From Huanchacho, we took a bus to Lima. It was a 9 hour busride. I know, tell me about it. Really, though, I can't complain. We got to watch movies (not the best selection, but they were in English ;)  ), got meals, played BINGO (oh yes, you read right... we played BINGO on a bus. Unfortunately I did not win). Once we got to Lima, we were free to roam the city. I really liked Lima. Maybe it was because at that point, I was quite ready to be home and missing everything about home, and in Lima, there were tons of tourists; for once, we didn't stick out like sore thumbs when we walked down the street. They had Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King-- it really was like home. There was this really amazing display of aerial photographs taken all over the world on display in one of the main parks. So, after supper, we spent our time wandering through those. The photographer was superb. 

The next morning, we had to leave by 3 or 330 (I can't remember- I think it may have been 3 though) to catch our flight to Cusco. I still can't believe the amount of traveling we did; whew! That was Saturday, I believe. We got to our hotel and were allowed to sleep/ do whatever else we wanted until 1ish, so that was nice. We found a nice little cafe across the street from our hotel where they served DELICIOUS sandwiches, which made me quite happy. I'm a sandwich girl. Saturday and Sunday, we went to a bunch of different ruins around Cusco. Our guide was hilarious. He'd go, "25 people- look over there! Kodak moment! 25 people- take picture!" His mannerisms were fantastic. Sunday, we also went to a llama/ alpaca farm, so that was fun. 

Then Sunday afternoon, we took a train to Aguas Calientes, which is only a 15-20 minute busride from Machu Picchu. For those of you that don't know, Machu Picchu is one of the seven modern wonders of the world. I want to say it's one of the largest set of ruins that is in as good of condition as it is. Monday morning, we got up around 5ish to get an early start for Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is the large set of ruins, and there is a mountain next to it called Waynapicchu that you can climb that has more ruins and an absolutely amazing view of Machu Picchu. They only allow 400 people climb Waynapicchu each day, thus the reason we had to get up so early. I believe I was the 22nd person to walk through the gate to climb it, so we did quite well. That was some intense climbing, let me tell ya. It was mostly just "rock stairs"-- not nice, neat ones either; they were pretty rudimentary. But I think that just added to the joy and sense of accomplishment once we reached the top. WOW- the view was breath-taking (wait, maybe that was because I'd been climbing straight up for 45 minutes.... lame joke, I know; couldn't resist). It was almost just as hard going down as it was going up. We got a guided tour of Machu Picchu, then had until early evening (when we had to catch our train back to Cusco) to walk around Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes. 

Tuesday was a free day in Cusco. Cusco had a lot of character. It was pretty touristy, but the buildings and atmosphere had tons of character- older, colonial style. Two other girls and myself went shopping in the morning/ afternoon... had a street vendor stalk us for a few blocks-- kinda creepy. What had happened was one of my friends had been considering buying a painting from him, but he named too expensive of a price and wouldn't really bargain, so she decided it wasn't worth it. Well then, he would wait outside every store we went in, quoting lower and lower prices, which, had he not been stalking us, were quite good prices. It was the principle of it all though :) That night we had our farewell dinner- oh man, that food was so good. It was buffet-style, but more like gourmet buffet. Mmmm.

Wednesday morning we flew back to Lima, then had a city tour, then the night free. My night was spent completely unpacking, then repacking my suitcases, trying to get inside the weight limit (50 lbs. per bag). Luckily, the hotel we were staying in had a scale that we all made good use of. We had to wake up at 2 the next morning for our flight (ugh! all those early mornings were killing me). We got to the airport and found out our flight was delayed an hour and a half- bummer. It made me very glad that I had booked such a long layover in Miami- little comfort room. That whole day was spent either on planes, in airports, or in the car. I went from Lima to Miami, Miami to Atlanta, then Atlanta to Milwaukee, then a car ride from Milwaukee to good ol' Oshkosh. 

And that's it; that's all she wrote. That is the end to my 4 months in South America. 

I will post pictures hopefully soon (though I don't know how many people are reading this anymore... oh well). I'm a workin' woman now, and Leah's wedding is this weekend, so I'm not positive it'll get done this week. Sometime though.

Peruvian beaches

Well, after a lengthy "blog break", I will now commence the final chapter of my South American journeys. 

Our first beach stop had a great location- a good amount of beach-front property, a nice pool, pretty secluded. We went swimming when we got there. In case you weren't aware, I don't have the greatest swimming skills (I failed swimming lessons when I was little, if that's any indication ;)   ). I mean, I can stay afloat and get around; I'm just not the best at all the strokes. Anyway, we get in the water and first of all, there were TONS of rocks, and not just little pebbles-- I'm talking boulders. Combine that with a really strong current. Ouch. Needless to say, I didn't stay in for too long. I managed to escape relatively unscathed, but some of the people in my group came out with some scratches and bruises. This hotel had some serious potential (like I said- great location and some amenities), but the rooms had some need for improvement, and boy did we ever find that out when night fell. COCKROACHES IN OUR ROOM!! Ew ew ew ew ew. And a multitude of other crawling creatures. So bugs- maybe I could handle that (maybe not- I woke up every couple hours expecting to be covered with insects. ick). But it didn't stop with bugs- oh no. There was a MOUSE in our room. Yes- a mouse. Running around by our open suitcases. I don't know how, but somehow we (and when I say "we", I mean "Kate", one of my roommates) managed to shoo it out of the room. Like I said, I didn't sleep well that night.

