Hola mundo!
My first time here in South America and let's just say it was not what I was expecting! I am in Cusco City, Peru and it's cold! So don't think I am here soaking up the rays. I'm high up in the mountains actually 11,200 ft above sea level, just a tad bit higher than Chicago (595 ft)! I've been here almost a month and I am so in love. The most beautiful thing is walking down my street and seeing the mountains in the distance. I am currently living with a host family, most have seen pictures of my adorable puppy Pelusa, my host brother Kadel and my sister Gabriella. One of my favorite parts of traveling is meeting new people and learning their stories. Working with Proyecto Peru has really given me another chance at experiencing a semester abroad. They have activities every week and they've really helped me not only experience the beautiful city of Cusco but they've helped me feel accepted and comfortable in a totally new place. For starters Cusco is a gorgeous city filled with too many churches to count and so many little streets to go down and explore! My first two weeks consisted of intense Spanish classes! Each morning I'd wake up, eat lots of bread with jam and tea and then walk down my lovely street to the Proyecto Peru office and have 4 hours of classes with my wonderful teacher Paul. Afterwards I was usually brain dead but the friends I met kept me out of my room and helped me to explore the city! My host sister was so wonderful bringing me to a cover band concert of the Arctic Monkeys my first weekend and that's where I met a couple other Peruvian friends! These past few weeks have had their ups and downs and I couldn't have asked for a better chance at diving into this culture and this city. From visiting the infamous Christo Blanco to climbing waterfalls, this experience has been one I don't ever want to forget. As of now I am volunteering 4/5 hours a day at an all boys orphanage, yes they are a handful, but when you can make them smile all the pushing and hair pulling makes it all worth it. I am planning on attending SIUE and majoring in psychology and anthropology and this orphanage has opened my eyes on how to handle children very delicately, most times all you can give them is love and attention. This has been my first extensive period at an orphanage at it has had it's challenges but these boys are always on my mind, what's the newest game I can bring them or how can I teach them how to read. The next month I will be working at the orphanage and then if/when my Spanish improves I will be changing and moving to a safe house for teenage mothers and working with the social worker and psychologist at the home. Everyday has been a new experience and I always try to go down a different road or try a new food just to make each day here worth it! Life is too short not to enjoying the most of it. I love learning and I am trying to make the most of this beautiful country. Here's to the future and the many more adventures that I will be taking!
Viva la vida loca!
