Saludos de Peru!
We are writing this update from the beautiful town of Urubamba located in the sacred valley. Earlier today we hiked up to the spectacular ruins of Sacsayhuaman. We toured the ruins and ate a picnic lunch at a spectacular site overlooking the ancient inca capital city of cusco.
After a hike back to the hotel we boarded our bus for the homestay community. Our families were waiting for us with gifts of scarves and some refreshments including inka cola and cake. After some heartfelt greetings the students left in pairs for their night in the homestay.
The past couple day have been busy and amazing. We received and informative and interactive Quechua lesson from Profesora Gina, toured the Inca Museum, attended a cultural dance presentation, and learned about the inspirational Project Ninos where we are staying.
Spirits are high and the group is super inquisitive and positive. Tomorrow, projects begin at the local school. We look forward to hearing reports of the first night in the homestay.
Hasta La Proxima Update!
Update #2:
Greetings CU Parents and Friends,
It has been busy in Peru! Since our last update we have had an amazing and productive experience. We spent two days last week working hard in the local school. Our projects featured building the foundation and setting up the walls for a new library and repainting the sport court. On one of the days, we split the group and half of us took a 20 minute walk up the road to make silver rings for part of the day. Each of us took turns working with a local artisan to craft the perfect silver ring. At lunch we switched up with the group working in the school. For most of us, the experience with the family and the local community overshadowed the ring making activity itself.
On Wednesday, we took a day excursion into the lively and outstanding marketplace of Pisac. It was awesome to be exposed to such amazing crafts and try our hands at bartering with the local artisans. Few of us left without some memorable pieces to take home after the trip. On our way back we took some time to feed and hang out with alpaca and llamas. Very cool!
Another highlight was a steep hike up to a spectacular view point high up above and overlooking the town of Urubamba. We were joined by our ring making family for the excursion. The views were breathtaking and the backdrop of Andean glaciers was unforgettable. On Saturday we took an excursion to the rural community of Misminay. Here we experiences what it was like to be a local villager by accompanying local citizens into the field to drive livestock and learn the time consuming technique of local weaving. And the food was great two.
The last two days have been spent working on helping a women’s cooperative in the village of Ollantaytambo. Here we are assisting individual women in creating the structures for developing a cuy (guinea pig) business in their homes. The cuy is a staple in the Andean diet and the hope is that this sustainable project will bring much needed economic help to the cooperative.
With just two days remaining in the community, time is flying. Our families have been incredibly generous and open with us during our stay. We look forward to providing English lessons to the school and then it will be time to prepare for our goodbye party on Thursday.
We will add some pictures shortly. We miss you all!