cusco, peru

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERU! What a beautiful country! It has so much to offer to the tourist but sadly the majority of the country is living in poverty. We enjoyed our 9 weeks in Peru and glad that we were able to volunteer with Peru's Challenge on the 8-week program. The program not only gave us an insight into needs of the under-privileged and poor but also open our eyes to the rich and beautiful culture of Peru. Cusco city is a major tourism centre in Peru as it's the gate to the world famous and world heritage listed Machu Picchu. Cusco city and its vicinity has so much to offer.

What we love

LL: The walk up to school...such a scenic walk and takes you to a completely different place. It was my keep fit exercise as well as my training for Inca Trail. I love my time with the kids in the kindy class! They are so adorable and I love doing all the activities with them.

AT: The nice weather. It was cold at times but most of the time it was cool with sunshine. The bicycle ride up to the school and back down at 4000m was also a highlight. I enjoyed the work at the school. Being able to make a difference in the children's and community's lives, whether big or small, was thoroughly enjoyable and has changed my perspective in life.

What we dislike

LL: The different social class and mistreatment of the indigenous Peruvian. Domestic violence towards the wives is widely acceptable in this society. I am glad there is organisation like Peru's Challenge to help these ladies.

AT: The poverty in Peru. It was sad to see the poor struggling with the everyday basics that we, in the western world, take for granted everyday.

What we miss

LL: Off course the kids in the kindy class. Also the friends we met during this journey and the great time we had together.

AT: The good times that we had with Peru's Challenge's staff, the friends we made on this journey and the kids.

What we don't miss

LL: The temperamental electric shower...I don't miss not knowing if I will have a warm shower or will I get an electric shock while in my shower. It's good to be able to turn on the tap and drink water straight from it.

AT: I don't miss the dusty roads and air pollution of Cusco.

What we are thankful for

LL: Although we had to be extremely careful with our food, there are plenty of good cafes in the city that offer great food and coffee. I was able to get my coffee fix once a week in one of these cafes as well as enjoyed a yummy big breakfast.

AT: Thankful that I did not get any stomach bugs/viruses at all. Everyone else did!!!! I was the last man standing...

What we accomplished

LL: 4 days trekking on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which was tough but enjoyable. I managed to stay fit and healthy even though I had amoeba towards the end of the program.

AT: I am actually quite proud that we made it to Peru and finished the 8-week program. Throughout the planning process, there was always this lingering feeling about whether is this for real, is it really going to happen, etc....It was a dream to travel to Peru and volunteer to help the less fortunate.

What we learnt

We learnt about the ins and outs of the travel volunteer program. It is a very good not-for-profit system as the funds generated from the volunteers are put into the community development program. This benefits both the community being helped and the volunteers.