So many mission calls, so many new missonaries heading out. It's such an exciting time. And though it's not me heading out, I think I'm living vicariously through all the young men that I know. I swear I am just as excited as they are about opening that big, white envelope. One thing I have noticed is how right their call seems. Hmmmm how do I explain this...
Before they open it, it's a huge mystery. They could go anywhere. Anything is a possibility. Then, when the secret is revealed, it seems like it was always meant to be that way. It just fits so perfectly. With their personality, with their likes and dislikes, with who they are and who they will someday become. And you know they will be so great there, because that is where they belong. And you laugh that you ever considered them going anywhere else. Because where they were called is where the Lord wants them, and it's exactly where they need to be.
Oh how I admire those young men. I am so grateful to them for the incredible example of service the past, present and future missionaries are to me. And I'm not going to lie, I sorta wish I was going on a mission.
Thursday, June 30
Saturday, June 25
way to late to think of a title for this
"What childishness is it that while there's a breath of life
in our bodies, we are determined to rush
to see the sun the other way around?"
source
Yesterday, I didn't go to work. I didn't go anywhere. Which is unusual for me as of late.
Today, after work, I came home. And stayed there.
The next day, 8+ hours.
And after that, a quick trip to echo. Oh joy of joys. I need water so badly, even if it is just for one day. I need to clear my head.
in our bodies, we are determined to rush
to see the sun the other way around?"
source
Yesterday, I didn't go to work. I didn't go anywhere. Which is unusual for me as of late.
Today, after work, I came home. And stayed there.
I'm taking a break for a bit, becoming a bit of a recluse. The only problem is I can only take so much of doing nothing. Obvious in the fact that tomorrow I am back at it again.
Tomorrow, 10+ hours at work.The next day, 8+ hours.
And after that, a quick trip to echo. Oh joy of joys. I need water so badly, even if it is just for one day. I need to clear my head.
Saturday, June 18
It's time for a post...
Soooo... I'm practically a golfer now. Practically. I'm as close to being a golfer as a non-golfer has ever been. In case your wondering how I am able to claim this title, I am working at the Lee Creek Golf Course for my second season. I think it's been about 5 years since I picked up a club with the intent to swing at a ball, so don't ask me how I lucked out with this job. And inspite of my lack of hands on experience, I am getting pretty good at all this golf lingo. Shotgun, scramble, eagle, birdie, boogie, KP, the best kind of balls and club, what makes a 'slow green' or a 'fast green', I can organise tournaments and finally understand what a handicap is. Plus I'm pretty good at driving those golf carts. And even though I don't consider myself to be a golfer and most likely never will be, I find myself being sucked into this place. I want this place to do good, so succeed. I like nothing more than to see the parking lot full and every tee time booked. Why else would I agree to working 10 hours today and probably more than that tomorrow?
One of these days I'm going to go golfing for real. But first I think I might sneak onto the range when no one else is there. The only problem is, when I do get time off, the very last place I want to be is at work. Right? I think you know what I mean. But that's alight, cause I'm determined, It will happen this year. Then I won't be such a hypocrite.
Sorry this is a useless post. I am trying to stick to my summer's resolution of blogging consistently and this is whats on my mind right now. I will try not to bore you with any more posts about work.
And now, I've got to get back to work, there's about 500 carts out there waiting to be parked.
Oh joy, I love tournament weekends.
One of these days I'm going to go golfing for real. But first I think I might sneak onto the range when no one else is there. The only problem is, when I do get time off, the very last place I want to be is at work. Right? I think you know what I mean. But that's alight, cause I'm determined, It will happen this year. Then I won't be such a hypocrite.
Sorry this is a useless post. I am trying to stick to my summer's resolution of blogging consistently and this is whats on my mind right now. I will try not to bore you with any more posts about work.
And now, I've got to get back to work, there's about 500 carts out there waiting to be parked.
Oh joy, I love tournament weekends.
