July 11

Day 15

Finally, I can sit down!!!

I DID IT!!! I hiked all the way to Machu Picchu, and it only took me about two hours. Most of the day was spent getting to Machu Picchu and back, so there isn't really much to say. All I know is that if I ever go back, I'm taking a bus to the top. I don't think I could handle two hours of incredible steep stairs. The trail to Machu Picchu is about 9 km, which isn't that far, but the altitude was really what killed me. I was so exhausted that I didn't really explore and instead sat at the overview until I could walk again. My legs were shaking so much that I had to take the bus back down or risk tripping down the mountain. Though I'm really happy that I went to Machu Picchu, I actually ended up doing more on Saturday than I did on Sunday.

It was worth it

Day before I went to Machu Picchu I went to one of the biggest markets in Cusco, San Pedro. It's a sort of covered market full of stalls that sell food and souvenirs. I probably spent more than was wise, but I've just about finished all of my gift shopping. While I was in the market, I accidentally wandered into the butcher section of the market. Needless to say, I was strongly reminded why I'm a vegetarian and didn't eat lunch that day. I think I'll go back to the market again tomorrow to take pictures and finish up my shopping. And I have to go to Green Point, which is a really popular vegan restaurant in Plaza de San Francisco.

July 7

Day 11

Wow, it's day 11 already. Where did all the time go? Anyway, not much has really happened since my last post. I've finally reached that monotonous pattern that school seems to instill in everyone. Wake up, do homework, read, go to school, eat, sleep and repeat. It's kind of difficult to talk to my family, mostly because they're at work while I'm home, and I'm at school when they're home. I'm waiting for the weekend, mostly because that's the only time I'm guaranteed to be able to speak with them.

Either way, it's been kinda interesting. I tried the famous Inca Kola. It's this type of vibrant yellow soda that is unique to Perú. I was excited to try it, but not all that impressed with the flavor. It tasted like bubblegum, which was a weird flavor to be drinking. I felt like I should be at the dentists, because it was the exact same bubblegum flavor as the fluoride that they force on you. Yuck. Not the worst soda flavor I've had, but definitely not the best. It'd be a good drink for kids.

I also introduced my familia to Netflix and told them all about Disneyland. It was kinda funny to watch them get so excited over some of the rides at Disney, especially because I know that Disney is on the low end of thrill rides. But I know that I'll have an excuse to go to Disneyland in a few years :).

It was really rainy and muddy today, and I had to shuffle my feet all the way to school so I would't slip in the mud. I really wish a brought more than two sweatshirts with me. I guess it's an excuse to get a new jacket while I'm here. I hope this all clears up by Saturday; climbing Machu Picchu in the mud would be suicidal. Anyway, that's all for now. I know I'll have something more exciting by Monday for sure.

July 1, 2016

Day 5

JuIglesia de la Compañi

This afternoon was lots of fun. After school let out, I went with my classmate Sarah to the Plaza de Armas to book a train to Machu Picchu. We took the bus and had to hop on in the middle of the road. Honestly, taking public transportation in Cusco is success or death. It's actually kinda fun because you have to jump and grab hold, which means you get everywhere a lot faster. It took us a few minutes to actually figure out where the plaza was from the bus stop, but we found it.  We booked tickets to go to Machu Picchu on the 10th, so I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and write all about it. The tickets were a little pricey, but how many times am I going to have the opportunity to go to Machu Picchu?

Afterwards, we went to lunch and I finally got to try ceviche. In case you don't know, ceviche is this type of Peruvian dish where the fish is cooked/marinated in lime juice and served raw with onions and cilantro and various spices, usually with dry corn and sweet potato on the side. It was really good, but I don't think I could handle eating that much raw fish very often.

CEVICHE!!!

Before we left the plaza, Sarah and I stopped in a sort-of courtyard that had a bunch of souvenirs and I got some gifts. I think I'll go back to the plaza tomorrow and just spend the day taking pictures and perusing the shops. But I might also go to Saksaywaman too; I'm not sure yet. Either way, I have lots to look forward to this weekend.

Oh yeah, and since I'm going to be stopping by the souvenir shops at some point while I'm here, let me know if you're dying for me to get you something by leaving a comment below.

Basilica Cathedral

Cusco & Machu Picchu

June 27, 2016

Day 1

            Not really the most auspicious start to the month. My original flight was delayed by a whole day so I couldn’t leave until the day I was supposed to arrive. Oh well, these things do happen. So here I am, in Peru a day late but nevertheless here. The altitude sickness everyone warns me about hasn’t really hit yet, but I expect it will at some point while I am here. I got to meet my host family and go to the school in the same day, immediately after my plane landed. My Familia (what I’m going to call my Peruvian family) is absolutely wonderful and I couldn’t have found a more welcoming family. Edwin, his wife Claudia, his younger sister Ruth and their baby son Esteban were so kind. I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed on the cheek so often in a single hour. Maybe it’s a cultural thing. They were really excited when I gave them their gifts. It’s really lucky that they like Disney. The baby they had is just the cutest thing, but I think he’s a little alarmed by me, maybe because he’s never seen someone with natural red hair. Who knows? Anyway, immediately after I was shown around the apartment and given the chance to drop my luggage, I went straight to the school. I’m probably going to walk, just so that I don’t have to spend money on bus or cab fare. It’s sort of a long walk but it’ll help me get used to the altitude, and walking is good for the body anyway. Once Edwin took me to the school, the people at Ecela (ES) took me right up to begin my learning. Dorian was my teacher, and he was pretty understanding of me not being able to understand him all the time. I won’t bore you with the details of the lesson itself, but it was similar to how I learned last year, but with about twice the amount of writing. I’m pretty wiped from the day of flying, but traveler’s high still hasn’t worn off. I’m going to crash hard when it wears off. Either way, I’m excited for the beginning of this brilliant new adventure.

June 29, 2016

Day 3

            Boy, what a day! We have Wednesdays off from school, so today I went out with Edwin into the town. We met with his family for lunch at the restaurant Manka. The food was really good, and his family was really nice. I didn’t really understand most of what they were talking about, but I will soon. After lunch we drove up with his family to Cristo Blanco, which looks like the statue in Rio. It had a view of the entire city, and really was a muy bonita vista. Later, we drove down to “Sexy Woman” or at least that’s what it sounded like. It’s these old remains of an Incan temple, I think. We all sat down and they all had a couple of beers. They offered me one, but I said no, being a minor and all. It felt like hanging out around a fire at the beach. Everyone was singing and drinking and playing the guitar. While they were talking Edwin’s cousin asked me what my name was and I told him it was Mackenzie. Edwin looked confused and I explained to him that my name was Mackenzie, not Spence. My familia had been calling me Spence so far, and I thought it was kind of funny. I showed him my license, and they were all confused over my three names. I laughed and explained to them as best I could which name was which. I’m glad my familia knows my given name isn’t my family name anymore. It’s still pretty funny to think about. When the sun began to set, we went back to the apartment, and stopped by a panadería and got some sort of Peruvian apple pie and some rolls. The pie/cake was really good. I’ll have to get the recipe for it. Maybe I can make that instead of Mom’s apple pies once in a while. After dinner, I retreated to my bedroom to finish my tarea and here I am. Everyone is still at the apartment, and it’s pretty lively. They’re all very jovial people, and really very sweet. Edwin’s mother keeps calling me linda, which means she thinks I’m really nice/cute. It was a marvelous day today, and only the third. Back to the grindstone mañana.