So bare with me, as this is my first blog post EVER. This will be a way for me to document some of my amazing adventure, as well as be able to share it all with everyone I love and care about.
To date it looks like I am well on my way to being fully prepared for this trip. Lately my nerves have gotten the best of me but I'm back on track and my list of things to do/get is getting smaller by the day, and so is my wallet!
The first month of my travels will be concentrated in Cusco. Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru and has an altitude of about 11,000 feet. I'm planning on drinking lots of cocoa tea (supposedly it gets rid of altitude sickness). Cusco is infamous among travelers because of many reasons, one being that it is the historical capital of Peru. It also lays close to the Andes mountains and is a train ride away from Machu Picchu. If you haven't heard of Machu Picchu then lay your eyes on this:
Machu Picchu also known as "the lost city of the Incas" is probably the most familiar icon of the Inca world.
I'm going to be volunteering with an organization called IVHQ. They specialize in providing affordable volunteer opportunities for people globally. I've done a ton of research and they have the best prices and great reviews.. if any of you are interested! So, for the first two weeks I will be working in an orphanage and the second two weeks I will be helping with construction/renovation of a community centre.
The second month there is pretty well unplanned at the moment. I figured I would just meet up with some fellow travelers and go where my heart desires. I would however like to visit the Amazon in Iquitos and stay in a jungle lodge for a few days - although let's be real I can't handle mosquitos in my backyard, so how on earth will I handle prehistoric size insects, biting fish, and snakes the size of my garden hose..... (shivers)!
Anyways, I'm pretty excited and I really hope all of you enjoy taking this journey with me! Thanks for all your support and I look forward to seeing you at my going away shindig on April 24th.
