3:44 pm. It's that time of day again, the time of day when a mild pressure behind my eyebrows sets in, as has happened most days for the past few weeks. The ache is not strong enough to be consuming or debilitating, just enough to be noticeable and uncomfortable. Soon the slight nausea will creep in; not enough to make me toss my biscuits, just enough to make dinner taste not-quite-right. I have a hard time believing that the discomfort is anything but a psychosomatic reaction to the stress of change.
I returned to the United States from Peru just over a month ago. I haven't been doing anything especially taxing (though, prolonged boredom is surprisingly wearing). Most of my days have been spent working out a little, cleaning up some, praying often, spending too much time on Facebook, and all the while thinking, wondering, worrying. As if the change in culture weren't enough to deal with, I'm about to move, to begin studies at a new university (Northwestern) in a new field (speech-language pathology). I miss my friends. I miss cheap avocados. I miss the expressive nature of the Spanish language and the kind and spirited culture of Peruvian people. I think about how different life there was from life here: the way the air smells of dirt and smoke there and grass and lake water here, the brown dunes there and the green woods here, the movement of the salty sea verses the glass-like fresh water here, the constant motion and sound there and the stillness and quiet here, almost never being alone there and almost always being alone here. I wonder how Peru will continue to play a part in my life, when I will ever go back, what I really want to do with my life, who has given me the best advice, why being admitted to the dream school doesn't make me feel happier... I worry that I'll be paying student loans for the rest of my life, that my brain has gone to mush, that there are innumerable complications, difficulties and heartaches ahead of me.
We never really know what lies before of us. Sometimes we guess accurately or trick ourselves into thinking we know. Now, I am entirely aware that I have not the slightest idea how my life will play out. I don't know where this path will take me, how long I'll be on it, or how I'll know to get off and pursue another direction. I have never understood what "walking by faith, not by sight" feels like until now. I know in my heart I serve a God who will guide and protect me no matter what happens. Unfortunately, my mind is proving to be too puny to comprehend that fact. So, if you are a person of prayer, I am asking you to pray for me that I may be able to sort out the mess of thoughts and emotions I'm in, to trust in God's truth and comfort, and to find clarity and purpose for now and for what is to come.
September 3, 2012
June 8, 2012
Whew!
The past 30 days have been crazy! From leading a team, to the Inca Link Retreat, to meeting the new interns, I have been going, going, going. I've enjoyed everything I've been doing, but I am looking forward to some days of rest that are not spent on a bus! :)
During the first couple weeks of May, I lead a team of college students from Penn State that came through the Christian & Missionary Alliance church they attend. I enjoyed getting to know the team of six, four female students and a young, married couple who serve at the church. They worked hard and helped us finish the gardens at Pasitos de Fe, the children's home.
The day the team left, I met up with Lisa Merritt, the Executive Director of Inca Link International and a good friend of mine, in Lima. We headed back to Trujillo with Josh and Jenny Howlett and their almost-two-year-old Jayla, who were coming as a vision trip to potentially serve as Inca Link missionaries in Peru. They all came in for the Inca Link Retreat, where all of Inca Link International was represented. From the US, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Inca Link came together to connect and encourage each other. I was honored to be able to meet the many committed followers of Christ who have chosen to serve with Inca Link full-time. As an intern, I was the designated child-care giver, so I spent most of the week playing with Jayla and a few other toddlers. Good thing I love babies!
On the last day of the retreat, I went back to Lima with my fellow intern Brent to pick up the 11 summer interns! They're great! As part of training, we had our own Amazing Race, inspired by the TV program. Because I completed an Amazing Race in 2010, I opted to be a judge this time around, so I was the designated score-keeper. We spent two days in Trujillo doing all sorts of challenges, from making bricks to dancing in the street to sand-boarding to eating chicken feet. Then we took the 12-hour bus ride to the border of Peru and Ecuador, and after entering Ecuador, we rode in a 15-passenger van to El Carmen, Ecuador. There's nothing like rode-trips in vans for team bonding. In El Carmen, the interns harvested and packaged Dole bananas, rode on bus tops called chivas, and cleared land for a church to be built.
