Last night while eating dinner on my front porch I had a funeral procession pass in front of my house. Here in Lobitos, Peru when a person dies the entire community gets together and pays homage to them. The deceased is carried through town on the back of a vehicle, while the towns people actually walk behind the vehicle. The funeral procession starts at the top of Lobitos and works its way towards the cemetery. The procession takes approximately an hour to complete. My house is located towards the end of town, and close to the cemetery. With my house being located where it is I have seen many funeral processions passing by, but as I was eating dinner I realized that I had no clue where the funerals were being held. So I decided to ask some questions and find out the answer. Lets get on old blue and start heading to the cemetery and I'll fill you in on what I learned.
It turns out that there are two cemeteries which are located just past my house. One cemetery is called the "gringo" cemetery, and the other one is called the Peruvian cemetery. Lobitos was mostly built by a group of English oil workers back in the early 1900's. This is why you will find architecture here which is based on old colonial style. One other thing the English introduced to Lobitos was the town cemetery. So there are two separate cemeteries, but they are not separated by race. Time is the only reason why there are now two resting places for the dead here in Lobitos. Well we are here at the turn to head to the gringo cemetery. This is my first time coming here as well.
So this is the road my neighbor told me to turn on to head to the gringo cemetery. I would say it doesn't look to inviting, but I am going to follow directions and go for it.
So while traveling on the road to get to the gringo cemetery I was stopped by the local security. They wanted to know what I was doing in the area and I explained that I was looking for the gringo cemetery. Without hesitation the guard waved me on my way. When I got to the entrance of the cemetery I realized why there was security. The cemetery is located right next to the buildings where the military keeps their explosives. If you look above you will see one of several buildings which were in close proximity. Just to translate for you...the words read Danger.Explosives.
Now that we have made it past security, and we are standing at the entrance of the gringo cemetery, lets head inside and explore the area. This cemetery is no longer used by the townspeople so there is not much of a path to follow. Let us be as careful as possible so as not to desecrate the burial sites.
I have to say that was a pretty heavy feeling I had being in there. The cycle of life never stops.
So I know where the Peruvian cemetery is...I have just never been there. I am thinking today is the day to go check it out. Lets beat tracks and get on our way.
That is a much more grandiose entrance I would say. The road went from asphalt to brick pavers, and there is an entrance gate with concrete walls. Impressive! Might as well head inside and check out the area.
Looks like there are tombstones and other accessories for sale if needed.
Look over here there is an obelisk. I have now discovered five different obelisk here in Lobitos. The locals think I am weird for noticing them(the obelisk). It is just that they make me think of the free masons, but that is a different story. I am going to take a picture of the obelisk, than I am going to haul my butt out that door.
One thing for certain in life is death and taxes, and I'm not ready for either one of them on this day. I think I am going to head over to the ocean and get a different perspective on life. I'm not ready to give up yet and am looking forward to tomorrow. Until then I hope you all have a great afternoon...and please go out and enjoy some life!