The following post features student writing.
1. We saw Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter among other things at the Cusco Planetarium. It was a chilly night, but for sure worth the shivers! They taught us about Inca astrology and constellations in the Southern Hemisphere. Lou, other star sign believers, and I loved this.
2. Ben (Zack’s friend who’s been traveling in South America and living in Cusco for months) gave us a walking tour in the central city! He shared some of his obscure traveling experiences and positive energy with us, and brought us to a local, organic chocolate shoppe.
3. The group went on a horseback riding trip that led us to various Inca ruins, including one of our favorites, Saksaywaman. Some horses were feistier than others, but we all made it out better for the fun experience.
4. Leader Emma showed us some of her favorite spots in Cusco — King of Maps, which specializes in hand-drawn maps of the world and South America; and Pantàsties where all baked goods are delicious and heavenly, especially their Maracuyá (passion fruit) bread!
5. Breakfast at Jack’s Cafe, which was heavenly. Many of us got mocha milkshakes and I myself got the huevos rancheros deal and I am still eating it as I write this, even though I am no longer hungry.
All the delicious food.
6. On the topic of food, dinner last night was wild. We went to Don Antonio’s and saw very lively, traditional performances. Kelly and Wes even got to participate in a fire act!
7. Each night we’ve been doing “Love Tank,” which involves someone sitting in the center of a circle and everyone else saying lovely things to them. Very heart-warming.
8. We walked up to our hostel many times. Cusco is a hilly city. According to my phone, I climbed 81 floors yesterday; honestly, it felt like more.
One of many hills in Cusco.
9. We all showered for the first time in about five days. Fabulous, I know, but water temperature did pose a rather significant struggle.
10. CSPERUA is muy triste to be coming to an end 🙁
La Plaza de Armas in Cusco
11. We made our very own chocolate today, as if we haven’t been eating enough. Next we are off to lunch and then to the airport!
See you soon in the USA!
– Emma W.
¡Hola from Cusco!