April

I thought March was a crazy month? ... Well, it was.
... But holy smokes, April flew by in a blur of chaos.

The end of March brought the news that I would be getting an increase in vacation days.

So naturally- I booked a plane ticket home two days later.

That's right folks this girl will be making a stop in the United States for the first time in what will be over 11 months gone. I wasn't expecting to be going 'home' until September so this May surprise is extra special. I'll be home by chance, just before my birthday, and home for Mother's Day as well.

Things I'm excited for, in order of excitement:
1. my dogs
2. food
3. my family/friends
4. food
5. food
6. tv
7. fast internet
8. english
9. stores
10. food

Early April brought me a visit from friends! Emma and Victoria, my former coworkers from my job last year back in the states made the trek down to Cusco to visit me, and see the lovely Peru for themselves. It was so much fun to have friends here in the valley. Together we survived Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). They also were a great excuse to eat some delicious food and spend some time in Cusco. It was sad seeing them go especially not knowing when I may see them again, but it was such a refreshing week to have people I have things in common with from the States here for a bit.

This weekend I actually took another couple days off work to make the journey down to Arequipa, Peru's second largest city. I'd heard amazing things and was excited to eat good food and get a new view for a couple days. The white city is beautiful. The buildings of the main plaza are made of volcanic white rock from the surrounding volcanoes, it's a stunner, I can't lie.

There isn't much tourism here (clearly I live in practically the tourism capital of the world, my opinion here is probably a little skewed) which is nice but also leaves you with a lot of Peruvian restaurants, and well, your girl has sort of given up on a lot of Peruvian food. Sorry Peruvians, I like potatoes, I do, and Pachamanca with some Ají sauce I'd eat any day, but the thing is... I don't eat meat, and I really don't like rice, and well that leaves me with slim pickings. Fried eggs on white rice gets old. Potatoes only come in so many varieties of combinations, and yeah it's just the truth.

So the catch is- I've realized I'm not big on planning trips. While I had read a few blogs about Arequipa, I more or less came up with ideas in the airport the morning before my flight yesterday morning. I read some things about a monastery, but for 40 soles, it was debatable, that's kind of steep on my budget. I even had friends who came a couple months ago and skipped it due to the cost. For whatever reason though, I kind of love monasteries and convents and with little else I wanted to do in town, I made the splurge...

I HAVE NO REGRETS. If you ever find yourself fortunate enough to be in Arequipa, Peru, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT skip the Santa Catalina Monastery. It was magical, and one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my entire life. I'm not exaggerating. It is a tiny town all contained in the walls of this cloistered nunnery, which is still in use today in separate parts, naturally. It has history, and art, but most of all it is gorgeous and emits a peaceful, calming and lovely vibe. I mean I could possibly go on forever here, but it was some of the best spent money ever. And to be honest, I'm contemplating going back tomorrow for round two.

I've used coffee shops and my hostel with wifi to delve into some grad school research and just sitting on a computer in a relaxed, warm environment has been so refreshing. I can't say my vacationing style here is by any means typical but it has been full of many of the things that I miss in my daily life in Ollanta.

Reflecting on life, I feel smack dab in the middle of this whole Peru experience. I'm in my final days of "I haven't been back home yet" and also I have over a year yet to go here. (I'm planning to extend my contract from January to July of 2019)! In a way I'm dreading the one year down mark, because it means I only have a year to go. Seeing this adventure come to an end is going to be heart breaking, I know it already. Leaving a place I've found a way to call home, and people who have become like family-- it's bizarre to even think about. I'm so grateful I still have this year yet to go. I'm also itching for what's next and to learn where I will go from here. I'm so excited to discover my next journey and all the ways I have left to grow and learn, especially with my Peruvian journey under my belt.

I've been in Peru for almost 11 months, which means I have 14 months left. So much left to learn.

Chao!

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