WARNING: This blog post contains sappiness

Oh, Cusco. You were so good to me. As I sit in seat 2L on LAN Flight 0034, looking out the window at the spectacular Andes, I thought I'd take the time to write one last blog post. This blog is called Elise in Cusco, after all, and since starting now I'm no longer in Cusco, this will sadly be the last post.

Cusco to me was ultimate happiness. There are things too personal or indescribable to share on the blog, but I will say a few things- first, Cusco is absolutely beautiful. The weather is unbeatable- dry sun every day. The setting is incredible... the city is literally plopped in the middle of a valley, surrounded by humbling mountains. The streets are narrow and lined with cobblestones and the buildings are old and interesting. Wondering through the streets, feeling the sun on my skin and constantly taking in visual stimulation never failed to make me feel great.

The people were wonderful. With a million tourists passing through Cusco a year, you meet a lot of people on the road. While sometimes you wish certain people could stay forever, the constant flow of different people made life more interesting and eye opening. To the Peruvians and expats who lived in Cusco, something made you come to Cusco- music, love, a longing for something else, etc.- and that something made knowing you more interesting. Cusqueñans... sorry us gringos invade your city on a daily basis, thanks for being good sports.

Siete Angelitos, Roots, Inka Team, Paddy's.

The food... it's amazing how much your body can be affected when you're giving it good stuff. The freshness and organic nature of the food really made me feel like I was fueling my body, and that's a great feeling.

Aaand, at the risk of sounding a bit self-righteous, or as if I just won an award, I would like to publicly give a few thanks...

-Ms. Alex Behles, who took a risk and invited me to come live, work, and experience Cusco with her. Thanks, amiga, for having faith in me to be a sufficient partner in crime for a lady like you. You showed me the ropes of Cusco when I was a lost puppy, and I'm so so so glad we'll always have our Peru time together. I already have a wedding toast planned.

-Meridian, my wonderful employers, who allowed me to have this experience and simultaneously be thankful every time I met a traveler who had just been laid off or were heading home to take on the the daunting task of a job search. I could not think of a nicer organization to work for.

-My fantastic family and friends, who always encourage me to take on whatever opportunity comes my way. Holding my hand while I took the leap was more comforting and reassuring than you know. Thanks Mom, Dad, Lindsey and Trevor for visiting- so glad you "conocer"ed my Cusqueañan life.

-Aiden... oh, Aiden. My Cusqueñan novio who was actually not from Cusco but Ireland. You filled my days with bowls of soup, McFlurries (admit it), Cusqueñas, cups of tea, but more than anything, love and more laughter than I've ever shared with anyone. Thanks for the million smiles you brought to my face... I miss you already!


THE END

Lima airport has free wireless!

FYI, in case you find yourself here for 7 hours. Like me. I will buy multiple cups of Starbucks coffee and enjoy every sip. And break into Season 5 of LOST which I purchased on the black market for $6.

Things I'm looking forward to in the grand U.S. of A.

1. Long, hot showers
2. Down comforters
3. Draught beer
4. Large cups of coffee to go
5. Bathtubs
6. Sushi

More pics from the recent hike

CLICK HERE!

Last mountain blog

Headed out early Sunday morning for one last hiking adventure in Peru. Unlike the hike I did with my parents, we did not have mules carrying our gear/ food, etc... the packs made a HUGE difference, the climb was tough. Anyway, we woke up early and took the bus to Huaran, a tiny town just past Calca. Our hike started there- we climbed about 5 hours to Cancha Cancha, a tiny tiny tiny community with stone houses and straw roofs... old school.

Day 1: I love mountains and rivers

Cancha Cancha

It was freezing, and the wind was howling... we got VERY lucky and stumbled across some sort of a community center which no one seemed to be using. This really saved us.

Godsend

Our one person tent

Aiden makes dinner

Leaving the valley where Cancha Cancha was located

The next morning, we climbed straight up (seriously) for 3 or 4 hours. This was a challenge. We passed Sirihuani on the way which was spectacular:

Day 2: I like mountains, but I'm tired

Finally we got to the pass, Cerro Azulorjo (16,250 ft)...

Aiden in front of Sawasiray

More Andes

After the pass, we had 3 or 4 hours of niiiiiice downhill, which felt amazing. Eventually we arrived at the town of Quisuarani... there were little stone houses and a waterfall:




From there we walked down the hill on their road until we got to the main road, got lucky and caught a bus to Lares, where we were planning on spending the night since the last bus leaves the town at 1. However, we got a ride with a truck driver (scariest hour and a half of my life, literally a one way road on a VERY CURVY LEDGE which, had we hit a bump or skidded at any moment, we all would have dropped hundreds of feet and died) to Calca, then another bus to Cusco.

GOODBYE PERUVIAN ANDES!

View from my hostel window

I climbed that.

Last day of class at Pacca

Explaining the rules of the piñata

They made me try

CAAAAAAAAAAANDDDDYYYYYYYYY!!!! I am shocked no one died in there.

ALEX WE MISSED YOU!!!