Wednesday, June 15
This summer...
This summer is going to be a tough one, but that's okay, I like a challenge.
And to help me embrace every day and the challenges it brings, I present to you..... My Lists!!
To Do...
Finish the Book of Mormon
Find a new constellation
Institute, often
Make weekly temple attendance a priority
Find somewhere to live in the fall
Learn to golf
Hike Waterton (as soon as the snow goes away!)
Early to bed, early to rise
Blog more consistently
To Be...
More positive
Count my blessings and be happy with what I have been given
Less bossy
Kinder
See the beauty in every single day
On Time
Healthier
More fit
And to help me embrace every day and the challenges it brings, I present to you..... My Lists!!
To Do...
Finish the Book of Mormon
Find a new constellation
Institute, often
Make weekly temple attendance a priority
Find somewhere to live in the fall
Learn to golf
Hike Waterton (as soon as the snow goes away!)
Early to bed, early to rise
Blog more consistently
To Be...
More positive
Count my blessings and be happy with what I have been given
Less bossy
Kinder
See the beauty in every single day
On Time
Healthier
More fit
Tuesday, May 31
Just do the dishes
First off. What was the thing I was most worried about with returning home? Fitting back in. Returning back to my old life, meshing my new self with my old surroundings. How would people treat me. Would I get along with my family? Would I drive my parents crazy? Would they drive me crazy? Looking back, I realize how foolish all that worry was.
I should have known.
I should have realized that my family is my family, no matter what. Home will always be home. No matter where I go. My parents are my wonderful, loving, faithful parents and boy are they ever amazing! Long story short. Coming back home is like putting back on your old favorite shoes. They fit just like you remember them. They are so comfortable and natural that pretty quickly you forget completely about them. A friend summed it up nicely when he said, "It's weird how normal this is." For a couple weeks before and the whole plane ride over I was bracing myself for my return. I was expecting it to be challenging, in the least. Possibly even awkward after being away for so long. But was the complete opposite. It was easy! In fact, too easy. And that is where my challenge came.
While I was away, I was alone. I may have been surrounded by people but when it really came down to it, all I had was myself and of course, the Lord. And it was during those months alone that I grew the strongest. When I came home, I was all of a sudden back in the setting where I could rely on people again. My parents, grandparents, friends, I was surrounded by people who loved me, cared for me and were willing to do anything for me. As wonderful as this was, I could feel myself slipping. Within the first few weeks I was beginning to rely on these people more and on myself and the Lord less. Scripture study and prayer which had become automatic, my life line, my strength were already beginning to loose importance to me. I was becoming complacent, lazy. Really, it was all too easy. Where were my challenges? The trials I had been expecting? Everything I had learned while I was away I was slowly forgetting. It's funny how much you can change, and it's funnier how in such a short time you can go right back to where you started from.
It only took a week or so till the novelty of being back wore off. Then the misery set in. Outside, I smiled. To the strangers and golfers and acquaintances I smiled and nodded and told them how wonderful NZ was and yes, how I was enjoying being home. I told them all what they were expecting to hear, but if anyone looked any deeper they would see how close I was to breaking down. I was miserable, I didn't want to be there. I missed NZ, and it killed me to think of everyone and everything I had left behind there. And even worse, knowing how unlikely it was that I would be going back.
All the assurances I had received, how Canada was really the right place for me, this was where I belonged, where my future was. I forgot about that. I completely forgot and was beginning to doubt everything that I once accepted as fact. Regret. That ugly word that I try so hard to avoid. Could it be possible it was creeping into my life?
I was loosing it, and I couldn't see anyway out.
But if you noticed, that was all written in past tense. I have been home for almost a month now. And while I am still struggling I have recently remembered something that changes everything. You might remember this post. Actually, you probably won't, that was ages ago. Infact it took me a couple minutes of digging before I could find it. There was one point on there that I have always remembered and tried to live by. If you don't feel like following the link, here's the important part...
