Cusco, the city of dreams

COUNTRY: Peru
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Construction
WRITTEN BY: Katie Bergan

So being in Cusco is like waking up from a dream and not quite being sure whether it was real or not, the sights are just unbelievable. When the group met 6:30am orientation day half were jet-lagged after 40 hours plus of travel and the other half were struggling to recover from hostel living, but the atmosphere was vibrant and everyone was keen to start the program. Us girls bonded early due to a clogged toilet (note: you cannot put toilet paper in the toilets in Peru) and the boys never stop talking! Nico has been so helpful, especially with communication and travel.

The school was so welcoming, giving us flowers and showering us with confetti, it was obvious that teachers and students alike were looking forward to this experience. The children are SO CUTE and love to shower you with hugs constantly. The construction is hard work, breaking a sweat every time. Probably the scariest moment was when someone accidentally pickaxed a water main (was so worried that we had destroyed everything the 2nd day in). The walk from the school to the bus stop is death (all up hill, steep too), but every day it gets a little bit easier. Our host family is so lovely, home cooked Peruvian food all the way, going to take our host mother home with us!

Cusco is a gripping city, with the urge to explore almost overwhelming, there is no trouble finding things to do in your free time. This past weekend we went down to Puno and Lake Titicaca to see the floating islands. Buses can be cheap as long as you’re okay with the longer travel time from multiple bus stops (15 SOL to Puno per person). It was a great cultural experience to meet the Quechan people, with everyone managing the lack of running water with great finesse and basically everyone chilled to the bone from the wind. It’s been an awesome week and I can’t wait for more.

Notes for altitude: you will be short of breath when doing simple tasks. Headaches, tingles, nausea and dizzy spells are all normal. Possible loss of appetite. Recommend paracetamol and coca leaves to help.