Following our departure from Puno, we arrived in Ica in the evening. From the bus station we loaded into tuk-tuks to take us to the Hucachina oasis. Upon arrival, we visited a food truck and obtained burgers before heading to bed. The next morning, I woke up to music, but that was not the only surprise. I went outside to join my peers for breakfast. My jaw dropped as I realized our hostel backed up to the oasis. I had had no idea that the lake was right there, and that it was surrounded by … [Read more...]
Peru Student Blog #7
I did not think that I was going to like Arequipa. I had visions of it just being another big city with little to differentiate it from any other. But upon arrival, I realized that it is hard to compete with a rooftop terrace. It was like a different world up there. We might leave to try new foods or see new sights, but we always returned for impromptu dance parties and interesting conversations with the other travelers passing through the white city. They were always so nice and so excited to … [Read more...]
Peru Student Blog #6
When I first arrived at Lake Titicaca, I was more than excited to get on the boat and start exploring. About a half hour from shore, we stopped at a floating island. I was instantly astounded by the feel of the reeds beneath my feet. I initially thought that the island was like a market on a raft of floating reeds. Instead, reality was much more interesting. Each year when the lake rises with the rain, large chunks of roots break off and float to the surface. The residents of the lake then … [Read more...]
Peru Student Blog #5
After almost two weeks of rustic living and temple exploring, we began our tourist life in Cusco. The group arrived in Cusco late in the afternoon, eager to explore the city. After finding our rooms and unpacking, we departed to find some dining options. Bacchus could tell that the group was still feeling the effects of our five-day trek to Choquequirao, so our first dinner was right around the corner from our accommodations. Excited by seeing the first menu since we arrived, everybody … [Read more...]
Peru High School Blog #4
More than anything on this trip, I was looking forward to our trek to Choquequirao. At first, I was nervous because I have never done anything like this before. Unlike most of my fellow scholars, I am not what you would call an experienced hiker. I enjoy more small strolls through Whatcom Falls or a walk down to Boulevard. Nonetheless, for some reason, a trek sounded like an incredible learning and growing opportunity that I could not pass up. We started off with a night of luxury at a gorgeous … [Read more...]
