Machu Picchu

It was a little chilly in Cusco!

Machu Piccu

"El Convento de Santo Domingo"

   I woke up bright and early Thursday morning in order to catch my 9 AM flight to Cusco, Peru. Once arriving in Peru I was amazed by how green and cold it was there! After landing we headed straight to the hotel and spent the rest of the morning resting in order to become acclimated to the sudden altitude change (Cusco sits right around 3,300 meters). That afternoon we set out for a little tour of Cusco. We started off by going to “El Convento De Santo Domingo Del Cusco” which is a convent. There we were able to see lots of cool artwork and learn a little bit more about the convent. After the convent we headed over to the “Basilica Catedral.” Unfortunately, we were not able to take pictures while inside the cathedral.Daily mass is still held inside this church and you would not believe the artwork in this building. Most of the statues/pictures/objects are original to the church.

"El Valle Sagrado" (Sacred Valley)

 Friday was also jam packed with more touristy sites including Saqsayhuaman, Pakapukara, Tambomachaya, El Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley), Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros. For the sake of time, I will only explain what Ollantaytambo is since it was probably my favorite ruin we visited on Friday. Ollantaytambo is both a town and archeological site. Around the mid-15^th century, the Inca emperor conquered and raised the town of Ollantaytambo. The town was the place that hosted the Inca nobility while the terraces were farmed by the common people. We were able to explore the town as well as climb up the terrace. We went inside one of the houses in town and I was definitely surprised when our tour guide explained to us that the skulls hanging throughout the main room of the house were actually the skulls of the parents/family of the current homeowners. After wandering around town for a bit, we decided it was time to conquer the 200 step climb up Ollantaytambo. When the tour guide first told me it was only 200 steps to the top I was thinking in my head no problem. Well, 200 steps didn’t seem like very much until I actually looked up and saw what I was about to climb!

 I woke up bright and early once again on Saturday in order to catch our 4 A.M. bus that would eventually lead us to Machu Piccu. After a two hour bus ride we then arrived at a train station and climbed on the train for another two hour ride that eventually dropped us off in a town called “Aguas Calientes.” We then hopped on another bus and took a 25 minute bus ride up the Andes Mountains before finally arriving at Machu Piccu. As I sit here and type this I am still in awe that I just witnessed one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Piccu was AMAZING! We had an awesome tour guide and I was able to learn a lot about this Incan ruin. For instance, the Incans began building Machu Piccu around AD 1400 but eventually had to abandon it due to the Spanish Conquest.  Machu Piccu was then brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian, Hiram Bingham.

It's amazing how the Incans were able to fit the bricks together so perfectly!

After a two hour tour and about three hours of exploring Machu Piccu on our own it was time for a much needed break. We took a vote and half the students ended up going back to town to eat while the other half decided to stay and take a short rest before exploring Machu Piccu once again. Even though I had been up since 3 A.M. and was exhausted I decided to stay and explore Machu Piccu because I knew this was probably the one and only chance I would ever have. When the professor here from UNK said we would be hiking to a place called “Sun Gate” I figured it would be a nice leisurely 20 minute or so hike. However, before we started to climb one of the students from Nebraska pointed to the top of a tall mountain and needless to say I was a little surprised at what we were about to do. I was tired and definitely rethinking my decision to stay and hike some more. However, an hour or so later when we finally made it to the top I was so happy that I had stayed. The view we had was absolutely AMAZING! We headed back on the train around 6:30 P.M. and finally made it back to our hotel around 10:30 P.M. The next day it was already time to head back home!

Our celebration after finally making it to the top of "Sun Gate" mountain!!!!

After one fabulous weekend, we still had one exciting event in store for us this week. This morning all the UNK students went to the U.S. Embassy here in Peru for a briefing. The embassy here is HUGE and very secure. In order to get to the conference room we had to go through two separate security points. After making it to the room we were greeted by 10 or so American citizens that work for the embassy. Each person talked for a little bit about exactly what their job entails. I of course found the lady that works for the Regional English Language Office to be the most interesting. She talked a lot about the different educational programs they have in Peru. We also learned a little more about the way in which the government in Peru works and about some of the economic struggles Peru is currently facing.

