The Real Peru

Cusco was a really beautiful and historic city but overly touristic. Instead I moved into a small town, TikaTika 20 minutes outside the city in the poor country side. I slept on the floor of a school with several other volunteers for a week helping in anyway possible. During the day we would tend the gardens, add straw roof thatching to the new school rooms, clean the facility, or do other various tasks.

Then at 2pm everyday 30-35 children ages 2 to 14 would show up to study, do yoga. or play. Getting to know the kids and being a part of their everyday life was a rewarding experience and let me really see the Peru lifestyle.

I had a memorable Thanksgiving dinner at the school with the other volunteers. A roast guinea pig replaced the turkey and we improvised some yams and pasta. Saturday, my last day there, the kids came at 9am and we organized a day of games for them ending with a chaotic game of capture the flag atop the hill. After we prepared a healthy meal for them all and ate as one big family. It was sad to say bye to them all at the end of the day as they all jumped into my arms one by one to give me a hug. I definately wish I had more time to spend in that magical place where I learned so much, but have to keep moving.