From El Carmen, we traveled to Quito to spend the night and then to Huaticocha, a jungle village just a little past Sumaco, where I served in January with the Covenant Church. Although watching the interns navigate a river in carved canoes, eat grubs, and teach kids was entertaining, my highlight was running into the pastor of the Covenant Church in Sumaco. As I was waiting to get in the van, I saw him walking down the road, and we recognized each other. The meeting was brief, but I enjoyed making the connection... gotta love the Covenant!
After a great night and day in Huaticocha, we headed back to Quito. I was able to spend a day with my best friend Mandy Hjelm, who is serving with Covenant World Missions in Quito (I stayed with her for six weeks in January and February). It was great to be with her and have a day to relax and do something different. I've missed her! We had some greatly-needed catch up time. Spending time with her was a gift.
Next, we headed to a retreat center outside of Quito, called El Refugio. There we did team building and leadership training, and finished the Amazing Race. Campy things always make me feel at home and like myself (though that usually includes the pouty side of me that does not love certain campy activities along with the parts I love).
From there, we said good-bye to the six Ecuador interns and Inca Link Ecuador staff to head back to Trujillo. We took the night bus to the border, spent the day resting a hotel pool in the border town, and took another night bus to Trujillo. I spent one night in Trujillo and left Friday morning with two other interns to pick up our first group! We have two teams, a team from Kentucky and a team from Pennsylvania with us for our first block. Exciting! I'm writing this update on the third night bus I've taken this week. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a real bed.
I'm also looking forward to getting back to Trujillo and back to project. It's exciting to have new interns and to get to know them all and see their personalities come out as we get to know each other better. Please for team unity for the interns, teams, and Inca Link Peru, for our health and safety (we all have colds) and as always for all the ministries and outreach programs.
During the first couple weeks of May, I lead a team of college students from Penn State that came through the Christian & Missionary Alliance church they attend. I enjoyed getting to know the team of six, four female students and a young, married couple who serve at the church. They worked hard and helped us finish the gardens at Pasitos de Fe, the children's home.
The day the team left, I met up with Lisa Merritt, the Executive Director of Inca Link International and a good friend of mine, in Lima. We headed back to Trujillo with Josh and Jenny Howlett and their almost-two-year-old Jayla, who were coming as a vision trip to potentially serve as Inca Link missionaries in Peru. They all came in for the Inca Link Retreat, where all of Inca Link International was represented. From the US, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, Inca Link came together to connect and encourage each other. I was honored to be able to meet the many committed followers of Christ who have chosen to serve with Inca Link full-time. As an intern, I was the designated child-care giver, so I spent most of the week playing with Jayla and a few other toddlers. Good thing I love babies!
On the last day of the retreat, I went back to Lima with my fellow intern Brent to pick up the 11 summer interns! They're great! As part of training, we had our own Amazing Race, inspired by the TV program. Because I completed an Amazing Race in 2010, I opted to be a judge this time around, so I was the designated score-keeper. We spent two days in Trujillo doing all sorts of challenges, from making bricks to dancing in the street to sand-boarding to eating chicken feet. Then we took the 12-hour bus ride to the border of Peru and Ecuador, and after entering Ecuador, we rode in a 15-passenger van to El Carmen, Ecuador. There's nothing like rode-trips in vans for team bonding. In El Carmen, the interns harvested and packaged Dole bananas, rode on bus tops called chivas, and cleared land for a church to be built.
From El Carmen, we traveled to Quito to spend the night and then to Huaticocha, a jungle village just a little past Sumaco, where I served in January with the Covenant Church. Although watching the interns navigate a river in carved canoes, eat grubs, and teach kids was entertaining, my highlight was running into the pastor of the Covenant Church in Sumaco. As I was waiting to get in the van, I saw him walking down the road, and we recognized each other. The meeting was brief, but I enjoyed making the connection... gotta love the Covenant!
