Colour-coordinated courage in Cusco, Peru

AFTER A THRILLING MORNING EXPLORING the terraces and temples of Machu Picchu, I found myself wandering across Plaza de Armas, the lively beating heart of Cusco.

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The sun had just set and the Plaza was lit up in the brightest lights with people popping in and out of souvenir shops and coffee houses. My mind wandered back to the day's high, feeling slightly underwhelmed by the evening ahead.

As I stood watching the crowds, I noticed police officers stationed all around the plaza. Something about it nudged a ridiculous, persistent thought into my mind, a thought I tried hard to brush aside. I headed off for a quiet solo dinner, convincing myself to behave sensibly. But fate had other plans. On my walk back, I spotted a group of five officers standing together, and a small spark of impulsive courage flared up inside me.