Drinking Chicha in Peru

Does sacred alcohol give you the same hangover? Yup.

With my head tilted back I stare painfully into the shot glass and despair. I haven’t downed it fast enough; a sickly sludge has formed and it’s slowly sliding towards my mouth. This must be at least my twentieth of the night and it’s starting to taste like vomit. I close my eyes and throw my head back further.

Finished, I swing the glass towards the floor spraying the dregs on the ground. Not a sign of defeat, this is the tradition. The drink gone I smugly pass the empty glass to a fellow gringo, his heart sinks at the sight of it, but on turning back I’m instantly handed another empty glass and more chicha.


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