We left the next morning for Huanchaco, another beach town. Oh, our accommodations were infinitely better than the last ones, namely because they were minus the bugs and mouse. We had a little balcony that overlooked the pool and just had to walk across the street to get to the beach. We stayed there two nights. The weather was perfect- sunny but breezy. We got a little beach time when we first got there, but it was cloudy and cool, so no tans were really gotten. The next morning we went to see a bunch of really cool ruins. It was quite sunny, so I managed to get myself the worse (and most obvious) tanlines two weeks before having to wear a strapless dress for Leah's wedding. Good planning, I know ;) A group of young dancers (I want to say early high school age and younger) came to our hotel one night after we ate and put on a show of native dances for us. They were amazing. Wow. Unfortunately, my camera was back in my room.

I'll add pictures to this later. I need to mow the lawn at some point today.

This may be a two- or three- entry series (the ones about Peru), and then maybe more pictures; we'll see how I'm feeling. 

Roadtrip to Peru- not many people do that, huh?

So we have made it safely to Peruvian soil. Lots of driving has been involved (and there is still more to come), but it really hasn't been that bad. I like roadtrips and brought a couple books to read, so I'm content. Our bus is quite nice- spacious, comfy seats, DVD player, big windows for a nice view of outside. I've noticed a little tension between people in the group. I think it's the close quarters :) That'll get you every time. We're going to a museum this morning, doing some more driving, and around 2, we'll reach our destination, which has a beach :) You can bet that's where I'll be spending my day. Oh, how exciting! Okay, well I'll give more of the Peruvian happenings at a later date (here's a little teaser: there was a mouse at one point. You're on the edge of your seat now, aren't you ;)   )-- it's time to go eat breakfast and then on the road again. 8 days!! Happy Wednesday.

Well, my blog won't end quite yet- my mom had the good idea that even if I have no internet access to report on my time in Peru, I should keep track of what I do in my journal, then when I get back to Wisconsin, give you all an update on what it was we did/ share pictures. So, that is the plan. 

I wandered around Cuenca this morning, taking pictures of some of the pretty buildings. Bought my host mom, sisters, and Jenni (our 19-year-old housekeeper-type girl--- super sweet) roses and my host dad and Mateo some candy. I think when I get home this afternoon, Carolina and I are going to a movie or to the mall or something. At 730 tonight, CEDEI is hosting a "Despedida"-- farewell dinner. There's going to be a slide show and speakers and food :) I feel like I'm graduating or something. 

13 days from now I will be on a plane or in an airport waiting to catch my next plane on my way home to good ol' Wisconsin. I admit I have never really appreciated the Cheese State until I came to Ecuador. Home sweet home :) 

Until next time...

The end is near...

I am officially DONE-ZO with my sophomore year of college! Oh, it feels wonderful. 

Now that I am able to think about things other than school and studying, goodness gracious, I leave Cuenca on Sunday. I feel the same way I did right before leaving the States to come to Ecuador. Like- Whoa, all the sudden it's here, and I'm not prepared for it. And I don't mean prepared as in all packed; I mean prepared as in mentally/ emotionally (though I'm not very in touch with my emotions). I don't know- I think it will be weird at first when I get back. I will have been here for almost 4 months- different culture, different people, different food... I apologize- I can't be too reflective; like I said-  not so in touch with my emotional side.

Anyway, we leave for Peru on Sunday. I'm so excited!! We're going all over Peru- lots of bus time, but I have a book, so I'm ready. Machu Picchu is going to be amazing and oh my goodness I can't wait. We're supposed to get some beach time, so maybe I'll be able to fix my goofy tan (one can only hope). I still have to pack- ick. I think I'll try to start tonight. I don't feel like I've bought a  lot, but I think it'll be rough. I'm not the greatest packer. We'll see though. 

Shoot, I'm sorry, but I haven't got much to say. My Ecuadorian adventures are drawing to a close, and I don't know if there will be any internet access to tell about some of my Peruvian adventures. 

Alrighty- I'm going to go home for some lunch. One of these days before I leave, my host sister Carolina is going to make this fantastic strawberry dessert. Woohoo!

hmmmm

Oh my goodness, it's already my last week in Cuenca. My, how time flies! Unfortunately, it's looking like it's going to be a rough week- lots of tests and presentations. It all starts this afternoon, and the storm doesn't end until Thursday afternoon. Much studying and preparing will be done, and little sleep will be had. Hopefully, it will be worth it. All that to say, no blog entries of any substance until probably Wednesday afternoon. This week may also mark the end of my blog- I surely cannot write about "my adventures in Ecuador" when I get back to the U.S. I don't know about internet availability in Peru (which we leave for on Sunday morning!! YAY!!!). Anyway, have a fantastic day.

Mi Familia Ecuatoriana

Last night we had a family photo shoot :) Meet my Ecuadorian family...

Picture #1: top row from left, Jenni (she lives with us and helps around the house), Mateo (3 years old, son of Viviana), Viviana. Bottom row from left: Carolina (holding the naughty dog, Odi), Oswaldo, Lia

Picture #2: Spot the Gringa... We look like family, right?

Picture #3: Las Reinas ("The Queens" ;)  )- all the ladies of the fam. Carolina refuses to smile in pictures- we told her to, but she won't.

Picture #4: My host parents and I. Mateo popped up behind the couch just as the picture was being taken.

Picture #5: The sisters (Carolina on my left and Viviana on my right)