Peru Trip Highlights

Llamas running wild.  Eating alpaca burgers.  Witnessing the great Incan ruins.  Of course I am talking about the one and only Peru!  

I recently had the incredible privilege of traveling throughout Peru for two weeks.  In retrospect, I could have planned this trip better and so much of it was very last minute, especially buying my ticket one week before leaving! But I have no regrets about how this trip went and here are some of the highlights.

1. Speaking with a German about World War II while we were both drunk.
1. It was the fourth day of the Salkantay Trek and my group spent it at the bar in our little village letting loose and at some point in the night, World War II came up as a topic between a German friend and I.  It was absolutely mind blowing hearing their perspective about world war II.  The gist of what I remember is that Germans feel a certain pressure to behave in the international eye because of their past actions in World War II, but what I was unaware of was how corrupt some of the other nations were.  I learned that Switzerland (i think) charged Jews a lot of money in order to cross their nation during this time.  I also learned that some countries even shipped their jews to hitler!  But when it came time to pay for wrongdoings, Germany took all the blame while these other countries feigned innocence.  I definitely felt something come up my throat (whether from disgust at this story or my alcohol I'm not too sure).  Overall, it was humbling and mind blowing to have this conversation.
2. Spending time at the Healing House
1. This all happened so unexpectedly but my time at the Healing House was remarkable and unforgettable.  The people I met here were so genuine and kind and it was such a pleasure hearing their stories of how they ended up finding the healing house.  A lot of them had been through divorce, psychological trauma, and just plain hurt and it was inspiring to hear how they found healing at this place.  I am so grateful for meeting my master Sherri here as well as meeting my fellow light worker Denise.  I know this was no accident and something tells me that my time at the healing house is not yet over.  
3. Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
1. I spent five days and four nights trekking through the Salkantay Mountain and ultimately ended up in Machu Picchu.  It rained and snowed SO MUCH and we slept literally on the dirt but it was definitely worth it.  MACHU PICCHU EXCEEDS THE HYPE which is all I will say.  
4. I ate Cuy (Guinnea Pig)
1. It was kind of sad because I got the head and it still had its teeth in it.  But it tasted like chicken! NOMNOM
5. Reading the Power of Now
1. I started this tradition of reading a Self Help book on every trip I take alone (Thailand and now Peru).  When I went to Thailand I read the Art of Happiness and for Peru I read the Power of Now which was gifted to me by a fellow OT student Karlene.  Both books were great.  From reading the Power of Now, I learned a lot about Pain Bodies and what mine are and how much MY ego has controlled my life.  I hope to be able to really practice what the book taught and incorporate peace into my life.  It has a huge mindfulness component to it and it is worth reading.  
6. Taking overnight buses between cities via Cruz del Sol
1. Peru has these overnight buses which take you between cities and let me tell you, they rock!  It takes about 12 hours to get in between cities so you arrive at the bus station around 8 PM and you spend the whole night on one of these buses.  The buses are set up like first class seats in an airplane and the chairs recline almost 180 degrees.   A bus attendant comes around and provides food and drinks to everyone, similar to how a flight attendant does, but the real kicker is that you get to choose your meal ahead of time.  Each person also has an individual screen that has movies, music, and games.  Best part is that these buses cost about $30 for the whole night.  Keep in mind you are saving hostel money for that night (about $10) so you’re only actually paying $20 for that transport!  I loved it.  

Overall, I have so much gratitude for being able to go on this trip.  I know what a privilege it is.  I made an active effort to be present and receptive to this country. I hope that I will take what I have learned on this trip and incorporate some of those aspects into my everyday life.  Till next time readers!