So I left Cuzco at night and took an overnight bus to Puno. I went out on a tour that took us to these reed floating islands which were really cool. These group of people started a colony on these floating islands way long ago to try and separate themselves from the Incas. Obviously the Incas are gone but these people still live on these islands. They are covered by tourists but were pretty crazy to visit. That night I caught a bus to Arequipa. At the bus terminal I ran into 3 people from my Salkantay trek who were heading to Arequipa too so it was nice to catch a bus with them and eventually stay in the same hostel. We toured around Arequipa for the day which was chill just walking the city and seeing a couple of the sites. They left that night for Lima and I hung out with one of the guys who worked at the hostel. We ended up heading out to a local discoteca and had a blast. The next day I did more touring with a girl from Boston who was staying in the same hostel. Left that night for Huacachina.
Eventually arrived in Huacachina which is a small oasis outside Ica. It is a small town consisting of 3 hostels and couple nice hotels. We sat pool side and waited for two of my friends who were coming from Cuzco. When they eventually arrived, we set out on a wine tour which consisted of one winery and one place where they made pisco. We had a blast although that night, our room was right next to the discoteca and could barely sleep. The next day we sat pool side again and then went dune bugging and sandboarding. The drivers of the dune buggies were absolutely crazy but so fun as we flew along these huge sand dunes. We would get to the top of these sand dunes and then board down them. some people lay on their stomachs but I strapped mine on like a snowboard. It was quite different (had to pretty much put all my weight on my back foot) but it was super fun. You got flying down the hill and then would suddenly stick to the sand and fall face first. Pretty comical. That night, we hiked to the top of the sand dune surrounding the oasis and just kicked it. The next day we took a bus to Lima. Lima was nothing exciting as it was just another big city but was nice to know that I was leaving soon. Just walked around for a day and half and then eventually caught my flight back to the states.
The most important thing I learned on this trip was that you just have to let things happen. Everything will turn out for the best so no need to stress about the small things. It was one amazing adventure that really tested my ability to meet new people and experience cultures that were not only completely different from what I am used to but also different from each other. I believe that everyone that can should go on a trip by themselves and experience what traveling by yourself really feels like. It is an impossible thing to describe and although it was tough at times, one of the most rewarding things I will probably ever do. Thanks for all the support throughout the unreal experience
Sorry that I have not got pictures posted yet, still working on editting them but when I get them up, I will post the links on this blog. Also, I am going to try and keep this blog going when I head down to Costa Rica during July. I think I have to keep a blog for the parents of the students so I will also post it on this to try and keep you up to date.
