My spring break was one of the most amazing times of my
life, I was very fortunate to be allowed the experience to travel to Peru with
the school International Travel Studies. There we did so many amazing things,
including experiencing such a different culture and way of life. One of my
favourite things we did while we were there is we went to a small town called
Urubamba and worked at an elementary school, weeding and painting. It was very
powerful to see some of the kids wearing the same clothes three days in a row, and
some of them not having proper shoes or backpacks. Also some of the kids live
two hours away from the school so their school day ends at lunch time to make
sure the kids can get home. The children were absolutely adorable! The first
day we were there they were all a bit shy but the next two days we were running
around with them giving them piggy backs and just goofing off having a good
time. It was a real realization moment for me when we bought them all
toothbrushes because brushing our teeth is such a simple everyday necessity we don’t
even question but they cannot even afford to have a toothbrush. It really
showed me how privileged we are here to have all we have and how much we take advantage
of in our everyday lives. It was a very eye opening experience that made me
want to help more people in my life because I’m so privileged I believe it’s
only right to help everywhere I can. Another
part of the trip I loved was getting to hike the Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu,
an estimated eight hour hike to the Sun Gate where one can get the first look
at Machu Picchu. The day we hiked the Inca Trail I wasn’t feeling very well but
I refused to skip the hike, so about half way up I vomited and I felt a lot
better after that! Which made the hike much more enjoyable. The views while
going up the mountain were amazing and the ever so rewarding feeling you get
from the Sun Gate is wonderful knowing your so close and your finally seeing it
in real life not just a picture. There is a large set of rock stairs to the Sun
Gate and all 18 of us held hand going up to finally see Machu Picchu. It was
overall the most amazing trip and one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced.