After a great night and day in Huaticocha, we headed back to Quito. I was able to spend a day with my best friend Mandy Hjelm, who is serving with Covenant World Missions in Quito (I stayed with her for six weeks in January and February). It was great to be with her and have a day to relax and do something different. I've missed her! We had some greatly-needed catch up time. Spending time with her was a gift.
Next, we headed to a retreat center outside of Quito, called El Refugio. There we did team building and leadership training, and finished the Amazing Race. Campy things always make me feel at home and like myself (though that usually includes the pouty side of me that does not love certain campy activities along with the parts I love).
From there, we said good-bye to the six Ecuador interns and Inca Link Ecuador staff to head back to Trujillo. We took the night bus to the border, spent the day resting a hotel pool in the border town, and took another night bus to Trujillo. I spent one night in Trujillo and left Friday morning with two other interns to pick up our first group! We have two teams, a team from Kentucky and a team from Pennsylvania with us for our first block. Exciting! I'm writing this update on the third night bus I've taken this week. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a real bed.
I'm also looking forward to getting back to Trujillo and back to project. It's exciting to have new interns and to get to know them all and see their personalities come out as we get to know each other better. Please for team unity for the interns, teams, and Inca Link Peru, for our health and safety (we all have colds) and as always for all the ministries and outreach programs.
May 4, 2012
Day 110
May 5th will be my 65th day in Peru and my 110th day in South America. Eighty-seven more days! While there are many things I LOVE about Peru (the food, the helpful and amiable people, plazas and parks abound...), I'll be honest -- after halfway point, there are definitely things I miss from home. Obviously, I'm looking forward to spend time with my friends and family, but the things that I dream about are the little things, the routine, the lifestyle.
Working out regularly. A couple days a week of moving dirt is okay, but it does not come close to spending 45 minutes with Chalene Johnson five days a week. Oh, what I would give for TurboFire!
Vegetarianism as an attainable and acceptable option. Peruvian food is probably the tastiest in the world but not necessarily the healthiest (lots of chicken, white rice, and french fries). I enjoy every bite (well, except for intestines, goat, chicken feet...), but let's just say I don't necessarily love what it does to my GI system.
Drinking tap water. Buying water and running out of potable water is annoying. I have become less and less careful with the tap water. I use it brush my teeth, rinse my mouth, cook food, "wash" fruits and vegetables. So far, so good.
My full wardrobe. It's vain, I know. I just really like my clothes... every single article. Plus, I like the variety and doing laundry in mass quantities less often rather than in small quantities every few days.
Driving. If you know me really well, you're probably shocked. Why? I don't like to drive. I prefer someone else to drive. But, do you know what the ability to drive gives me? FREEDOM. I miss going where I want, when I want. I do a lot of waiting here... waiting for a companion, waiting for a taxi, waiting for the combi. It's probably a good lesson in patience and reliance. Good lessons are just not always easy lessons.
Reliable schedules and punctuality. Again, I do a lot of waiting. See above...
I'm not complaining. Well, yes. Yes, I am complaining. My complaints are honest and with the intent to express myself so that you, my supporters, are able to better support me in prayer. With that said, thanks! For your prayer and words of encouragement. See you in 88 days. :)
Working out regularly. A couple days a week of moving dirt is okay, but it does not come close to spending 45 minutes with Chalene Johnson five days a week. Oh, what I would give for TurboFire!
Vegetarianism as an attainable and acceptable option. Peruvian food is probably the tastiest in the world but not necessarily the healthiest (lots of chicken, white rice, and french fries). I enjoy every bite (well, except for intestines, goat, chicken feet...), but let's just say I don't necessarily love what it does to my GI system.
Drinking tap water. Buying water and running out of potable water is annoying. I have become less and less careful with the tap water. I use it brush my teeth, rinse my mouth, cook food, "wash" fruits and vegetables. So far, so good.
