Cusco, Peru, is a city that resonates with spirituality, history, and a unique blend of cultures. High in the Andes mountains, this ancient city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire, and its streets are lined with cobblestones that whisper tales of the past. In this enchanting setting, English teachers play a vital role in connecting Cusco to the wider world. The tourist industry fuels the need to learn English as well as the ambitions that students have to travel or work in English countries. Let’s explore a day in the life of one such English teacher who not only imparts language skills but also embraces the spiritual significance of this remarkable city.
Rising with the Sun
I have always felt like a very spiritual person and enjoy some things that the people from my small town in the US might find strange, but here I have found a home. For me, the day begins early, just as the sun peeks over the majestic mountains behind my apartment. The alarm rings at 5:30 am, and I embrace the tranquility of the dawn as I prepare for the day ahead. Morning rituals include a moment of meditation, drawing inspiration from Cusco’s rich spiritual history. The city was once the center of the Inca civilization, dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Inti. I feel a deep connection to this ancient spirituality, which serves as a guiding force throughout my day.
7:00 am: The Classroom Beckons
With a brisk walk through the picturesque streets of Cusco, I head to my morning English classes at the Maximo Nivel institute across from “Qorikancha”, the sight of the ancient Inca sun temple. The students at the institute are a diverse mix of local university students and working professionals. Here, they embark on a journey of linguistic discovery, but I ensure that my lessons are not just about grammar and vocabulary. We share stories of the city’s history and culture, weaving in the spiritual significance of the surrounding landscapes. The students learn not only the English language but also teach me about the soul of Cusco.
Embracing the Break
At 9:00 am, the morning classes come to a close, and I have a brief respite before my evening sessions. I use this time to explore the city’s spiritual gems. Cusco is home to ancient temples, such as Qorikancha, once dedicated to the worship of the Inca gods and the sun, Saqsaywaman a citadel on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco. I visit these sacred sites to reconnect with the city’s mystical energy, grounding herself in the ancient traditions that continue to thrive in Cusco.
4:00 pm: The Afternoon Reverie
As the sun begins its descent, I return to the classroom, ready to impart more knowledge. The afternoon sessions are pretty much the same as the morning classes, but with less coffee. I encourage my students to explore literature, philosophy, and art, fostering a holistic understanding of the English language. The afternoon is a good time to meet people at the Maximo Nivel institute because the cafeteria is more bustling and filled with locals and international travelers.
6:00 pm: An Hour of Reflection
My evening classes pause for a one-hour break at 6:00 pm, some months my break was at a different hour, but I always have one hour to rest. During this time, I indulge in a moment of reflection at Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square. I gaze at the imposing Cathedral of Cusco, which was built on the foundations of an Inca temple, symbolizing the complex interplay of cultures in the city’s history. The energy of the square, filled with locals and tourists alike, reminds her of the vibrant spirit of Cusco. Other times I head to the “Wanchaq” market near the institute to get fresh fruit juice in a giant jug with any combination of fruits that you can imagine. To be honest I have also just spent this break taking a nap on the sofas in the teachers lounge, not very spiritual, but welcome all the same.
9:00 pm: Lessons Concluded
The evening classes draw to a close at 9:00 pm, marking the end of another fulfilling day for our English teacher. I may be tired from hours of teaching, but my spirit is invigorated by the knowledge that I have shared the beauty of language and the depth of Cusco’s spirituality with my students. In Cusco, being an English teacher is more than a job; it’s a calling to bridge the gap between cultures and languages while embracing the spiritual essence of this extraordinary city. I, like many others in my profession here, play a vital role in preserving the rich history and traditions of Cusco while opening its doors to the world. Cusco has captivated me with it’s energy and sense of spirituality.