I love it here, I really do. I am learning to see the beauty in this dry, flat country. I am learning to accept everyone here for who they are and love them for it. I am learning that, like many other things in this town, the challenges don't always hit you right away. It's sneakier than that. Satan comes up behind you and slowly grabs you, rather than slapping you in your face. My time in Cardston will be challenging in ways I can't predict. But in the end, I will gain so much from it. The problems are unique, but the solution is always the same. Scriptures and prayers. Hold onto that rod like your life depends on it, cause it does. Remember who you are, where you came from, and where you've been. Don't slip backwards, keep moving forward, cause there's something even greater coming up.
I should have known.
I should have realized that my family is my family, no matter what. Home will always be home. No matter where I go. My parents are my wonderful, loving, faithful parents and boy are they ever amazing! Long story short. Coming back home is like putting back on your old favorite shoes. They fit just like you remember them. They are so comfortable and natural that pretty quickly you forget completely about them. A friend summed it up nicely when he said, "It's weird how normal this is." For a couple weeks before and the whole plane ride over I was bracing myself for my return. I was expecting it to be challenging, in the least. Possibly even awkward after being away for so long. But was the complete opposite. It was easy! In fact, too easy. And that is where my challenge came.
While I was away, I was alone. I may have been surrounded by people but when it really came down to it, all I had was myself and of course, the Lord. And it was during those months alone that I grew the strongest. When I came home, I was all of a sudden back in the setting where I could rely on people again. My parents, grandparents, friends, I was surrounded by people who loved me, cared for me and were willing to do anything for me. As wonderful as this was, I could feel myself slipping. Within the first few weeks I was beginning to rely on these people more and on myself and the Lord less. Scripture study and prayer which had become automatic, my life line, my strength were already beginning to loose importance to me. I was becoming complacent, lazy. Really, it was all too easy. Where were my challenges? The trials I had been expecting? Everything I had learned while I was away I was slowly forgetting. It's funny how much you can change, and it's funnier how in such a short time you can go right back to where you started from.
It only took a week or so till the novelty of being back wore off. Then the misery set in. Outside, I smiled. To the strangers and golfers and acquaintances I smiled and nodded and told them how wonderful NZ was and yes, how I was enjoying being home. I told them all what they were expecting to hear, but if anyone looked any deeper they would see how close I was to breaking down. I was miserable, I didn't want to be there. I missed NZ, and it killed me to think of everyone and everything I had left behind there. And even worse, knowing how unlikely it was that I would be going back.
All the assurances I had received, how Canada was really the right place for me, this was where I belonged, where my future was. I forgot about that. I completely forgot and was beginning to doubt everything that I once accepted as fact. Regret. That ugly word that I try so hard to avoid. Could it be possible it was creeping into my life?
I was loosing it, and I couldn't see anyway out.
But if you noticed, that was all written in past tense. I have been home for almost a month now. And while I am still struggling I have recently remembered something that changes everything. You might remember this post. Actually, you probably won't, that was ages ago. Infact it took me a couple minutes of digging before I could find it. There was one point on there that I have always remembered and tried to live by. If you don't feel like following the link, here's the important part...
If you ever find yourself staying at someone else's house and you don't feel completely comfortable just cause you feel awkward and are not sure what's going on- do the dishes. Seriously. Or help make dinner, or just clean something. Soon you will know how the house runs, where all the dishes go and will feel much more comfortable. And they will love you cause you are cleaning up.While in NZ I lived by this philosophy. I especially tried to do everthing I could for those wonderful people who opened up their homes, hearts, and lives to me. But I have found that it translates into just about everything in life. Service. It is the key to it all! When life is getting tough, I guarentee someone else is having a tougher time. When you are bieng weighed down by your own problems and troubles, try helping someone else out. Instead of focusing on me, me, me look around! In your prayers remember those who need help. Pretty quick your problems will seem so much smaller, so much more managable. JUST DO THE DISHES!
