For years and years I have been proud to know that Cuzco, the center of the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyo) and its Main Square remained true to their nature of ancient city. The walls of Inca Palaces and Temples as well as the cobblestone streets were all original and well kept, which made a stroll by the square a truly fantastic experience. You could see Inca walls, beautiful old Catholic Churches (built on top of the walls, but still pretty) Colonial Balconies painted in bright blue, Mountains covered in green, local cafes and people from all over the world visitin the city and enjoying the landscape.
The Government of Cuzco had refused to accept for years and years the offers from fast food chains (and really any commercial chains) that seeing the potential, wanted open their doors in the Imperial City. I felt that was so great. You always had a fantastic variety of options when drinking and eating, from local "picanterias" where a set menu served to your table costed US$1 (including dessert or a drink) to fancy restaurants or cafes.
Yesterday, I read in livinginperu.com some news about Starbucks, KFC and Mc Donalds finally managing to get into not only the city but the Main Square! I was devastated... Why is that we need a Starbucks when Cuzco has a fantastic coffee and a cup of fresh brewed coffee in a nice cafe costs less than US$0.50? Why in the world would people prefer Mc Donalds instead of some fresh local fare served in a nice local restaurant? I am all for new employment opportunities but I don't think this was necessary, not only that, but the beautiful landscape will be forever changed with the pair of Golden Arches and buckets of greasy chicken everywhere.
It was a sad day for me and for many people I know.
Gigi Pedraza
www.incakids.org
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mc Donalds, KFC & Starbucks In Cuzco
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1 comments:
Gigi -- I agree with you totally! McDonald's and Starbucks and KFC cheapen the Plaza de Armas. It is up to activists in Cusco to stand up to city officials. McDonald's has already moved in, but there is time to save the Ayllu.
People must organize public demonstrations, however. This battle can't be won at the computer only.
Note that money from the US corporations funnels directly to the U.S. and does not give back to the Peruvian economy. Not even the potatoes used in the Cusco MacDonald's french fries are from Peru. Horrible!
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