"I think I acclimate well to new surroundings. Do you think they have ketchup?"

Yep. That was Becca on day two during our very tasty "Americano" breakfast of eggs, cafe con leche, papaya juice and pan (bread). And yes, they had ketchup. She's acclimating just fine.

We are here and settling in. And I'm going to come right out and say it: I cried a little when the plane landed in Cusco yesterday. I'm so happy to be here it's oozing out of me. We actually flew into Lima late Sunday night and stayed over at a Radisson about 20 minutes away from the airport. Brilliant idea. We actually got some sleep, a hot shower and a filling breakfast. There was no need to fly into Cusco early in the morning, so we took a 10am flight and got in around 11:30. Miguel from Maximo Nivel met us at the airport and we taxied to the school, about 2 blocks from the main square and right across the street from Coricancha, the Incan sun temple that the Spanish built over a few times (earthquakes kept destroying the Spanish structures, but the Incan foundation never wavered).

The school is light-filled and active. There's a cafe (where I'm writing this) with free cafe, tea and water (also yummy looking snacks that I'm sure I'll partake in eventually). There is a computer lab and free wifi. Lots of Peruvians and foreigners milling about and the energy is calm. It's gonna be a good place to learn. Our orientation is tomorrow and classes begin on Thursday.

Upon arrival yesterday, we had a little apartment mix up, but everything worked itself out just fine. Becca and I are sharing an apartment on our own (we each have our own room). There are other Maximo Nivel students/volunteers in our building, so hopefully we'll get to know them soon.

Some apartment pics:




I let Becca sleep in this morning (day 2) and took a 2-hour walk around town to get my bearings, as I'm in a different part of town than the ones I'm familiar with. El Molino (my favorite shopping area) is about a 15-minute walk and I'm enjoying the residential feel of our neighborhood -- except for the dustiness. The dogs barking and horns honking last night were a stark reminder that I'm not in DC anymore, but I'll get used to it again.

Picked up a couple of necessities along the way (cereal, canned milk, lightbulbs, pan and, most important, Manjar!!!)



This is a big week here in Cusco. Thursday is Inti Raymi, the winter solstice festival, and last night we encountered at least three or four groups of people publicly practicing the dances they will be performing. Peruvians are absolutely beautiful and their dances are full of stories and immense pride. I can't wait to see them in full costume.

On a practical note, I now have a cell phone here. Email me for the number, should you feel inclined to call (I can't promise that I won't try to convince you to come down here, though).