I love it here, I really do. I am learning to see the beauty in this dry, flat country. I am learning to accept everyone here for who they are and love them for it. I am learning that, like many other things in this town, the challenges don't always hit you right away. It's sneakier than that. Satan comes up behind you and slowly grabs you, rather than slapping you in your face. My time in Cardston will be challenging in ways I can't predict. But in the end, I will gain so much from it. The problems are unique, but the solution is always the same. Scriptures and prayers. Hold onto that rod like your life depends on it, cause it does. Remember who you are, where you came from, and where you've been. Don't slip backwards, keep moving forward, cause there's something even greater coming up.
Sunday, May 8
Days 5-11 of boring travel log. Enjoy!
Feel free to skip this post if you want. I just feel obligated to put it in here cause... it's a good idea to finish what you start right? Also, this blog is about my journey and this was definitely part of that journeying. Okay, where did we leave off... right day 5. We have a lot of catching up to do, I will try to make this as painless as possible.
Day 5
Start off Inca trail.
Okay so a little bit of background here. I was supposed to do the inca trail with everyone but because I joined the group a little later there was some problems with paperwork and other really annoying things. Apparently it's really hard to get in to hike the inca trail. Bottom line, I wasn't able to do it. At first I was upset at this, but Daniel assured me he would take me on some awesome hikes while the group was gone. So tuesday morning the group set off for the inca trail. And what would you know? Brad was really sick, too sick to go. So him and his Dad decided to stay. That meant more hiking buddies! The first one was one of the mountains in Ollantaytambo. The biggest one, of course. The altitude made it quite difficult, but I pushed myself to keep up. Lots of ruins to see on the way up and an awesome view from the top.
Later that day, we drove back to Cusco. I was grateful for this because there is so much to see and do in Cusco and we didn't really have enough time. So now we had another day to visit all the sites.
Day 6
Tour around Cusco. Moray, Saskawama, Urubamba Valley. Lots of cool places.
Side note* could it be that my sense of direction is finally developed? I didn't get lost once in Peru, and most of the time I was one of the only people who knew where we were or how to get back. I was quite proud of myself for that.
Day 7
Bus back to Ollantaytambo and then train on to Aguas Callientas.
I was excited for my first real train ride. For the first couple minutes at least, turns out the novelty wears off pretty quick.
Aguas Callientas (translates into Hot Water- due to the natural hot springs nearby) is a small, ugly little town squished in between some beautiful mountains. It could be a lot more beautiful than it is, especially with all the people that pour into there (it being the closest town to Macchupicchu)
Daniel, Brad, Clay and I hiked up a mountain called Putacusi. It is the neighboring mountain to macchupicchu so we had an incredible view from the top. It was also cool seeing all the foliage and jungle like growth on this mountain. Especially when contrasted to the almost desert climate at Ollantaytambo. The coolest part though was the beginning when we had to climb up some almost sheer cliffs with nothing but a metal cable to hold onto. Basically rock climbing without any of the rock climbing equipment. Dan was worried that I would get scared and freeze up. Something to do with the 50 meter drop straight down? But I was fine. I almost think there might me something wrong with me, how is it that I was not scared at all? I guess heights is just not one of those things that do it for me.
Day 8
Day 8 began at 2:30 am. We woke up and got inline for the busses up the mounain to Maucchupicchu. Why so early? Well besides the fact that we are all a little nuts, we wanted to climb Waynapicchu, the mountain behind Macchupicchu, and they only let 400 people/day go up there. And we wanted to be one of those first 400. It was worth it though, the view was fantastic, of course there were more ruins on the top, and the hike was definitely challenging. Especially the back half around to the place called Grand Caverna, this was optional, but of course we did it. Turned out it was an extra 2 hours of strait stairs. Stairs going down, stairs going up. Not one bit of it was flat. We were beginning to hate the Incas and their stupid little stairs.
