Peru

If you are traveling on a budget, do not rely solely on Lonely Planet when choosing a bus company for travel. I did this and LP gives some good recommendations, but there are a lot more options (including more affordable and still reputable options) out there. Granted, the plethora of bus companies can be overwhelming, but if saving $$$ is important for you, go down to the bus station (or ask the hostel or locals) for their suggestions.

Peru is an amazing place to visit! Be sure to give yourself extra time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Take time to visit the sites in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo, Chincero, and Pisaq. GO TO THE SUNDAY MARKET IN PISAQ! My favorite memories in Peru are of being on overcrowded buses that wind through the villages and towns in the Valle Sagrado. I went rafting on the Urubamba which was very worth it (except the wetsuits smelt of body odor).Don’t miss a visit to Qorikancha (spelling?) in Cusco which was the center of the Incan empire.

Also, be sure to visit Arequipa. A nice break is to have coffee or a beer at the cafes on the Plaza de Armas. The cafes are not too overpriced and afford great views. Ask to sit on the roof for wonderful views of El Misti. Arequipay Backpackers’ Hostel in Arequipa is a great place to stay.

Last bits of advice- don’t eat Peruvian Chinese food (chifa). It is exceptionally cheap and you can find it everywhere, but know better. I knew better before I even ordered but went through with it anyway. The result was quality toilet time for several days for my friend and I. I doubt our dining experience and anal pyrotechnics was out of the ordinary.

Also, there are some good Peruvian beers, but the Cusquena dark is really foul. Nauseatingly foul.

Eat churros, cuy, and drink LOTS of Pisco sour!

Machu Pichu

My husband’s from Peru and we want to go back together. He’s always telling me how beautiful it is there. In the future, we’d like to buy a house there like a vacation home. Much of my husband’s family is still there, so it would be nice to see them on their turf.

Because I’d like to do the Inca Trail. Not just to see Macchu Picchu, but to have the experience of hiking in such a diverse country too.

Okay! I have my first thousand dollars and yesterday I bought my plane tickets! EEK! This is really happening! I’m going to Peru!

Because there is a world out there that is unlike anywhere else, where you won’t think about those trivial things in life that might have ever bothered you. You’ll forget about all that, and you’ll realize that ultimately, allowing you not to worry about anything makes this place majestic.

trip with the motorbike chile/peru
planned for 2009 …

Renee and I would like to go here for our 20th wedding anniversary.

229 days til take off! I will be going on a missions trip for 2 weeks. I am so excited!