Time is NOT of the essence:::::Cusco---Marco Antonio--INCAS

Our adventure to Cusco began last Thursday at 3am when I was rudely awakened by the screeching sound of my alarm clock signaling it was time to head to my good pal Jorge Chavez...International Airport. We have become very familiar with the airport here in Lima, but I'm not going to say I was sad that this Cusco trip was going to be our last flight on Peruvian Airlines. Peruvian Airlines served its purpose, but not in the easiest way possible. After one canceled flight, one delayed flight, and never leaving on schedule, one can rightfully be a little upset with the airline. That's all I'm going to say about that...

Cusco: MARCH 21-24

On the first day, we arrived late (naturally), so we only had a couple of hours to adjust to the altitude before we had to meet up with our guide Marco Antonio for a half day of tours. I can honestly say that Marco Antonio was easily the funniest english speaking Peruvian I have met here. I was laughing 3/4 of the day from funny little jokes I would catch. I think I was mostly just impressed that he was able to be funny in english, and somewhat jealous because I still have no idea how to be funny in Spanish. This first day we visited a few different places in Cusco and learned a lot of historical facts dating back to when the Spanish invaded and took over the Incas. Of course I was loving all of this information after taking a Latin American history class, but it was interesting to hear more details about the Incas coming from someone who's heritage is closely tied to the Incan culture.

The second day we woke up bright and early to make our way toward Machu Picchu. I had no idea how big of an ordeal it was to get to Machu Picchu. It took us nearly 6 hours to finally reach to the top (once again behind schedule), once we reached the top and got check in with our tour company we finally got to take the trek to the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu! Our tour lasted 2.5 hours and it was incredible! Easily the most incredible thing I have seen in my life. I cannot even describe to you how I felt seeing and soaking in the facts about the Inca ruins that I, Danielle Bartels, walked through. I would love to go back again, and maybe even stay at the hotel at the base of the trail...I will have to save up some serious money though because ONE night in that hotel is over $1,000USD. Insane!!

Saturday we got to take a traveling tour to other Inca ruins in surrounding cities outside of Cusco. This trip began around 8am and ended around 7pm. We were able to see a wildlife refuge area for Peru's protected animals like the vicuña, condor, puma, etc. It was incredible being up close an personal with such incredible animals. The condors especially! The Inca ruins from these little field trips were amazing, very similar to the architecture of Machu Picchu...which is mind blowing to begin with. Those Incas were incredible people. I am eternally fascinated with their knowledge. Even though they were not "civilized" like Europeans (guns, metals, etc.) the natural resources they used to build, produce, grow everything they did is impeccable.

Sunday morning we got up and went shopping in the markets and bought too many souvenirs...yay for you friends and family! Not so "yay" for the bank account...no in all reality souvenirs here are fairly cheap. The average price for a tshirt is around S/. 15 which is about $6 USD. Not too shabby! Sunday afternoon our plane was supposed to leave at 3:10 but...YOU GUESSED IT! We were delayed until 4:30...it really wasn't the biggest of deals but frustrating all the same. We were all tired from a long weekend and were ready to be able to sleep in our own beds.

This last week was regular class, and I think we have all started our countdown as to when we are going home...38 days...and school is winding down. Thursday we did not have class because it is Holy Week and here they shut everything down Thursday and Friday of Holy Week and just about 8million people skip town to go to the beach. Lima was dead quiet for the past couple of days, and that was wonderful. I have gotten used to the noise that Lima produces, but not having to hear a lot of noise was refreshing.

This coming week we only have class on Monday and Thursday...and they are the same class. Conversation with Liliana. We are going to get our Spanish talking in for the whole week that's for sure. I don't have much else to say, except that I have really been enjoying my time here in Peru and have made some pretty good friends while being here....and Peruvians are always late to everything.

That's all for now, here's some pictures! :)
If you want to check out more picture: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151418187233355.1073741831.500473354&type=3

Marco Antonio--our guide