Between Pisco & Nazca

Speaking of drinking Pisco, I remember that in the Villacuri Valley (Pampa de Villacurí-Ica), when the workweek ended, there was always a moment to sit under the cool shade of a ficus tree and have a Pisco. I didn't know the customs. I had drunk Pisco at my grandparents' and uncles' houses, each with their own glass. However, in Ica, when there are births, marriages, graduations, etc. a jug of Pisco, especially Quebranta, is always present. At these gatherings, we formed a circle to share, the Pisco arrived, and the person to my left served it, not without first pouring a few drops onto the ground for Pachamama (mother earth), payment to the earth. And they offered me the bottle: "Cheers with you," to which I responded: "Cheers with you. Thank you." Once the glass was empty, the same person cleaned it, shook it, and passed it to me. After pouring me a drink, they offered the bottle with "cheers to you" to my right, continuing the round successively until the jug was empty. Since I was relatively new to these things, I filled my glass to the top. Of course, by the third glass, I was asking for help, while a delicious mashed of peruvian beans (pallares), with pork fat & rice was being prepared.