My full wardrobe. It's vain, I know. I just really like my clothes... every single article. Plus, I like the variety and doing laundry in mass quantities less often rather than in small quantities every few days.
Driving. If you know me really well, you're probably shocked. Why? I don't like to drive. I prefer someone else to drive. But, do you know what the ability to drive gives me? FREEDOM. I miss going where I want, when I want. I do a lot of waiting here... waiting for a companion, waiting for a taxi, waiting for the combi. It's probably a good lesson in patience and reliance. Good lessons are just not always easy lessons.
Reliable schedules and punctuality. Again, I do a lot of waiting. See above...
I'm not complaining. Well, yes. Yes, I am complaining. My complaints are honest and with the intent to express myself so that you, my supporters, are able to better support me in prayer. With that said, thanks! For your prayer and words of encouragement. See you in 88 days. :)
April 30, 2012
Month Two in Peru
Tomorrow it will be May. WHAT? April has flown by! The past month has been quite the ride, with ups, downs, celebrations and frustrations.
At the beginning of the month, my parents came to visit. It was great to see them and cool to share my life here with them. While they were here, they were able to meet the set of seven-year-old twins they sponsor at the Inca Link daycare. Though the kids were shy at first, they warmed up to us all, and continue to ask about my parents whenever they see me.
After the quick week with my parents, I was frustrated with life here and now as well as with my plans for life back home. Here, my project was not advancing. I kept getting sidetracked with work other than my project and coordinating it was hard. For my own safety, I'm not supposed to go anywhere alone, which means my schedule has to be based around other people's schedules. I don't consider myself to be a fiercely independent person -- I like having a companion -- but good grief do I miss the convenience and ease of going places by myself! Concerning my plans for home, I continued to be wait-listed and rejected from my preferred schools. When I finally was accepted to one, it was my last choice. I was not convinced the school nor the career path (speech-language pathology) was for me.
Then, something great happened! I got accepted to another school that I liked better. Though it was still low on the list, the program was good and the director was really nice. As soon as I had accepted the fact that I probably wouldn't be going to one of my top picks, something amazing happened! I was offered admission to Northwestern University! Northwestern's speech-language pathology is ranked as one of the top schools in the nation, and as it is just north of Chicago and has "legacy" value (both my dad's parents attended), it was my top choice. So, I enrolled!
After a couple of weeks of coordinating and struggling to get moving on my project, I finally was able to take some kids from the daycare out for a little field trip, just for fun. So far, my friend Claudia and I have taken out six kids, three sets of siblings. We were also able to visit their homes and meet their families, which is always good to understand their home lives. Usually, the home situation is difficult, with absent fathers or mothers, too many kids, and not enough resources. Most homes in their neighborhood are one or two rooms made of "adobe" mud-bricks, with dirt floors and little ventilation. The poor conditions are even more grim with life stories and harsh conditions that make young women look old. We leave with heavy hearts.
Seeing the homes of these children makes the necessity of the daycare so clearly evident. I've seen relief in mother's faces as they mention the three meals a week their children are fed at the day care, three less days she has to worry about how to feed them. I feel overwhelmed with compassion for these people, and overwhelmed by how much needy people need. I often feel that the help we are able to provide is inadequate, and it is. We will never make their lives perfect. BUT we must have faith that God will use what little we can do to do something big. We can't rescue every kid from every bad situation, but we can bring hope to a hurting world -- hope that situations can change, that wounds will be healed, that God will provide for us and sustain us. Maybe we don't have the resources to meet everyone's physical needs in abundance, but we have the abundant love of God that covers all.
At the beginning of the month, my parents came to visit. It was great to see them and cool to share my life here with them. While they were here, they were able to meet the set of seven-year-old twins they sponsor at the Inca Link daycare. Though the kids were shy at first, they warmed up to us all, and continue to ask about my parents whenever they see me.