Met up with the rest of the group on Macchupicchu. By this time we were all so tired we couldn't really appreciate it as much as it deserved. But it was magnificent to wander around those incredible ruins for a while. We oogled at the appropriate places, took the required pictures and then headed back for some well deserved R&R.
Day 9
Flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon jungle. The weather was beautifully hot and sticky. Although I think Daniel and I were the only ones who appreciated the humidity. Once we arrived at Puerto Maldonado we bussed for about 45 minutes and then another 45 minute boat ride to the lodge. The lodge was incredible, I think this was the favorite part of my journey. No power, no water. Just generators and wells. It was sort of like 5 star camping. The rooms were just bamboo walls with a thatched roof and one side of the room was just a railing that opened directly out onto the jungle. The food, so good. A hike through the jungle (no stupid incan steps here, thank goodness) and a climb up a 127 foot tower to see out above the tree canopy. Later that night, a dance featuring kids from the nearest local village.
Day 10
Due to a welcome cold front, the weather was a manageable temperature, although all the guides were freezing. Went boating around the lake, wildlife spotting, treks through the jungle, a visit to the local medicine man. I could have spent a couple more days here. But, alas, the next day was time to leave.
Day 11
Now we did the whole trip in reverse. 45 minute boat ride, 45 minute bus ride, short stop to Puerto Maldonado to get the rest of our gear. And then on to the airport. (this airport, by the way, was incredibly dodgy. 2 Gates, 3 check in counters. Security was a joke. There weren't even any proper walls on the building! Although I'm beginning to think that none of the buildings there have proper walls. Makes sense.) 1 hour flight to Cusco, and then 1 1/2 hour to Lima. We had 4 hours of free time in Lima, we had to be at the airport by 10pm. Plane left at 1am. Fly 8 hours to Toronto, clear security, then 5 hours to Calgary, where we arrived at 3:10. Some strange kids ran up to meet me at the airport, they looked vaguely familiar but were way too old to be related to me! Oh wait, no those are my little sisters and brother each about 6 inches taller. Was so good to see them all again. But you get to hear all about that in another post. And now, boring travel journal = check!
PS please excuse any spelling mistakes. I am way to lazy to go back and edit that!!
Day 5
Start off Inca trail.
Okay so a little bit of background here. I was supposed to do the inca trail with everyone but because I joined the group a little later there was some problems with paperwork and other really annoying things. Apparently it's really hard to get in to hike the inca trail. Bottom line, I wasn't able to do it. At first I was upset at this, but Daniel assured me he would take me on some awesome hikes while the group was gone. So tuesday morning the group set off for the inca trail. And what would you know? Brad was really sick, too sick to go. So him and his Dad decided to stay. That meant more hiking buddies! The first one was one of the mountains in Ollantaytambo. The biggest one, of course. The altitude made it quite difficult, but I pushed myself to keep up. Lots of ruins to see on the way up and an awesome view from the top.
Later that day, we drove back to Cusco. I was grateful for this because there is so much to see and do in Cusco and we didn't really have enough time. So now we had another day to visit all the sites.
Day 6
Tour around Cusco. Moray, Saskawama, Urubamba Valley. Lots of cool places.
Side note* could it be that my sense of direction is finally developed? I didn't get lost once in Peru, and most of the time I was one of the only people who knew where we were or how to get back. I was quite proud of myself for that.
Day 7
Bus back to Ollantaytambo and then train on to Aguas Callientas.
I was excited for my first real train ride. For the first couple minutes at least, turns out the novelty wears off pretty quick.
