Oh my goodness. I can’t believe that in just over a week I will be flying to Peru with 20 of my classmates. It all feels so surreal. I remember earlier this year, wracking my brain trying to figure out the perfect Senior Project. After one failed independent proposal, I reconsidered my options and felt Peru was the best fit for what I was looking for. Cultural immersion, service, hiking, adventure, opportunities for leadership, and teaching are just some of the many aspects that will be involved in the trip.

Though I have traveled to many countries, South America still sits on my list of places untraveled. Every time I imagine myself surrounded by lush green scenery and ongoing mountain tops, chills run down my spine. An aspect that I am really looking forward to will be going to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world that every person dreams of seeing.

When in Peru, we will be staying with host families and attempting to speak and understand as much Spanish as possible. Currently, I am in my fourth year of Spanish but half of the group going does not know much past, “Hola” and “Me llamo ____”. My roommate on my home stay, Amelia, barely knows any so it should be very interesting to test out our pantomiming and charade skills.

Though I am super excited, I am also anxious about many aspects of the trip. One being the cultural differences, especially when it comes to language and mannerisms. Another, though silly, is food and water. Many people have exclaimed that they get sick in Peru from the water and food. Being sick and having any part of the trip cut short would be a total disappointment.

During the trip, we have all decided to take part in the “Un-plugged challenge”. This means no technology. No iPods, computers, phones, etc. I know this might be hard, but I am super excited about the challenge. No technology also means to distractions. We will all be able to enjoy each other’s company and Peru without having our heads in the virtual world. Unfortunately, the one big down side of the un-plugged challenge means that I will not be able to continue blogging until I get home. So please, stay tuned!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you will follow me on my journey to Peru!!!

Adios,

Lindy