, he returned to the pew and his young daughter went up to the kneeler to pray by herself. When she finished, they both left the church holding hands.

I thought it was so courageous and loving of that father to allow his young daughter to develop her own relationship with God. I also wondered what that little girl’s prayers were about. I assumed that they were less complicated than her dad’s. Yet the Bible says: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, (trusting, humble and forgiving) you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was emphasizing the importance of having childlike qualities in the way we relate with God.

It’s funny how in a 25-minute bus stop you can learn a valuable lesson.

I need to make my prayers less complicated.

When we finally arrived in Trujillo, we were not disappointed. Besides an amazing horse show, we were treated to a beautiful display of Peruvian dance.

The Paso Horse show was outstanding and like The Royal Andalusian School “dancing stallions” my photos cannot do justice. I recommend you simple google “Paso Horses” to see some videos of these beautiful horses. They are big as evidenced by this photo of Chongae standing by one.

Sunday we will be in Lima, Peru to visit with some amazing men who are making a real difference in their communities.

Thanks for traveling with us.