Going Home

Day 14:

Time to travel back home. Getting up early once again, I am forced to eat Peruvian airport food for breakfast. I sleep on my 15 hour flight back to NC and I don’t wake up until we land back in America. There is no place like home.

Lake Titicaca

Day 13:

I had Sopa de té(Tea Soup), which isn't really soup but a drink and some fruits for breakfast. Today I was going to Lake Titicaca to learn about some of the folklore of Peru. I took a bus to Puno and was swoon over the beauty of the lake. The legend says that the first Inca king, Manco Capac, was born here. The weather here is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit but, at night it is said drops drastically. I grab some lunch, having Aji de Gallina(spicy chicken stew). I take the long bus ride back to Lima and chill at Hotel Radisson Hotel Decapolis.

Machu Picchu

Day 8:

After 4 days of hiking I finally get to Machu Picchu. It’s completely breath-taking and it goes on over a couple of hills. I took lots of pictures and explored through the ruins. After a day of Machu Picchu and life changing experiences, my body was ready for a fulfilling meal and a hotel. I checked into Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and took a couple minutes for myself enjoying the view from my room. After settling in I had my first real meal in a couple of days, the Chupe(fish stew) was delicious. My body shut down minutes after finishing dinner.

Inca Trail

Day 5:

Today is the day that I start the Inca Trail. The original trail is 4 days, 8 days round trip. I had to get up extremely early(like 4am early), and take a but to Kilometer 82 where we would start hiking. The hike was very steep so I’m glad I bought a pair of hiking boots. On the trek I saw plenty extraordinary views of mountains, ruins, and rivers. At night we would pitch camp and were given dinner and a place to sleep. The weather during the day was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and I night it would drop to around 30 degrees. I made sure I had lots of warm clothes and layered myself even at night. I had edged it into my brain that it would be this way for the next 4 days.

Day in Cuzco

 

Day 3:

I had an early breakfast of Tamales because I had to catch the early Cruz Del Sur(bus) to Cuzco. The ticket was only $45 dollars for second class and the bus ride was an hour and a half away. I arrive in Cuzco a couple hours before midday. Many say people just blow through Cuzco but, the Plaza de Armas was jam packed full of civilians trying to sell their products. During the process of fighting my way through the crowds, I ended up buying a carving of a llama, a necklace, and coaxed into buying 3 Polleras (skirts). I am able to find my hotel, the Monasterio and check in. I head back out for some lunch and try Rocotos Rellenos (stuffed peppers). I go to the Cuzco Cathedral which is extremely extravagant and astonishing. It was built in 1550 and even withstand an earthquake in 1650. I eat Empanadas de Pollo (Chicken Empanadas) for dinner and head back to my hotel to relax.

Touring Lima

 

 

Day:2

For breakfast the next morning I had Tamales and they were delicious. My first stop was to go to Museo Larco, the museum of ancient history and pottery of Peru. It was very interesting and I learned that art is a huge part of the formation of Peru. Art traced all the way back to the Incas. Next, I went shopping in Miraflores which had many cafes, restaurants, theaters, and parks that intrigued many tourist including myself. I bought a silver charm bracelet. For lunch I had a huge helping Lomo Saltado which is stir fry beef. After my food settled I headed to Lima’s coast to soak up some sun. I learned that surfing and beach volleyball is very popular on the coast of Peru. The next hotel I went to was Libertador Lima. My room was very homely and I order a room service dinner of Papa Rellena, meat-stuffed potato patties, before going to sleep.

 

Going to Peru

Day 1:
I buy airport breakfast just as I’m about to board the plane to go to Lima (LIM) from Raleigh (RDU). It’s really early because it’s a long flight to Peru . I arrive in Lima after about a 15 hour plane ride. I’m extremely exhausted but, I must push on. The weather is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit which is average for the time of the year in Peru. I had a couple snacks on the plane but, I’m dying for a real meal so I get out on the streets and buy Caroapulca. In America we would call it potatoes with pork and rice and the portion sizes are insanely huge! I show off my Spanish skills and I am able to find my first hotel. I check into Melia Lima and after gawking over the gorgeous room, I take a shower and fall asleep.