Aguas Callientas (translates into Hot Water- due to the natural hot springs nearby) is a small, ugly little town squished in between some beautiful mountains. It could be a lot more beautiful than it is, especially with all the people that pour into there (it being the closest town to Macchupicchu)
Daniel, Brad, Clay and I hiked up a mountain called Putacusi. It is the neighboring mountain to macchupicchu so we had an incredible view from the top. It was also cool seeing all the foliage and jungle like growth on this mountain. Especially when contrasted to the almost desert climate at Ollantaytambo. The coolest part though was the beginning when we had to climb up some almost sheer cliffs with nothing but a metal cable to hold onto. Basically rock climbing without any of the rock climbing equipment. Dan was worried that I would get scared and freeze up. Something to do with the 50 meter drop straight down? But I was fine. I almost think there might me something wrong with me, how is it that I was not scared at all? I guess heights is just not one of those things that do it for me.
Day 8
Day 8 began at 2:30 am. We woke up and got inline for the busses up the mounain to Maucchupicchu. Why so early? Well besides the fact that we are all a little nuts, we wanted to climb Waynapicchu, the mountain behind Macchupicchu, and they only let 400 people/day go up there. And we wanted to be one of those first 400. It was worth it though, the view was fantastic, of course there were more ruins on the top, and the hike was definitely challenging. Especially the back half around to the place called Grand Caverna, this was optional, but of course we did it. Turned out it was an extra 2 hours of strait stairs. Stairs going down, stairs going up. Not one bit of it was flat. We were beginning to hate the Incas and their stupid little stairs.
Met up with the rest of the group on Macchupicchu. By this time we were all so tired we couldn't really appreciate it as much as it deserved. But it was magnificent to wander around those incredible ruins for a while. We oogled at the appropriate places, took the required pictures and then headed back for some well deserved R&R.
Day 9
Flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon jungle. The weather was beautifully hot and sticky. Although I think Daniel and I were the only ones who appreciated the humidity. Once we arrived at Puerto Maldonado we bussed for about 45 minutes and then another 45 minute boat ride to the lodge. The lodge was incredible, I think this was the favorite part of my journey. No power, no water. Just generators and wells. It was sort of like 5 star camping. The rooms were just bamboo walls with a thatched roof and one side of the room was just a railing that opened directly out onto the jungle. The food, so good. A hike through the jungle (no stupid incan steps here, thank goodness) and a climb up a 127 foot tower to see out above the tree canopy. Later that night, a dance featuring kids from the nearest local village.
Day 10
Due to a welcome cold front, the weather was a manageable temperature, although all the guides were freezing. Went boating around the lake, wildlife spotting, treks through the jungle, a visit to the local medicine man. I could have spent a couple more days here. But, alas, the next day was time to leave.
Day 11
Now we did the whole trip in reverse. 45 minute boat ride, 45 minute bus ride, short stop to Puerto Maldonado to get the rest of our gear. And then on to the airport. (this airport, by the way, was incredibly dodgy. 2 Gates, 3 check in counters. Security was a joke. There weren't even any proper walls on the building! Although I'm beginning to think that none of the buildings there have proper walls. Makes sense.) 1 hour flight to Cusco, and then 1 1/2 hour to Lima. We had 4 hours of free time in Lima, we had to be at the airport by 10pm. Plane left at 1am. Fly 8 hours to Toronto, clear security, then 5 hours to Calgary, where we arrived at 3:10. Some strange kids ran up to meet me at the airport, they looked vaguely familiar but were way too old to be related to me! Oh wait, no those are my little sisters and brother each about 6 inches taller. Was so good to see them all again. But you get to hear all about that in another post. And now, boring travel journal = check!
PS please excuse any spelling mistakes. I am way to lazy to go back and edit that!!
Wednesday, April 27
Peru 1-4
Okay, I just got internet, so here's a blog update. I know, what an addict.
Day 1
Day one was technically the day I (we) traveled. At least thats how everyone else is counting it, so I might as well do the same. By the way, I was freakishly excited to see everyone. Really hyper and bouncing around all over the place. They were.. not so much. We'll just chalk it up to the time differences. Met our tour guide too, Daniel, he's pretty much awesome.
