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