Peru, we are coming for you!

It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that in two mornings Abbey and I will be waking up in Peru. A couple months ago Abbey and I came up with a random, wild idea of backpacking through South America. We spent several nights just staring at maps of the continent, scratching our heads, unsure even which countries we were interested in going to. Machu Picchu was at the top of our list for sites to see, a suggestion my dad had thrown out there and I grasped onto. However besides that, we had no direction to go in. To be honest, I knew really nothing about Peru before this trip, I couldn't have even told you where in South America it was located. But the fact is, I have a per diem position for a reason, and I'm going to make the most of it while I can. At my job I watch people's lives completely change in a matter of weeks, days, hours, even just a few moments. It's a constant reminder that I am extremely lucky. Lucky to have good health, healthy loved ones, and on top of that a caring family, the most wonderful friends, supportive coworkers...lucky to be born in this beautiful country and state, to be free, educated, and to have this incredible job. It is because of this job, and the wonderful people I have the privilege to meet there, that I am reminded that time moves much more quickly than we ever count on, we are not immortal, and that its important to live life to its fullest while I can. It's time for a new adventure, and luckily one of my oldest and dearest friends (and coworkers!) is willing and able to do so with me. 

It turns out we still aren't exactly sure where we will be traveling. We will arrive in Lima, Peru at 9pm Wednesday. On Friday we fly to Cusco, a city fifty miles or so from Machu Picchu. From what we hear this may be a stomach in your throat sort of ride...picture a small, rickety plane, fog, and a quick descent from the mountains into a valley for the landing. It was this or a twenty hour long bus ride traversing along cliff sides and mountain passes. When we land we will step onto soil greater than 11,000 feet above sea level. This means we may have the joy of experiencing altitude sickness. We will hang out in Cusco for a few days to acclimate before hopefully setting off on a multiday hike to Machu Picchu. We are hoping to join a guided trip along the Salkantay trail. This hike reaches an elevation above 16,000 feet and runs close to Salkanty Mountain, which is slightly larger than Mt. McKinley. After reaching our destination of Machu Picchu, the plan is to take buses and see some other parts of the country. Here's to hoping winging it doesn't become a royal mistake. While it feels a little unsettling to know we only have accommodations booked for the first five nights (out of  twenty), it also feels quite exciting! This way we can see what others down there recommend and just go with it!

Did I mention I don't know Spanish....after taking a few lessons I think one of the few things I can ask is "where is the bathroom?" And probably the only response I will understand is if somebody physically points to it! Abbey took some Spanish in high school and has been practicing with Rosetta Stone. Hoping that between her and my pocket size Spanish phrase book we can get by. I was checking out at Outdoor Gear Exchange the other day and the girl behind the counter said "Peru, oh yea, my friend almost got kidnapped there. Luckily she knew enough Spanish to know that the cab driver wasn't bringing her to the destination she requested." Comforting. Don't worry Mom, I'm not planning on taking any cabs.

Well, its off to finish packing, gotta make sure I can fit everything in my 60 liter backpack and actually carry it! Vamos!