The 153rd Episode : Inca Empire
[September, 1999 Lima, Peru]
When I hear the word Peru, I associate it with the Inca Empire, the Andes, Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines. But I’ve not been there, seen them and experienced. I went to close to them, but can’t help it due to my job.
Peru was the centre of the Inca Empire, that was the largest empire in the world until the 16th century. There is soft beverage of the name. Yes, it’s Inca Cola. The colour is gold referring the legendary land “El Dorado (The Golden Hills)” that was believed to exist deep in the Andes. It tastes sweet and is not very carbonated. It has the largest market share in Peru ahead of Coca-Cola. We can obtain it now in Japan, it’s said.
And the Andes reminds me of its music, folklore. The distinctive tones and melodies of the musical instruments are striking and melancholy. “El Cóndor Pasa” many people might know. When I was leaving Peru I heard the sound of a quena (Andean flute) in a waiting room, that sounded like the tune which a tourist seemed to want to play. Sorry but it sounded like so poor. A young German guy, one of a group tourists, was practicing the instrument.
When people hold a quena (Andean flute), he/she wants to play the tune. I also purchased a quena (Andean flute) as most people do, but can't play the tune as at now.
