During our trip, a group of students and I took an excursion to Lake Titicaca. We were able to meet many people and learn about the history of the islands and the techniques used to make them. On this lake, there are 36 natural islands as well as 87 man-made "islas flotantes" or floating islands. Totora reeds grow in the lake and they are essential for making the islands, building their homes, and the reeds can even be eaten. It was amazing seeing these huge islands floating in the middle of the lake and I was fascinated to learn about the process.
The village of Umasbamba is an hour bus ride from the city of Cusco and today we came here for the first time to start our service learning project. We partnered with Kaya Responsible Travel in order to help build sustainable cooking stoves and restore the kitchens. After being welcomed with music and dancing from the community and getting to know the people we would be working with, we received training on the work that we would be doing for the next two and a half weeks. We used "ladrillos" (bricks) and "barro" (mud) to build the stove and the chimney.
After one flight, two busses, and one train ride we are finally here in Machu Picchu and I must say I am amazed. Upon arrival, we were informed about how ancient Incan people constructed the city with the use of advanced engineering, building, and farming skills. Then, we hiked a mountain that the locals call "Wayna Picchu" (mountain peak pictured directly behind the ancient city).
After a long journey from Machu Picchu, I arrived at my homestay in the city of Cusco. After knocking on the door, my classmate and I were greeted by our new family for the very first time. Our house mom warmly welcomed us with one kiss on each cheek as our new brother carried our bags through the indigo outdoor courtyard into our new rooms. As I settled in and started to take in my new surroundings, I began to embrace the change that the next few weeks would bring.
Yesterday, we woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning to head to the airport in order to board our short flight from Lima to Cusco. Although I was tired on the plane from waking up early, I was energized by the view of the Andes outside of the window. It immediately became real to me, this place is beautiful and I am able to be a part of this amazing journey. This was my reminder to be present at every moment. A week has already passed, and I will do all that I can to make the remaining 3 weeks count. I will start at Machu Picchu tomorrow morning.
It is unbelievable that one week has already passed since I landed in Lima! It was truly amazing visiting the beach, museums, cathedrals, and historical sites in the city. Our class discussions have also been eye opening for all of us. Through these conversations we have gained insight about one another and have learned to try and understand others and empathize with the different experiences that people have being from various cultural backgrounds.
Today after meeting for class and discussing culture, we visited The Cathedral of Lima. During our tour we were able to learn about the large influence that the church has had on the history of the city, as well as present day cultural elements. Learning about the intricate infrastructure as well as the time and creativity that it took in order to build the cathedral was my favorite part of this trip. The inside is filled with beautiful wooden pieces as well as detailed paintings.
My first full day in Peru was a perfect start to this trip. After sleeping in our new rooms for the first night, and sleeping off our jet lag we were ready to start our day with a class discussion. Our ASU faculty, Aliria and Rita welcomed us with some Peruvian hot chocolate to start off our first class. We then discussed Peruvian history and they provided us with information on the popular sites for art, history, dancing, music, and culture around the city. The best part of the day was when our class went to lunch as a group where we tasted several delicious Peruvian dishes.
After an 8-hour overnight flight, one movie, a few naps, two meals, and several conversations, we finally made a smooth landing in Lima at 7:45 a.m. We were greeted at the airport by a sweet woman named Ompara who gave us a small tour of the city as she led to our residencias and helped us settle in. I was assigned to live in a cozy apartment in Jesus Maria with four other ASU students. As a group, our living accommodations are all extremely unique varying from eccentric colorful villas to urban city apartments.
As I departed from Los Angeles International Airport, I immediately felt a variety of emotions. Of course, I was filled with excitement and an eagerness to start the journey that I have been dreaming of since I started college. However, I was also extremely nervous! I was leaving the United States for the very first time without knowing anyone who would be going on the trip with me. I would also be getting on the longest flight on my life in just a few hours. After I checked my bag in, and said my goodbyes to my family, I was greeted by one familiar face after another.