Dear Roanne,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to update you on my recent fieldwork experiences in Peru, which were indeed rather different than anticipated in the research design plan you approved – as fieldwork typically goes, as well as seek your guidance on a few matters.
Over the past few weeks, I have visited several farms, most notably staying with a farmer named Alberto, a guardian of native potatoes. I found his business acumen remarkable and appreciated how he strategically marketed over 300 potato varieties to local restaurants. His family welcomed me warmly, and I participated in a ritual honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), which was both enlightening and culturally significant.
Following that, I traveled to a more isolated village, Chua Chua, home to what many consider the last Incas. The landscape was breathtaking, and I participated in an intense spiritual ritual that further deepened my understanding of the significance of potatoes in their culture. I also had the chance to engage with locals and observe cultural festivities, which added a rich layer to my understanding of the region. However, I must admit the intensity of these experiences, paired with the altitude and physical exertion, left me feeling socially and physically drained – I am constantly talking to people, either socializing with them or interviewing them, and I feel it is so hard to find some focus to write, or simply to process all them I am learning?
I am currently in Cusco, where I decided to take a break to focus on writing and processing my experiences, and I am writing to you because I have a couple of questions. First, do you have any recommendations on how to manage the emotional and physical toll that intensive fieldwork can sometimes bring? I want to ensure that I maintain my energy and enthusiasm while gathering data. Additionally, I would appreciate any advice on how best to balance the qualitative and quantitative aspects of my findings as I begin to synthesize them for my thesis.
Thank you for your support!