This week at my university happens to be mid-term week which means a lot of tests need to be studied for and a paper needs to be written! So I’m off to work on homework! Wishing you all a GREAT week!

                 
             Mary

The "Countryside" of Peru

Me, Nicki, and Laura enjoying a night at "El Parque de Kennedy" in Miralfores

           This past Tuesday my host mom, host sister and I went to the movie theaters to see a chick flick. I was surprised to discover that the movie was actually in English with Spanish subtitles. It’s just another example of the influence America has here in Perú. In addition to movies in English, American music can be heard everywhere. There are actually specific radio stations that only play American music. One time I was with a couple Peruvian friends and we were all singing the “Y.M.C.A.” song. I asked them if they understood what they were saying in English and they all told me no!!! Also, some words or phrases that the Peruvians use are actually in English such as bowling, baby shower or airline. When someone goes to a birthday party American candy is always distributed such as skittles, M & Ms, 3 Musketeers etc. The writing on all the clothing here is in English. There are even some American restaurants here such as Pizza Hut, Chiles, T.G.I. Fridays etc.

On Thursday I had my conversation class and we gave presentations over the major problems in Perú. I feel like I am starting to know more about Perú than I know about America. My classmate and I actually gave our presentation first over rate of people that are illiterate in Perú. In June of 2011 Peru’s former President Alan Garcia declared Perú as “illiterate free country” and claimed that the rate of illiteracy in Perú is only 2.82%. However, we talked about how in class that Perú’s government is corrupt and has this false illusion of what is going on in Perú. Our teacher told us that in reality the illiteracy rate is more like 10%. Other presentations included the Nutrition/Malnutrition, Concentration/Distribution of the wealth, Employment/Unemployment/Underemployment, and Centralism/Decentralism. I was surprised to discover that the rate of unemployment in Perú has consistently been less than 10% since the 1980s. As the presentation went on the explanation for this rather low percentage is because in Perú 78% of the jobs are informal. This means that the individuals who hold these jobs lack the benefits that many jobs hold such as social security and a retirement plan.

I feel like the entire time since I have been here I have been describing only “the good side of Perú.” The district I live in, Surco, is a very very nice district and one of the wealthier ones in Lima. However, there is the other side of Perú. At night time, especially on the weekends, when you come to a major intersection you can always see someone performing some talent they have. Many people juggle, perform acts involving fire, or do some sort of trick. Once the stoplight is about to turn green, they then go from car to car asking for money. You can also often find beggars in the street with some type of impairment (blindness, missing an arm etc.) that ask for money. I have also seen people rummaging through the trash looking for food and I have seen people bathing in the middle of the street. It just reminds me of how lucky I am to live the life I do. 

Real Felipe

Pirate at Real Felipe who gave a hilarious performance

Yesterday the UNK students had another class field trip and we went to Real Felipe. Real Felipe is a military fortress. There, we were able to enter in to some really cool buildings and learn a lot more about the history of Perú. The most well-known war here in Perú was the Pacific War which involved Chile vs. Peru. It is so well-known due to the fact that Perú lost a lot of land and Chile was also able to establish a large influence in Perú. For instance, two very famous clothing stores here are Saga and Ripley. They are actually originally from Chile. We also were able to see the three Peruvian flags. The original Peruvian flag was deemed too complicated so they created a new one. The people then said that this new flag appeared too much like the flag of Spain so they then created a third flag (Peru’s current flag). Dad I thought of you the whole time because I know you would have loved learning all about the history of Perú.

