“Wherever you go, go with all your heart!” -Confucius June 18, 2018 Here I go! I was feeling confident when I arrived at MSP to check in my baggage. I mean, my large suitcase was only half-filled. Nevermind the fact that I already had to repack it because it weighed in at 70 pounds! I did not expect to have to do a second repack, but it weighed 51 pounds. It was a good thing I could transfer my heavy pair of hiking boots easily. After that, I was thankful that the security check point was a breeze. The working dog enabled all travelers to keep their shoes on and all carry-on luggage in tact. I had an easy flight from Minneapolis to Houston and met up with half of the Peru Crew there. We caught up during a quick dinner, and before we knew it, we were ready to board our plane. From Houston, we set off for Lima. Our flight was a bit delayed, and we felt bad, knowing the Miami Peru Crew would be anxiously awaiting our arrival. June 19, 2018 The flight from Houston went smoothly and we were easily navigated customs, exchanged money, and found the rest of the Peru Crew. Since we arrived around 12:30am, we all had a full day of traveling! Our bus driver helped us load all of our stuff into the bus, and delivered us safely to our hotel. I was grateful for a speedy check-in and the wonderful food spread that the hotel had prepared for us. It was a warm Peruvian welcome! Although I did not get to sleep until after 2am, I was too excited to stay asleep. I woke up, early, ready for the day, and figured out where breakfast was served. Apparently, I am the early bird of the group! I was the only one from the Peru Crew in the restaurant. The breakfast was delicious, and the coffee was also note-worthy. Next, we all met for our first meeting. Our in-country consultant, Karina, gave us an overview of Peruvian history and culture. While learning about Peru's history, and looking at the diversity of the Peru's 32 million people, I found myself reflecting on the history of the United States, and its impact on who I am. Peru's flag will be flying all of Peru soon...not only to show support for Peru's presence in the World Cup, but also because all homes must display the flag for the entire month of July to celebrate Peru's Independence Day, July 28. The red of the flag represents the blood of the martyrs. The white symbolizes peace, and the emblem in the center shows Peru's wealth of animals, plants and the mining of gold and silver. Next, we enjoyed a midday meal together at our hotel restaurant. In addition to the buffet of appetizers and desserts, we also were served a plated entree. Look at the pictures! I have been adventurous and have been trying many new foods. One interesting thing about meals in Peru: lunch is the biggest meal of the day. After lunch, we took a bus and walking tour of Lima. We started at El Parque del Amor in Miraflores near our hotel. What a LOVEly place! We hopped back on the bus and drove through the packed streets through the neighborhoods of Lima. We made our way to Plaza de Armas where the Government Palace is located. The impressive fountain was built in 1651, but the original fountain was built in 1578 to replace the gallows. From here, we walked to the Monastery of San Fransisco, completed in 1674. I captured a couple of photos of the building, but we were not allowed to take any pictures on the tour or in the catacombs, so I purchased postcards. Although I am claustrophobic, I had to take the catacomb tour. There are 25,000+ bodies (bones, now) there. This place was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991. We ended our first full day with dinner at Huaca Pucllana. The restaurant was built alongside the pyramids, which were constructed before the Incas. It was an incredible first day!
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