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Published: April 25th 2012
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Cusco
The cathedral in Cusco Alright folks I went to Machu Picchu. AH-MA-ZING!!! I now understand what the big deal was all about. Seriously, incredible, I mean words don't even describe it... the history, the views, it's just-- majestic. I would say it definitely counts as something you should do before you die (not to be morbid haha). I went with little Julia, the younger Julia (not my roommate) that was actually living in the Home. I'll be sure to post pictures.
On the way to Machu Picchu, you pass through the city of Cusco, it's like included in any tour you purchase. Super cute city. It's very different from Arequipa; it's colder, and wetter but also greener. It was awesome, it was really touristy, but it was still fun to explore somewhere new. Did some serious shopping... get excited 😉 stayed in a cute little hostel, did all the touristy stuff, went to the cathedral, and all the Inca museums. Incans= smart, STRONG people. Made me feel super underachieved haha. We took a bus over to and back from Cusco and didn't experience any real problems. It was cold on the way over there and smelly on the way back. Haha, when in Perú
I suppose. It was a whirl-wind trip. I MUST say-- If I did have everything in the world to do over again, I would have done the Inca trail HANDS DOWN. I love to hike, and I would love the bragging rights of doing it.. maybe one day on a vacation or perhaps a honeymoon?? Hah, we'll see. Either way, my recommendation for hikers, save up, shape up and do the Inca Trail, for travelers that have seen museums and Cathedrals already.. don't do every single thing that comes in the City Tour package of Cusco, and for my broke friends reading-- Machu Picchu, if nothing else go there-- make it happen.
Ok what's going on in my world in beautiful Arequipa? Well, we're out of rainy season so it is beautiful Arequipa again! We have been for about a month, but it randomly rains and gets cloudy however, I'm not complaining. I'm still working, teaching English and going to the Home during the afternoons and weekends.
What more-- oh yes. We are approaching the date that my roommate Julia Black heads back to the States! I'm not excited for her departure, but I am excited to change
Traditional Dress
I didn't want to take that picture... up the routine a little down here. I will be moving back into the Home and helping there a lot more. I've looked for apartments to live in by myself for the remaing summer months. But I've decided at the end of the day I want to be living at the Home again. It will com with it's own challenges for sure, but I think it will be a good "book-end" to my time down here, and I also want to soke up all I can of the girls. 😊 I'll probably quit my English job-- but we'll see how things turn out.
It is safe to say that my honeymoon stage with Peru has officially WORN OFF! 😊
Let me explain:
I love this country for many reasons...
1. I saw a lamb on the bus the other day, which is just funny, because I was already giggling with Julia about something else. I hear this "baa-baa" sound, I look down and there's a precious little baby lamb sitting in this guy's lap in like a bag
Big rocks
Don't hate me, I can't remember why we were there.. Big rocks, the moved them? Maybe. Sorry don't judge... blanket.. so of course I lost it. You guys know how I get when I lose it,, I couldn't stop gigginling! I acted like I don't live here, and haven't for the last 5 months and did the touristy thing and took a picture! It was hilarious! Julia and I were those obnoxious gringas laughing our heads off..
2. I saw a man and his daughter herding sheep in Pachacutec, it was a dirt road, and kinda silent, and just in a cliché kinda way, it was beautiful.
3. I love learning Spanish, actually I hate it at times... but I love it haha...
4. I like the music it's all dancy,, and I do love to dance.
5. I like walking everywhere (when it's not rainy season)... 6. I'm sure there are other reasons I'm not listing but positive first...
NEGATIVES.
1. The evil looks I get every single time I get on the bus... I apologize for being a gringa, please quit staring at me. MOST of the time, these unpleasant eyes come from women, they're all mad because they're boyfriend, husband, son, male companion is looking-- NOT MY FAULT, I'm most of the time lookin like
a hot mess so please be giving him your go to hell looks, not me. 😊
2. Lack of customer service. Lack of customer service. Lack of customer service. No one is inclined, EVER, to help you in general public places.
3. Lack of efficiency. Lack of efficiency. Lack of efficiency.
I think that's all I have to complain about.. I know I sound pretty American right now-- but I am. 😊 And I always am proud of it-- ESPECIALLY when I'm abroad. Even if America's economy is a shit show right now-- no offense to republicans, democrats, Obama fans or hay-tahs, moderates, liberals, and conservatives 😊
I would easily recommend Perú to anyone. The good certainly outweighs the bad, and I have met WONDERFUL people who have been willing to help me. But like I said, I just think the honeymoon stage has worn off. However, I must remind you of the FOOD. I think the little empanadas I eat on a weekly (daily) basis are a small gift God gives to me (everyday) ... there are other dishes that are amazing, ceviche, aji de gallina (Julia Black taught me how to make it, and I make
a BANGIN aji de gallina), pollo al seco, the soups down here never run out, and there are ice cream men everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Don't worry about my cholesterol folks, I have found a gym that I go to on a regular basis. The gym has also helped in relieving daily frustrations haha. AND I am still selective with my street food selections 😊 (most days).
I'm surviving; maybe even flourishing-- I love it down here (most of the time). But like I say every update, don't let that fool you, I miss my friends and my family every single day so much more than you will ever know. Thank you for all of the love and support you all give me prayerfully, financially, mentally, emotionally, eveything! No message, text, email, monetary donation, or kind words throught the grape vine has ever gone un-noticed!
Much love from Peru!
-Elisabeth, Lizzard, Lizzie, Liz, Little-Bit, Lizzie-poo, Buger (that one's for Janet), Lizzie-Beth, Neicey, and Precious 😉
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Kim Trussell
non-member comment
Love your update! Hang in there!!