My First Wedding        

Yesterday evening I attended my first wedding in Perú. In high school I wanted to major in event planning because that is how much I LOVE weddings. I was soooo excited to get to experience a wedding in Perú. I got a little suspicious when I came back from the field trip and my host brother said my host mom and sister were at the hair dresser getting ready. He asked me if I was going to meet up with him. In America only the bride and the wedding party go to the hairdresser to get their hair and nails done so I was a little confused. When my host mom and sister got back from the hairdresser they asked to see the dress I was wearing. When I showed it to my host mom it just seemed like something was a little off. It was about 4:30 and my host sister came in my room telling me I needed to get ready. We weren’t leaving until 5:15 and I had already showered and everything. I didn’t know what she was talking about. All I had left to do was put on a little make-up which would take less than five minutes. I soon realized my mistake. When my host mom called my name and said “vamos” I came out of my room to see her in an elegant black sparkly floor-length dress. She and her daughter both had their hair, make-up and nails all done. We then proceeded outside and met up with the others who were attending the wedding. I quickly learned that when you attend a wedding here you go all out. The majority of the women wearing floor-length dresses and all the men are in tuxes. We arrived at the church and it was decorated BEAUTIFULLY. There were white flowers everywhere and the center aisle was decorated with white fabric as well. I was pleasantly surprised to discover an entire music ensemble consisting of a violin, trumpet, cello, piano and then about 5 singers. I was a little confused when the ceremony began because I did a quick tally and there were only 29 guests there. I turned to my host sister and asked her what was going on. She told me that there would be more people coming but they were just late. I feel like I have gotten used to Peruvians being late. Whenever we are meeting up with a native to do something I always show up thirty minutes after the scheduled time and I am still always early. But being late to a wedding??? CRAZY!!! The ceremony in general was a typical Catholic wedding. However, things started getting different when it was time to sign the papers. The legal papers are actually signed in front of the entire congregation. First the newlyweds sign it and then afterwards the couple’s godparents sign it as the witnesses. Then, it was picture time. You know how in the U.S. the wedding party photos are taken either before or after the wedding??? Well here, all the guests watch as the photographer creates various arrangements with different people. First it was just the couple, then the couple and their parents, then with the flower girls etc. After the ceremony it was very similar to the U.S. in regards to the fact that there was a line formed to congratulate the couple and then the reception was to follow.

            Today was spent at a friend’s house playing some soccer and volleyball and swimming. After lunch everyone just sat around and we had a nice conversation telling jokes and stories. Before we went to this house my friend said we were going to his second house “in the country.” For those of you that live in Nebraska, our definition of country is a little different then what I saw today. This house was surrounded by other houses on all sides and there were stores and people everywhere!!! It wasn’t exactly what I pictured when he told me I was going to the country!

I anxiously await this coming Thursday when we take off for Cusco/Macchu Piccu!!! We recently received our itinerary for our trip this upcoming week and I CANNOT wait!!! It looks AMAZING!!! I’ll be sure to post many pictures!!!

I hope life is good wherever you may be!!! I miss all of you bunches!

<3 Mary 

SORPRESA!!!!

The guests at Derek's party!!!

¡Feliz cumpleaños a Derek!

The Indian Market

Over the past week and a half or so I had been communicating with Derek’s host family here and we planned a surprised birthday party for him. Yesterday evening after class was over all the students from UNK headed over to Derek’s house while Nicki, Laura, and I stayed back and distracted Derek. After twenty minutes or the four of us started making our way over to Derek’s house and when he walked outside to the balcony everyone was there to surprise him! We had a fun evening that was spend eating delicious food (pizza, hamburgers, two different types of cookies and two different types of chocolate cake) and conversing amongst ourselves.

I haven’t journaled for awhile so let me recap on what I have been up to over the past week or so. Wednesday evening I went to this soccer tournament with Derek’s host sister’s boyfriend. All the alums from a high school get together every year and create a team. They then battle against other teams that represent different high schools in Lima. Thursday after class I headed to my host mom’s annual church fundraiser/celebration. Every Tuesday my host mom participates in a church group for retired women. Last Thursday they held their annual event which was full of food, music, and words of wisdom.

