I'm sitting in my new room for the next few months after a much needed nap, and I still can't believe I'm actually here. For over a year I've been excited for and planning this experience, and now it is officially happening!
While things have calmed down considerably since this morning, I must admit, the trip got off to a rough start. Last night, I arrived at Logan Airport, said goodbye to my parents and brothers, and headed off through security. Alongside my best friend and traveling buddy, I boarded my flight to New York and arrived with no problem. However, catching the connecting flight to Lima was a whole other story.
We booked out flights through STA Travel, and I do not recommend them! Our flights were far too close together, so by the time we got to the International Terminal after deplaning from Boston, our next flight was already boarding. We had to cut through the check-in line (we couldn't check in beforehand) and thanks to some gracious people, we were also able to cut through security. Then at security, my friend's water bottle was full (because we were on a connection flight and didn't think of it) so her bag got flagged and we had to wait for them to go through it. We then had to sprint to the very last gate in the terminal where the plane doors were about to be closed. There was no room in the overhead compartments for our baggage, we were winded and sweaty, and we had a 9 hour flight ahead of us. On top of all of this, I realized I had left the second half of my typhoid pills home in Boston. We were not off to a great start.
On the bright side, Peru is the same timezone as home, so there should be no jet lag! I slept through most of the overnight flight (with exception of breakfast, which they served at 4am!). After landing in Lima, we had to get our checked baggage from baggage claim and go through customs. There were also K9 dogs sniffing our bags (my friend had to throw away her fruits).
This entire process took some time and we only had an hour an a half between flights. After baggage claim and customs, we had to go recheck our bags, find our departure gate and go through security (again). Finally, we made our way to our gate just as they were boarding.
A quick flight later over incredible mountain views, we arrived in Cusco! The airport is very small and there are many people trying to sell you excursions, taxis, maps, etc (politely decline/ignore them!). Given that our flight was so small, baggage claim was quick and we stepped outside to take in the beauty of our new home.
We were quickly greeted by our Spanish Professor who had the cutest shoulder bags for us stuffed with information. After a quick van ride through the city, we were meeting our host family and getting settled in. My friend and I met our host parents (restaurant owners and chefs! :), drank some coca tea to help with the altitude adjustment, and began unpacking.
We have three host siblings, two girls (age 24 and 14), and one boy (age 21) . Our family has been hosting for over 15 years and they are so kind and hospitable saying "you are family, what is ours is yours." My friend and I each have our own rooms which is amazing. The view of the mountains is all around us, and the house is connected to a beautiful restaurant that we can each lunch at every day!
Our first meal in Cusco is pictured below from El Huayllar de Richo Resturante (our host family's restaurant). It was absolutely delicious and was accompanied by Peruvian Muña Tea.
All of the fears I had previous to this trip are quickly melting away as I truly feel at home here. I'm so excited to see what is to come. As our Our host father says "vive la vida"; take things slow and enjoy your time here...This is Cusco!
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