Day 2 - Flying high
Random facts about Lima anyone? Well okay, then. Population- 9 million. The second largest desert city in the world. (any guesses on the first...?) We didn't spend very long there though. Everyone showed up, on time thank goodness, around 12:45 (that's AM people). Then we headed off for a couple hours sleep. The next morning we were back at my favorite place in the world, Lima airport, for our early flight to Cusco.
Cusco, Peru. Smack in the middle of the Andes, population approx.1 million, elevation 3,400 meters (11,200ft). That's really high, by the way. Especially when you have just come from sea level. On the first day we were all wheezing after walking up two flights of stairs. Yeah, I felt like a fat kid.
So we arrived in Cusco around 11am. We got settled, had a power nap (at this point I was basically walking dead, I had given up trying to figure out how behind I was on sleep) and then went for lunch. Daniel showed us around the city, where to eat, where not to eat, where the best markets are, cool stuff to look at and easily landmarks to look out for so we can orient ourselves if we got lost. Then we went to town, literally. There are beautiful cathedrals, stunning inca walls, cobbled side streets and hundreds of street vendors. It's the inca walls and other ruins that fascinate me the most. Massive stone blocks carved to fit together perfectly without any sort of mortar. It's a beautiful city and it would take at least several days to see everything here. Which is good cause we had the next day there as well.
Day 3 - Chillin out in Cusco
Happy Easter! No way we were going to find and LDS church, but we did go to mass. (by the way, I use the term 'we' loosely. As were were given a lot of time to just do our own thing, we often split up into smaller groups or 2s or 3s. I can't be bothered saying who was with me every time. This time though it was only about 5 of us). I like going to different churches in different cultures. Eye opening. I especially liked the part where every one turned to their neighbor and gave them a hug. They also said something in spanish, I think it was something like "God be with you", I'm not sure, but it would be appropriate. After mass we went and sat down on the steps outside the cathedral. It was nice and sunny and looked like a good place to sit. Turned out to be a good decision cause pretty soon more and more people started coming and sitting too. We waited for a bit to see what was going to happen. Turns out it was a parade! The military and some fancy suit guys showed up. They raised the Peru and the Cusco flag (which funnily enough looks like the gay pride flag) then a bunch of people marching past including people representing the universities, local businesses and also some really neat cultural dancers.
After the parade, we went and checked out the local markets. Lots of cool stuff there. Just avoid the food market, it doesn't smell very nice and I wouldn't dare eat most of what's there.
Day 4 - Ollantaytambo and other places I don't remember how to spell or pronounce.
So day 4 we left Cusco, a place called Ollantaytambo being our final destination. On the way we stopped and climbed to some ruins. We had another guide join us for this portion, but don't worry, Daniel was still around. So Percy showed us around these ruins and taught us a lot about how they lived then. Percy is good, but he does like to talk. Talking's good, but I like to look and explore more so Sarah and I kept wandering off. I don't think he liked us very much.
Next stop, a small village with an unfamiliar name. Gap (the tour company we are with) has a special deal with this them. They bring tourists to their village (which is quite out of the way, we followed a narrow dirt road barely wider than the bus up and down very steep hills for quite a while) the villagers show us a bit about how they live, more specifically, the textiles they make by hand from the alpaca wool. And we help them out by buying the fabrics they make. These fabrics were absolutely beautiful and it was really neat to see how the whole process works. Spinning, dyeing and weaving all by hand with out a hint of modern-ism in it.
After that place, we continued on to Ollantaytambo. First off, some more awesome ruins. We climbed up a couple terraces to the top where there was a partially completed temple built. Awe inspiring to see the amazing architecture and skills of those Incas. After we settled into our hotel we had some free time. Wandered around the main plaza then started up a game of hacky-sack. We got some local kids to join in and then that turned into a game of tag. Ended up playing with those kids for a couple hours and then got some photos before it got too dark. It was an awesome day. It's been an awesome 4 days (actually today's day 5 but I'm to tired to tell you what happened today so your going to have to wait a bit)
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