That brings me to the weekend. Friday was spent at what would be equivalent to a country club in Nebraska. We were able to go swimming and even play some tennis! J That evening we headed over to Laura’s house for a movie night. Saturday students from UNK were accompanied by students from UPC to the Indian market. At the Indian market there are authentic souvenirs from the indigenous people for tourists to buy. You can barter the price and get most of the items for fairly cheap. Sunday I spent with my family going to church and just hanging out! Sunday was also the day that guests started arriving. One of the neighbors is celebrating the matrimony of their daughter this upcoming weekend. The story of this couple is CRAZY!!! The parents of the bride have two daughters. One of their daughters is already married and lives in the United States because that is where her husband is from. While professional photos were being taken during this daughter’s wedding the bride actually introduced her sister to her new brother-in-law (the groom’s brother) and low and behold this weekend the sister and brother are getting married. I am actually going to this wedding and am super excited. Some of the guests that have arrived actually speak English and there will be an interpreter at the wedding since the groom in from the U.S.

Yesterday night I had just lain down for the night around 11:45 P.M. I was lying in bed doing my nightly prayers when all of a sudden the earth started shaking!!! The windows and everything around me started making noise as they were slowly being shaken. I racked my brain to last Thursday during class when my professor told me what to do during an earthquake. Unfortunately, I couldn’t remember if I was supposed to stay in my bed or move to the doorway. I decided to wait it out in my bed. After the earthquake past my host sister came in my room to check on me. This is the third earthquake we have had since I got to Peru however it was the first one I actually felt! It was awesome!!!

There is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming days/weeks. This weekend we will be taking a class field trip to a famous cemetery. Next week we will be going to Machu Picchu!!! We are then headed to Arequipa as known as “The White City” and afterwards we will be going to a theatre here in Lima to see a play!!! This weekend there is also something very special that is going on at UNK. The Newman in Kearney will be having their annual Koinonia Retreat this week. I was able to be a participant in this AMAZING retreat last year and this year I send my thoughts and prayers. Please help me pray this week for all those working and participating in this very special event!

<3 Mary

Kindness in the Most Unexpected Places

Oscar and Raul
(The friends we have met that we spend the most time with  here!)

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Mother Teresa

            Throughout this whole experience, but especially over this past week the kindness of others has really overwhelmed me. How did I not realize this while I was in Kearney??? Strangers, my new host family, other students here in Peru from UNK, friends and family back home, and so many more have amazed me with their kindness over the past month.

            The Peruvian friends I have made here go above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and to do anything they can to help us out. The two friends we have met here in Peru that we spend the most time with are constantly showing us around Lima or giving us advice about which places are safe to go to and which are not. Another friend I just met invited me to his soccer game this past Wednesday and since we met he has been extremely nice always helping me with any questions I have. I have already written about the stranger in the library who lended me a helping hand when I was ready to throw in the towel.

            Since I came here I have become pretty close with three students from Nebraska in particular. The kindness they have shown me never ceases to amaze me. We always look out for each other and make sure one another is both safe and/or emotionally stable if one of us had a rather challenging day. We always help each other with any homework trouble we have or are able to share our thoughts and struggles with each other.

            You honestly don’t realize how much you took something for granted until it is taken away from you. It never even occurred to me that I would miss saying hi to people in-between classes at UNK. In a way, however, I think this void has been filled by the way in which I have truly been able to see God’s kindness in the faces and actions of others. I can’t believe how unappreciative and unobservant I was of all the little acts of kindness someone did for me while I was back home. Thank you all so much for the messages, packages, skype conversations, thoughts and prayers. I hope you realize how much all of it really means to me. The kindness of others has really been inspiring me to live out the Christian live God has called me to live.

<3 Mary

Church Bells, American Breakfast, and Horn Happy

Blessing of the Church Bells

The altar of my new Church

Kathy and I with the church in the background.

