Ensworth: Peru 2014

Well day one was blast once we arrived, beginning our Peruvian adventure at a buffet in Urubamba.  It had a nice outdoorsy peaceful atmosphere going on which was a good warm into Peruvian life.  We then traveled back to the Full Moon Bed and Breakfast to gather information, discuss the upcoming events, and to bond as a group.  After our meeting was finished and our fears and expectations were addressed, the group stayed up for a rousing game of psychiatrist with Lila Sohr struggling greatly and Greg Eubanks coming in with some hidden skill.  You could feel us becoming closer as we joked and laughed the night away.  The group then got goodnights sleep and prepared for day 2.

            Day 2 started off with a nice breakfast prepared at the full moon.  The bright spot of the day was having a birthday in our midst, shout out Audrey Sohr for being 17.  With our stomachs full we headed off to hike the ruins of Ollantaytambo.  We were guided through the ruins and though going up the stairs was quite strenuous, it was well worth it at the end of the day.  We had more team building in the ruins, discussing why each of us was here and learning about the WLS mission.  We went to eat a delicious lunch and headed back to the bed and breakfast.  Later a shaman came to give the group his blessing, praying over our goals and us.  He gave advice to each of us based on what we said our hope was.  The ceremony was a very beautiful and though provoking, leaving me and the rest of the group with ideas to think about.  The day was a very good reminder of the difference between ours and Peruvian culture, observing the behavior and economy of the town markets and produce alley.

David Allen

Driving out of Cuzco reminds me of driving around downtown San Francisco with the steep streets and winding turns. The weather has been perfect so far and the best part about the humidity is that there isn’t any. When we arrived at Urubamba for our lunch we met three parrots, a handful of kittens, and one extremely cute girl. We then headed to Ollantaytambo and found ourselves in cozy bed and breakfast. We stayed up late that night and played a variety of very confusing games. We bonded as a group and got to know each other well by struggling through the games.

            The second day started with waking the girls up to the sounds of some amateur flutists. After breakfast we headed up to the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Getting to the top of the ruins was something we had to earn by climbing the steep and jagged stairs. We had a meeting in the ruins and discussed our mission and why we are here. We had lunch of the usual rice, chicken and mixed vegetables. Then we were treated to some local ice cream for Audrey’s birthday. We went back and had some down time but my group toured the city and bought lots of local items. The highlight of the day for me was the blessing by the Shaman and finding out things about myself. This whole trip is changing each one of us and making us all adapt to the culture. We all are missing home but cherishing each and every moment we have in this incredible country.  

Peter Srebnick