Editor’s Note: This is the first post of four chronicling each day of the Inca Trail. I groggily threw clothes into my duffel bag, pausing from time to time to reflect on whether I would need the item over the next 5 days. We would be leaving our cozy hostel in Cusco to start our trek … More Embarking on the Inca Trail: Day 1
The loud ringer on my Nokia brick phone echoed throughout my room. I let the catchy, yet annoying song finish as I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair. It was too early to be anyone important. As soon as the ringer stopped, indicating the call had gone to voicemail, my phone began ringing again. It … More Appendicitis in Peru
There was no Pomp and Circumstance playing. There were no caps nor gowns. The stage wasn’t even decorated, and the only props were a table, with a repurposed banner from another event as a table cloth, and chairs. It was the first time, at least in anyone’s memory, that the secondary school Julio Ponce Antuñez … More Graduation
One of the most incredible, amazing aspects of living in rural Peru is that if I walk 20 minutes in any direction, I find myself surrounded by nature. If I walk a little bit further, I stumble upon hidden oases, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Motupe, the next … More Off the beaten path
It was overcast and slightly breezy outside as Cesar navigated his rickety, old truck down the dirt road. I sat in the front passenger seat while a few other volunteers rode in the bed. We stopped at several houses along the way, hollering at children until adults came to answer our questions. “Where are the … More Rock History
Brittany McGee 