Monday, June 27, 2011

Day 1 - Ollantaytambo


Well, we are nearing the end of our first day. Other than in-flight naps, we have not slept since saying good-bye to you all at the airport yesterday. Despite being tired, we are in great spirits. Our hotel is beautiful. The rooms are comfortable, and there is a beautiful central courtyard draped in flowers. We just returned from dinner, our second sit-down meal in Peru. Our lunch was delicious: chicken and rice with fresh vegetables, and the best vegetable soup that most of us have had in a while. Dinner was at a pizza place just down the road from our hotel.

Ollantaytambo is a lovely village. We explored the town in groups during a competitive scavenger hunt, and our kids were fearless in their interaction with the local shop owners and towns people.  We have some impressive Spanish speakers here!

This first entry wouldn't be complete without mentioning the mountains. Our two-hour bus drive from the airport to Ollantaytambo was extended as we stopped to enjoy the amazing views surrounding us. The mountains are striking, looming above us on all sides. Their natural beauty is accented by the tiered ruins of ancient Incan terraces. In a slight change of plans, we will be hiking these mountains tomorrow, and we are very much looking forward to it.

Finally, we have to mention our new friends, Susan and Jorge, from the World Leadership School (WLS). They have not only made us feel welcome and safe, but also encouraged and empowered. We are already on our way to becoming a family.

We miss you.  And we love you all.  Talk to y'all again tomorrow. . .

Sorry for the lack of pictures. The internet connection is very slow right now. We will have to upload photos later.

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