Just the beginning...

Hello friends and family!

After much discussion and thought, I have decided that a blog is a great way to keep all of the important people in my life informed of what I am doing this year. It is my hope that this forum will allow each of you an open window into my life and ease our communication lines as my time here passes.

I arrived in Lima last Wed late and awoke early to take a bus 8 hours north to Huaraz. I was there greeted by the warmest of warm hugs by Libby and Benjamin, who are in the middle of their Peace Corps service, based 2 hours north of Huaraz. The town of Huaraz is at 10,000 feet, nestled in the Andes, filled with Peruvians and trekkers. Quite an interesting mix, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. After a restful night, we awoke in Huaraz to play...yup, you guessed it! Ultimate frisbee! For 4 hours 14 of us played a great game in the mountains. A great introduction to this country! After my lungs could take no more, we left Huaraz and headed for some hotsprings to ease our aches from so much activity.

That night, we nestled into Lib and Benj´s adorable blue room, bellies full of soup and bread, hearts and minds happy with our conversations and explorations. We arose with the view of Huascaran so close, I felt I could touch it. We took a great hike into the mountains, and headed back down to Huaraz so I could catch an evening bus for Lima, where I would then fly to Cuzco. It was a whirlwind weekend, but one that warmed me so much with their friendship and love. We have a few more travel plans in the near future...

Now I have arrived in Cuzco, ready to learn and eager to explore. My host family is very sweet, the other students seem great. This is a touristy city, but one that has a lot of character and places to explore, not to mention the amazing ruins that sit so close to me! I will stay here for at least a few months, if not more depending on how much I enjoy my volunteer placement, etc. Right now, I am focusing on my Spanish, which is definitely improving.

I must run off to a dinner, but I will post more soon and try to get some photos up. Know that I am healthy, well, and refreshed by my journey thus far.

Ciao,

Laura