After the quick week with my parents, I was frustrated with life here and now as well as with my plans for life back home. Here, my project was not advancing. I kept getting sidetracked with work other than my project and coordinating it was hard. For my own safety, I'm not supposed to go anywhere alone, which means my schedule has to be based around other people's schedules. I don't consider myself to be a fiercely independent person -- I like having a companion -- but good grief do I miss the convenience and ease of going places by myself! Concerning my plans for home, I continued to be wait-listed and rejected from my preferred schools. When I finally was accepted to one, it was my last choice. I was not convinced the school nor the career path (speech-language pathology) was for me.
Then, something great happened! I got accepted to another school that I liked better. Though it was still low on the list, the program was good and the director was really nice. As soon as I had accepted the fact that I probably wouldn't be going to one of my top picks, something amazing happened! I was offered admission to Northwestern University! Northwestern's speech-language pathology is ranked as one of the top schools in the nation, and as it is just north of Chicago and has "legacy" value (both my dad's parents attended), it was my top choice. So, I enrolled!
After a couple of weeks of coordinating and struggling to get moving on my project, I finally was able to take some kids from the daycare out for a little field trip, just for fun. So far, my friend Claudia and I have taken out six kids, three sets of siblings. We were also able to visit their homes and meet their families, which is always good to understand their home lives. Usually, the home situation is difficult, with absent fathers or mothers, too many kids, and not enough resources. Most homes in their neighborhood are one or two rooms made of "adobe" mud-bricks, with dirt floors and little ventilation. The poor conditions are even more grim with life stories and harsh conditions that make young women look old. We leave with heavy hearts.
Seeing the homes of these children makes the necessity of the daycare so clearly evident. I've seen relief in mother's faces as they mention the three meals a week their children are fed at the day care, three less days she has to worry about how to feed them. I feel overwhelmed with compassion for these people, and overwhelmed by how much needy people need. I often feel that the help we are able to provide is inadequate, and it is. We will never make their lives perfect. BUT we must have faith that God will use what little we can do to do something big. We can't rescue every kid from every bad situation, but we can bring hope to a hurting world -- hope that situations can change, that wounds will be healed, that God will provide for us and sustain us. Maybe we don't have the resources to meet everyone's physical needs in abundance, but we have the abundant love of God that covers all.
April 2, 2012
Thanks, Simpson Team!
To my Sisters at Simpson,
Thank you for a beautiful week of ministry here in Trujillo, Peru. Your willing spirits and compassionate hearts not only touched the lives of the youth and children we serve but also encouraged me and the rest of the Inca Link Peru team. Although our time together was short, your enthusiasm and extraordinary effort allowed us to accomplish much in only a few days.
Thank you for moving dirt tirelessly.
Thank you for planting grass joyfully.
Thank you for teaching the daycare children the story of Daniel courageously.
Thank you for praying in the garbage dump openly.
Thank you for playing with grimy kids freely.
Thank you for listening to our testimonies intently.
Thank you for crowning the children in Victor Raul lovingly.
Thank you for praying for Inca Link passionately.
Thank you for cleaning the dust-covered dormitory optimistically.
Thank you for sharing your reflections thoughtfully.
Thank you for serving diligently!
You were a joy to lead and serve alongside. As you adjust to life with a new perspective, knowing new things about the world, keep praying -- we are united in prayer. Keep serving -- God calls us to serve His Kingdom wherever we are (you ARE salt and light). Keep searching for the hidden God, the God who named us and calls us by name.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21)
With love and peace,
Abby Fish
Thank you for a beautiful week of ministry here in Trujillo, Peru. Your willing spirits and compassionate hearts not only touched the lives of the youth and children we serve but also encouraged me and the rest of the Inca Link Peru team. Although our time together was short, your enthusiasm and extraordinary effort allowed us to accomplish much in only a few days.
 |
Thank you for moving dirt tirelessly.
Thank you for teaching the daycare children the story of Daniel courageously.
Thank you for praying in the garbage dump openly.
Thank you for playing with grimy kids freely.
Thank you for listening to our testimonies intently.
