Natural beauty and rich cultural heritage
It all began with a chance encounter during a holiday trip to the Netherlands. Lisette Rey Gadea crossed paths with her future husband, and despite living in different countries, their connection remained strong throughout the years. In 2005, Lisette made the life-changing decision to leave her home country of Peru and start a new chapter in the Netherlands. In 2008, Lisette’s journey led her to imec, where she joined the accounting department in Eindhoven
Surprised by winter
Born in Miraflores, Lima province, Peru, Lisette’s childhood was graced with stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean from the cliff-top district she called home. Accustomed to the Peruvian climate, where December to March marked the summer season, she embarked on a memorable journey during the European winter of 2005. While she anticipated the Netherlands to be chilly, she was taken aback by the freezing temperatures she encountered. In Peru, even in winter, a pleasant eighteen degrees Celsius was considered cold. The contrast in weather was a stark reminder of the unique challenges that awaited Lisette in her new home.
Upon her move, Lisette wasted no time prioritizing her academic journey. Having studied economics and accountancy in Peru, she recognized the importance of staying updated with local legislation. Enrolling in a course to familiarize herself with the Netherlands’ legal framework became one of her initial steps after relocation. Determined to adapt seamlessly to her new environment, Lisette’s commitment to continuous learning was evident from the very beginning.
Celebrating culture and history
Lisette enthusiastically shared two valuable cultural gems from Peru: Inti Raymi and the Nazca Lines. Every year on the 24th of June, Inti Raymi honors the most admired god in the ancient Inca religion, God Inti. The day also signifies the shortest duration between sunrise and sunset, known as the winter solstice. Though the city of Cusco remains the focal point of the grand celebration, other places like Puno, Arequipa, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero also have variations of Inti Raymi. Even the citadel of Machu Pichu holds special commemorations and rituals.
The Nazca Lines hold great significance in Peruvian culture. These geoglyphs stretch across 19 square miles of arid land between Nazca and Palpa. The Lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca people between 200 B.C. and 500 A.C. They depict various animals, plants, geometric shapes, and humanoid figures, highlighting the artistic and technical skills of the Nazca civilization. Recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Nazca Lines are protected for their cultural and historical significance.
The golden allure of Peru
Lisette is proud of her Peruvian heritage. Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, boasting an impressive count of over 1,800 identified bird species.
This South American country also had several advanced ancient civilizations, including the Inca Empire. The Incas flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries. Machu Picchu, the most famous archaeological site nestled in the Andes Mountains, is a remarkable remnant of the Inca civilization. Today it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Before being discovered by Hiram Bingham, this lost city was ruined and hidden among the mountains and vegetation.
Another important city in Peru is Cusco, the former capital of the Incas Empire. It is also the center to explore the aboriginal Quechua culture. Most importantly, Cusco is also a world heritage site. Interestingly, Cusco is one of the most visited cities in the country, with more than 2 million visitors per year. This popularity could be attributed to its role as the starting point for tourists embarking on a journey to the iconic Machu Picchu, situated northeast of Cusco.
Must do
Acclimatize to the high altitude by spending a day or two in Cusco before embarking on your Machu Picchu adventure.
For Lisette, the opening of the Museo Regional Arqueológico Enrique Bruning de Lambayeque in 1966 made Lambayeque an essential destination. This archaeological museum became a must-see spot, showcasing the rich cultural heritage. It houses over 1,500 thousand artifacts tracing development and culture dating to 5,000 years. Another remarkable museum in the same city is the Royal Tomb of Sipan. The discovery and importance of this tomb are often compared with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt because it is the only tomb in the world from Moche culture that has not been desecrated. There are relics of textiles, ceramics, and pottery. Gold pieces such as necklaces, vests, masks, and jewelry, and the mummy of Lord Sipan, a Mohican warrior priest, are the main exhibits of the place. This tomb is currently one of the most important archeological centers after Cusco.
