Reggaeton heals I have so much to thank reggaeton for; it has been present in many important moments of my life, and it will likely continue to be so. From my first kiss to my first party, my first one-night-stand to milestones like finishing school, starting university, leaving Peru, arriving in Germany, and returning to Peru after some years, even in the depths of my sorrow when my dad passed away. Reggaeton has been my solace, inspiring paintings and filling me with positive energy, dispelling the bad vibes. For me, reggaeton is about surrendering to the music and the person you're dancing with, even if it's just yourself, and falling in love for as long as the song plays. It's the embodiment of passion and pleasure, expressed in words that many shy away from. It's worth spending hours in the shower or at work, dancing in front of the mirror, and even in places with questionable reputations. It's worth rubbing up against strangers.

Agua de Calzón After a period of unsuccessful ventures in love, I met a man who captured my heart. Nights brimming with conversation and playful flirt led me to believe that he felt the same. However, as friends had warned me, German men are slow and shy, prompting me to take matters into my own hands. My aunt Elena had already imparted wisdom on this matter, and countless women sought advice from my uncle Pancho. The renowned 'Agua de Calzón' (Panties Water), a legendary elixir coveted by individuals like myself, eager to love and be loved. This potion promises to make the one who drinks it fall madly in love with you.
Without hesitation, I devised a plan. The challenge: wearing the same underwear for three consecutive days, in order to create a tea to be given during a romantic dinner to my beloved-to-be. This 'amarre'—a term denoting the bewitchment of a partner, common in Latino culture—may prove arduous, yet its efficacy is undeniable. It induces a sense of desperation in the recipient, rendering them unable to rest or eat in sustenance without your presence—a thought that fills me with satisfaction.

Egg cleansing The egg cleansing ritual has been passed down through generations, spanning many years, as a means to dispel the infamous "evil eye." Since my childhood, my aunts performed this ritual on me, just as my grandmother did on them. The egg, symbolizing life's essence, possesses the ability to absorb negative energies, comparable to a fetus absorbing its mother's energies. This healing practice is observed in various cultures in Mesoamerica.
Having practiced it throughout my life, I discovered upon arriving in Germany that it was not commonplace in this part of the world. I began offering the ritual to several friends, particularly during the waning moon phase, and they reported feeling rejuvenated afterwards.

Pancho´s Home Office I lived under this room for some years, which included an altar crafted by his own hands. Uncle Pancho was a healer, a witch doctor, a shaman. His clientele hailed from diverse backgrounds, including politics. He offered counsel to politicians, recommending specific rituals to attract abundance and foster success. Engaging in moorings and prayer, he supported individuals navigating through challenging phases in their lives, with photographs of these individuals adorning the walls of his room. He was beloved by all.
From him, I gleaned invaluable insights into our culture, our family, our ancestors, and the virtue of simplicity. He embodied traditional Macho, with a penchant for being attended to, a trait often unquestioned in our conservative family. Upon his passing, my aunts took it upon themselves to cleanse the room, incinerating its contents with the belief that leaving anything behind would invite misfortune. "It's bad luck to leave everything in there," they proclaimed.