Peru was an amazing experience to say the least. Studying abroad in another country where you do not know the language is a must. It truly shows you how tough of a person you are and how strong you can become. Of course my weeks leading up to Peru were nothing but excitement. But, there was nothing like the feeling of finally landing in your destination and walking off the plane.
HAHA honestly that was a joke for me because I walked into the airport where everything was in Spanish and I couldn’t find my luggage carousel at first and then I couldn’t find where to meet the driver that was picking me up. But, don’t worry I made it safe and sound to my hotel a couple hours later LOL. I had a random roommate, I was told her name was Olivia from Belgium. I walked into my room and said, “Hi you must be Olivia”… then I got a response that shocked me, “No, I’m Amanda from Nebraska.” Hahah. So not the right person but oh well.
Going to a foreign country knowing you signed up for tourism and business class and finding out the business class did not make and you were placed in nutrition was sort of a nightmare. Yes, I care about my health. No, I really did not want to learn about Andean Nutrition… None the less I took on the class and tried to make the best of it. Both my classes only had me and one other girl in them. I really actually enjoyed the small classes and getting to know my teacher and classmate a deeper level.
There definitely are some amazing sides to studying abroad. You get to experience a whole new culture and a whole new country. Every weekend being in a different city was like no other. I wish that everyone has the chance to get to experience something like this. Out of all the places we visited of course my favorite was Machu Picchu. Seeing it in person and experiencing it was a whole new level of out of this world. I now know why it is one of the seven wonders of the world. If this place had running water and wifi I would honestly consider living there.
There is nothing like this place on Earth. I had the privilege when I was in Peru to visit Machu Picchu twice. Once with my classmates and the second time with my family. My family and I booked the two day Inca Trail tour. Getting to physically step foot on the trial the Incas use to walk on to get to Machu Picchu was breathtaking. You get to see ruins and villages that no one else can see unless they hike this trail. You get to step foot in history and take the journey yourself to the lost city.
I am beyond blessed that I got to embark on this adventure. I could not have done it without the help of my university and my family. Thank you everyone who prayed for me while I was there and thank you to my parents for helping me financially so I could have this opportunity. I cannot wait to take my kids back there one day and show them my city! Cusco, Peru you will forever have a place in my heart.
xoxo, Cass
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