Jorge Astocondor Salazar Lopez
An uncle whose beach home and love for family created memories where cousins became lifelong friends.
Some of my favorite family memories take me back to weekends at the beach, surrounded by my cousins, my aunt Luchita, and my uncle Jorge, whom everyone in our family lovingly knows as tio George. Those trips became some of the happiest moments of my childhood and are memories I continue to treasure today.
When we were younger, tio George would often invite the whole family to his beach house in Los Pulpos, Lurin. Spending those weekends together with my cousins was always something we looked forward to. We spent our days swimming, playing, laughing, and simply enjoying being together as a family.
One thing I always remember is that tio George had a few rules that everyone respected. The boys slept in one room, and the girls slept in another. At the time, it was simply the way things were done, but looking back, I appreciate the importance he placed on caring for the family and creating clear boundaries. It is one of those lessons that has stayed with me, and I often think about it now as a father. When Alyssita grows up and spends time with her cousins, I know I will probably follow that same example.
Although tio George did not visit Cieneguilla as often as some of my other uncles, he was always present for many of our birthdays, Christmas celebrations, and important family gatherings. He was thoughtful, generous, and never seemed to arrive without bringing a gift or something to share with everyone.
As the years passed, many of our family gatherings moved to his beach house in Punta Hermosa. One of my favorite memories from my last visit to Peru was spending time there with my cousins, tio George, and tia Luchita. During the day we played volleyball, walked along the beach, and enjoyed being together. At night we gathered around the table for hours playing Monopoly, UNO, Stratego, and other board games that became part of our family's traditions. Stratego was always one of my favorites because it challenged us to think and compete while having fun together.
One of the things that has always made me smile about tio George is his sense of humor. He has a sarcastic wit that can catch you by surprise, and his laughter is unforgettable. His laugh is so contagious that it often made everyone else laugh too. Even today, when I think about him, I can still hear that distinctive laugh, and it immediately brings back happy memories.
I also remember the many conversations we shared over the years. One thing that always stood out to me was the admiration and respect he had for his father, my grandfather, Papa Eugenio. He always spoke about him with pride, sharing stories and memories that reflected how much he loved and respected him. Listening to him talk about my grandfather helped me appreciate even more the values and legacy that have been passed down through our family.
When I think about tio George today, I think about beach weekends, board games that lasted late into the night, family laughter, thoughtful conversations, and a home where cousins gathered year after year. Those moments may seem simple, but they became part of some of the happiest memories of my childhood. They remind me how important family traditions can be and how the places we gather often become the memories we treasure for a lifetime.