Thank you for crowning the children in Victor Raul lovingly.
Thank you for praying for Inca Link passionately.
Thank you for cleaning the dust-covered dormitory optimistically.
Thank you for sharing your reflections thoughtfully.
You were a joy to lead and serve alongside. As you adjust to life with a new perspective, knowing new things about the world, keep praying -- we are united in prayer. Keep serving -- God calls us to serve His Kingdom wherever we are (you ARE salt and light). Keep searching for the hidden God, the God who named us and calls us by name.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21)
With love and peace,
Abby Fish
March 17, 2012
Trujillo :)
After the quick tour of Cuzco with Valerie, we parted ways. She continued to travel in southern Peru and on to Chile and Argentina (I'm not sure where she is now...), while I traveled north to Trujillo, Peru. Being back in Trujillo, feels good. The construction projects have moved along, the full-time Inca Link staff has grown in numbers, and the day care kids have grown taller and have bigger teeth.
So far, I've mostly been getting reacquainted with the ministries and the city, as well as getting to know the new Inca Link staff. I'm still learning the city, but I feel like I've known my fellow Inca Linkers for much longer than a week and a half. In addition to Wendy and Violeta, who I met the last time I was here, there are six new Inca Link Peru staff members: Brenda, Yackorry, Denise, Claudia, Stephanie, and Joca. They're all young and fun and passionate about what God is doing through Inca Link.
Currently, I'm living at Inca Link's children's-home-in-progress in the house built for missionaries. I share the house with another intern, Jordan (we interned together in 2010), the director of the daycare Eli and his wife and baby, an Ecuadorian volunteer named David, and another volunteer from Pennsylvania named Brent. This past week, we had Sam Gale, another former intern, with us for a week and Jordan's girlfriend Amanda who were volunteering over their spring break. Full house!
We've been working on construction projects here at the children's home as well as helping out at the various children's programs in different neighborhoods and at the daycare. I've been scheming up a project to focus on thoughout my time here. I'll be here for about 100 days (153, actually) and there are about 100 kids at the daycare, so my goal is to spend one-on-one time with each child at the daycare to give them some individual attention, learn more about their family life, and update their sponsors with pictures and letters. I'm still figuring out exactly what my time with the kids will look like, but I'm excited about the concept and I hope to start meeting with the kids soon.
The bad news is Machu Picchu broke my camera. Luckily, it didn't break until I was leaving the park, but it's still broken. I think it's fixable... or would be for someone who knew how to fix cameras. Until it's fixed or I find a spare to use for awhile, I'll just have to practice my descriptive writing skills, and you will have to use your imagination.
So far, I've mostly been getting reacquainted with the ministries and the city, as well as getting to know the new Inca Link staff. I'm still learning the city, but I feel like I've known my fellow Inca Linkers for much longer than a week and a half. In addition to Wendy and Violeta, who I met the last time I was here, there are six new Inca Link Peru staff members: Brenda, Yackorry, Denise, Claudia, Stephanie, and Joca. They're all young and fun and passionate about what God is doing through Inca Link.
Currently, I'm living at Inca Link's children's-home-in-progress in the house built for missionaries. I share the house with another intern, Jordan (we interned together in 2010), the director of the daycare Eli and his wife and baby, an Ecuadorian volunteer named David, and another volunteer from Pennsylvania named Brent. This past week, we had Sam Gale, another former intern, with us for a week and Jordan's girlfriend Amanda who were volunteering over their spring break. Full house!
We've been working on construction projects here at the children's home as well as helping out at the various children's programs in different neighborhoods and at the daycare. I've been scheming up a project to focus on thoughout my time here. I'll be here for about 100 days (153, actually) and there are about 100 kids at the daycare, so my goal is to spend one-on-one time with each child at the daycare to give them some individual attention, learn more about their family life, and update their sponsors with pictures and letters. I'm still figuring out exactly what my time with the kids will look like, but I'm excited about the concept and I hope to start meeting with the kids soon.
