When I was 21 years old, I embarked on what would be my greatest adventure yet: a semester of studying Spanish in Cusco, Peru.
At this point in my life, I’d never lived outside of my small hometown, and had only flown once or twice by myself. Here I was, jumping on a plane all alone, heading off for six months in a country where I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know the language (although at the time I thought I was more proficient than I was!), and really, didn’t know much about the country itself. I mean, I thought that since it was winter in the northern hemisphere, it would be a warm summer in the southern hemisphere. Turns out, it’s not that simple.
My mom will tell you the story of how I was confident until I landed at Lima at 3 a.m. and called her (collect!) slightly panicking about what I had done.
Sometimes, I think, if we know now what we knew then…nothing would ever happen!
I went on to have a wonderful, difficult, exhausting, exhilarating, confusing, lovely experience in Peru. My itchy feet were hardly sated by this trip, as I’ve moved abroad twice since then, and traveled on several-month-long journeys as well.
The main reason I chose Cusco was a life-long obsession with seeing Machu Picchu. Of course, as is my norm, I waited until my next-to-last weekend to book my trip to see the famous site. At this point, the tickets on the train were sold out. Seeing my near-tears face, the ticket agent kindly told me that I could take a van. I should have taken note of her dubious face when telling me this, but instead, I happily hunted down the best deal I could find.
(Can you see where this is going?)
Not only did it include the trip there and back, it included several meals, a room in a hostel, and a round-trip up the hill to Machu Pichu itself. All for less than the train ticket! Genius, I thought!
It went on to be the most terrifying eight hours of my life, trapped in a rickety van. I spent most of the time refusing to look out my window at the sheer cliff face inches away, taking deep breaths, and avoiding the sight of the many, many waterfalls the driver boldly drove through. A lot of that eight hours was also spent on the side of the road, since tires kept going out due to the condition of the road (and the van).
That night, in my hostel room with its fifteen beds and mysteriously sticky floor, I remember being grateful to be alive–and thinking that this Machu Picchu place better be worth all this.
Well, spoiler alert:
It was.
Even to someone who loves travel as much as I do, there are still destinations that are just somehow special. Sunrise at Machu Picchu, while it comes out of the mist, and before the tour groups have arrived, surrounded by such a spectacular setting–with alpacas!–is certainly one of those places.
If I knew then what I know now, would I do it all again?
In a second.
Ah this looks amazing!! What an awesome trip, definitely worth it!
Jasmin Charlotte
Thanks so much 🙂 it was so worth it!!
GORGEOUS! Machu Picchu really is an amazing experience, I was dumbstruck when I saw it for the first time 🙂
Right?!? I was so glad it lived up to the hype…especially at sunrise 🙂
Well done you! This is definitely on my bucket list under the sub category of ‘on day soon’.
Go soon! I hear they might be severely restricting access so go now 😉
Beautiful! This is very high on my bucket list!
It deserves a high spot on every bucket list, I think 🙂
Your photos are AMAZING! I can’t wait to see this in real life after seeing so many photos of it.
So excited for you two! I am a wee bit jealous of your trip. You will love South America–and Peru especially, although I’m biased 🙂
wow! great adventure:)
It was indeed! 🙂
Just incredible – sounds like a scary journey but oh my goodness how worth it in the end!
It was terrifying haha. If you go, do not go on the bus!!! But it was so worth it 🙂
Love this story! What an adventure you had! I’d love to think that “if I knew now” what some of my adventures would have resulted in I’d still have the courage. I remember coming to say goodbye to you before you left on this journey and thinking how brave you were (and still are!) MISS YOU!
Aww you’re sweet :). I like to think I’d go again but man, it was scary! I’m not sure I’d be brave enough. Or really, that dumb enough–I’m too addicted to research now ;). I miss you so much!! Hope all is well!! XOXO
Simply incredible – you are one brave lady!
Thanks, Emma!! 🙂 I was brave mostly because I had no idea what I was getting into 😉
I can totally see how this was your greatest adventure – unbelievable!!
It was! 🙂 Thanks for reading! xo
Wow, what an adventure! Thanks for sharing, it was so interesting to read about it. 🙂 xoxo, nano
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed 🙂
What a brilliant story! I’m so glad that you go to see it!
Thanks so much, Angie 🙂 It was such a dream come true!
Machu Picchu is definitely my number one destination BY FAR. I want to go there so so bad. Your photos look incredible!
You must go soon! There are rumors they might close it/restrict access (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing preservation wise) but you don’t want to miss it 🙂