American Breakfast!!!!

This past week of school was filled with many projects and tests. When 6 P.M. Thursday finally rolled around it was time to blow off a little steam and play some soccer with our friends. It wasn’t pretty by any means, but it was fun attempting to play. About half of us were from Nebraska while the other half were native Peruvians. After soccer, a couple friends and I decided we would try our luck at a Casino. We each got ten soles worth of chips and some of us ended up with nothing, others broke even, and Laura and I even ended up ahead!!!

Friday night I went to church with my host mom, host sister, one of the grandkids, and a friend from Nebraska. It was amazing. Before church started there was a ceremony for the dedication of the new bells the church had recently acquired. The church I attend here is actually fairly new (4 years old). Ever since it was built, the church has been trying to raise enough funds for bells. Finally, after four years they were able to accomplish this task. The congregation filed outside to watch as priests blessed the bells. You could tell how happy and proud the people were through the smiles and tears that covered their faces. It was a BEAUTIFUL experience. Have you ever felt what it is like to stand in the presence of 15+ priests??? Words can’t describe the feeling.  

After church, we headed over to Kathy’s to cook an American breakfast. We were killing two birds with one stone-the UNK students were dying for American food and we also wanted to give our Peruvian friends a little taste of our culture. After we were done eating it was nice to just sit and talk for while.

Saturday my host mom, sister, and an aunt headed to a beach about an hour South of where I live. We met up with about 15 other family members and spent the day at two different beaches. In the evening we headed back to a cabin owned by one of the uncles and sat and chatted for awhile. I talked to one of the cousins that is 18 and attending a university close to where I live. She actually wants to study abroad somewhere in the United States next year. After we left the house, I was surprised at myself that I was actually able to have an hour or so conversation with this girl in Spanish!!!  Normally with I am with native Peruvians, my host sister who speaks English or Nebraska friends are nearby and when I do not know a word I just ask one of them or they help me describe the word I am looking for. This time, it was just the cousin and I having a conversation by ourselves. “Poco a poco” (little by little) I am acquiring new words and I continue to practice speaking!!!

On the ride back from the beach to our house I decided I would count how many times the bus driver honked his horn. I feel like I have not been able to illustrate very well exactly how many times a horn goes off here. I started counting right when we got on the bus and I stopped after 100 times. Whenever the bus driver saw someone walking he would honk the horn multiple times to try to get their attention to see if they wanted on the bus. If we were stopped at a light and it turned green but the cars weren’t moving, he would honk the horn. My mom often complains that my dad and I are “Horn Happy,” but we are nothing compared to the people here.

This week was a practically challenging one for me. It has been a month since I have seen my parents and siblings and over a month since I have seen my best friends. I was able to skype my three really good friends on Friday and it really really helped. It was so nice to be able to hear all about their lives and what is going on back home. Then yesterday, I received an e-mail from a friend that really cheered me up. Although sometimes I struggle, I have learned so much from being here already and as hard as it is being away, I know it was the right decision coming here. It has given me an opportunity to grow in my faith, to learn all about a different culture, to live with an incredible family, and to experience things that aren’t available in Nebraska. I have also discovered a lot about myself since I have been here. I think that while I was in Nebraska, I missed out on a lot of the little happenings in my life. For example, this past Wednesday, I gave a presentation during class that got torn to shreds by the professor. Afterwards, I had to go print something off even though I really didn’t feel like going through the whole process of trying to figure out how to log onto a computer and then figure out which computer to print to and then try to explain to the employee at the front desk which computer I had printed from and how many copies I wanted. I couldn’t even figure out the first step of how to log on to a computer in the library. I was sitting there ready to call it a day when the man next to me said something that I didn’t understand. He then took my mouse from me and logged me on for me. Wow, the kindness of a stranger who didn’t know that all I wanted to do was give up! Yet another angel sent to me to help me get through the rough times when all I want to do is give up!

Wishing you all a GREAT week!

<3 Mary