The bad news is Machu Picchu broke my camera. Luckily, it didn't break until I was leaving the park, but it's still broken. I think it's fixable... or would be for someone who knew how to fix cameras. Until it's fixed or I find a spare to use for awhile, I'll just have to practice my descriptive writing skills, and you will have to use your imagination.
March 6, 2012
Machu Picchu
Last Thursday evening, Valerie and I left Ecuador to go to Cuzco, Peru together before parting ways. We flew from Quito, Ecuador to Lima, Peru, spent the night in the Lima airport, and flew to Cuzco in the morning. After dropping our stuff off at the hostal where we would stay, we wandered around the city to find food, an ATM, and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. Cuzco is a quaint (and touristy) city with pretty plazas and many good restaurants. Even during "low-season," there were plenty of foreigners around.
Although we enjoyed a less busy town, there is a problem with visiting Machu Picchu during low-season: rain. Hence, the low tourist season. No one wants to travel thousands of miles and pay hundreds of dollars to visit a world wonder during a rainstorm. We knew this could be a problem when planning our trip, but we went forth because it was the time that worked for both of us. We could only hope and pray the rain wouldn't ruin our visit.
Our first day in Cuzco, we noticed that the morning was sunny and beautiful, but the weather turned dismal in the afternoon, cloudy and wet. Walking back to our hostel in the pouring rain after buying our tickets to enter the Machu Picchu historic park, we feared our luck would turn dismal as well.
The next morning we woke up before dawn to take a taxi to the bus station. After a two hour bus ride through the mountains, we arrived at the train station Ollantaytambo. From there, the train took us two more hours to Aguas Calientes, the "Machu Picchu City." Yet, another leg of the trip was still ahead. We found the bus station, bought tickets, and boarded a bus that goes back and forth from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu park all day, every day. For about 20 minutes, we twisted up high into the mountains.
All morning, the sky had been clear and sunny. The weather was looking good -- until we stepped off of the bus. Rain.
Luckily for us, the rain lasted only a few minutes. By the time we found a guide and agreed on a price, the rain let up and we entered the park. After a quick puff up a hill, we turned to see the postcard view of Machu Picchu.
When the tour was over, Valerie and I found a place to sit and take it all in. We imagined what life was like there before the Quecha people abandoned the place to avoid the conquistadors (according to our guide). Not too long after, the rain began again, so we took a final look at the view and said "good-bye" to Machu Picchu :)
Although we enjoyed a less busy town, there is a problem with visiting Machu Picchu during low-season: rain. Hence, the low tourist season. No one wants to travel thousands of miles and pay hundreds of dollars to visit a world wonder during a rainstorm. We knew this could be a problem when planning our trip, but we went forth because it was the time that worked for both of us. We could only hope and pray the rain wouldn't ruin our visit.
Our first day in Cuzco, we noticed that the morning was sunny and beautiful, but the weather turned dismal in the afternoon, cloudy and wet. Walking back to our hostel in the pouring rain after buying our tickets to enter the Machu Picchu historic park, we feared our luck would turn dismal as well.
The next morning we woke up before dawn to take a taxi to the bus station. After a two hour bus ride through the mountains, we arrived at the train station Ollantaytambo. From there, the train took us two more hours to Aguas Calientes, the "Machu Picchu City." Yet, another leg of the trip was still ahead. We found the bus station, bought tickets, and boarded a bus that goes back and forth from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu park all day, every day. For about 20 minutes, we twisted up high into the mountains.
All morning, the sky had been clear and sunny. The weather was looking good -- until we stepped off of the bus. Rain.
Luckily for us, the rain lasted only a few minutes. By the time we found a guide and agreed on a price, the rain let up and we entered the park. After a quick puff up a hill, we turned to see the postcard view of Machu Picchu.
So, of course, we had to take pictures in front of it to prove we were really there and didn't just steal photos off the internet.
After posing for our "postcard shots," we followed our tour guide into the ancient city.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)