I can barely process everything I’ve done these past few days. It’s overwhelming, and I still have 4 days left! Tomorrow we’re off to Brazil. No big deal, just country hopping to Iguassu Falls.
But Peru has been amazing, and as I had hoped, this guided tour with Contiki is serving as a sort of gateway into South America. If I weren’t here with about 30 awesome new friends, I don’t think I’d be so happy.
I’ll have a million stories to tell when I get back, but here’s Peru in a few short highlights.
-Watched the sun rise over Machu Picchu. Arrived literally within 5 minutes of the clouds parting and the whole site being revealed. I still think it’s an elaborate postcard set up to look like a real site, because how can anything this incredible be real? Yes, I cried.

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-Was blessed by a shaman in Pisac…not the usual male company I keep on a Saturday night. He asked that I set an intention and I did. The ceremony was followed by hugs from everyone in the group. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to bed feeling happier.
-Descended about 394039403 ancient Inca steps in Pisac, while listening to a boy play some Simon & Garfunkel on his flute. “Sound of Silence” is universal.
-Rode a llama.

Added to my collection of “weird things I like to ride.”
-Attempted to eat guinea pig (cuy), but wimped out due to my stomach bug not allowing me to actually eat ANYTHING.
-Drank too many Pisco Sours.
-Spent a million soles at a market in Cusco, which actually amounts to about $10 Canadian.

Cusco rocks.
-Got lost in Lima, developed a love for Inca Kola and ceviche.
-Went whitewater rafting, and the guide pushed me into frigid glacial waters at least three times. Laughed a lot. Swallowed some dirty water. Probably explains stomach bug.
-Wore a male friend’s briefs in the hot springs while drinking Pisco Sours at Machu Picchu because I lost my bikini bottoms. Decided I’m definitely a briefs girl.
The best is yet to come!