June 5 - Home
Hello from the Houston airport! We are thrilled to be back home in the USA!
June 4 - Lima
One of the most interesting and culturally immersive activities we partaked in was the Skykitchen cooking class in Lima, Peru. The class began after arriving in Lima early this morning. We were greeted by both an excited and engaging group of chefs. The main chef, Christopher, who is originally from Germany, gave us the history behind both the names of the dishes we would prepare and the importance of the dishes in Peruvian culture. The first dish we prepared was a combination of mashes potatoes mixed with the yellow chili paste, avocado, and chicken. We learned the importance of the presentation of dishes, their function in their culture, and how the quantity of food prepared affects the way it should be cooked. The second dish we prepared was sautéed tenderloin, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. This dish was cooked by the students with instruction by Chef Christopher, where we learned the differences between the effects of heat on each food when cooked together. This dish was served with rice and French fries. After thinking that we had finished our time in this activity, the chefs walked in with a birthday cheesecake for Abby and sang her happy birthday in Spanish! This exciting ending to the day led our group to end our trip to Peru on a high note, with new knowledge of the Peruvian culture and the origins of their indigenous food.
One of the best things about our trip to Peru was all the cultural food we had the opportunity to try. Yesterday, we got the chance to cook our own traditional Peruvian meal at Sky Kitchen. The chefs in this kitchen taught us several things about Peruvian food and the ingredients we used. We learned about the several different kinds of potatoes grown in Peru and the yellow chili pepper unique to Peruvian cuisine as well as several other things. We first made Causa as an appetizer. We mashed yellow potatoes and mixed them with several spices and yellow chili paste. We then created a chicken and mayonnaise stuffing and layered the potatoes and chicken along with slices of avocado. For the main course, we maded Lomo Saltad, a dish resembling a Chinese stir-fry. We learned several chopping techniques and applied them to the dish by chopping vegetables and meat. We also learned about the traditional Peruvian method of cooking rice and serving it. We made our own French fries to add to the meal as well. Through the creation of this meal, we learned about the Chinese ancestry of several Peruvians and how this ancestry affected the culture of Peru. After we ate our meals, the chefs surprised Abby with a cake, as it was her fifteenth birthday. We also had the opportunity to leave a message for the chefs and future cooking students. The cooking class was both very fun and very informative. We enjoyed making our own meals and learning about the things that are unique to Peruvian cuisine. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
- Monica Fleck
- Ansley Stamper
One of the best things about our trip to Peru was all the cultural food we had the opportunity to try. Yesterday, we got the chance to cook our own traditional Peruvian meal at Sky Kitchen. The chefs in this kitchen taught us several things about Peruvian food and the ingredients we used. We learned about the several different kinds of potatoes grown in Peru and the yellow chili pepper unique to Peruvian cuisine as well as several other things. We first made Causa as an appetizer. We mashed yellow potatoes and mixed them with several spices and yellow chili paste. We then created a chicken and mayonnaise stuffing and layered the potatoes and chicken along with slices of avocado. For the main course, we maded Lomo Saltad, a dish resembling a Chinese stir-fry. We learned several chopping techniques and applied them to the dish by chopping vegetables and meat. We also learned about the traditional Peruvian method of cooking rice and serving it. We made our own French fries to add to the meal as well. Through the creation of this meal, we learned about the Chinese ancestry of several Peruvians and how this ancestry affected the culture of Peru. After we ate our meals, the chefs surprised Abby with a cake, as it was her fifteenth birthday. We also had the opportunity to leave a message for the chefs and future cooking students. The cooking class was both very fun and very informative. We enjoyed making our own meals and learning about the things that are unique to Peruvian cuisine. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
- Monica Fleck
June 3 - Lake Titicaca
The adventures of Friday began with a pleasant boat ride to the Uros Islands during which Roy, our secondary tour guide with voluminous hair, educated the group on the history of Lake Titicaca; comically, we learned of the “sharing” of Lake Titicaca between Bolivia and Peru and of the native and foreign species of the lake until we finally reached the Uros Islands.
As we stepped onto the reeds of one of the floating islands, the Aymara people greeted us with an indigenous saying; after settling down in the “living room” of island, Roy told the group of the construction and maintenance of the islands while noting the various methods of transportation and the differences in garb between the Cusco region and the Puno region. Then, the leading women of the island took groups of three girls into their homes where they dressed us in the traditional, colorful attire; after which, we took photos and perused the handmade goods in each woman’s shop. Instead of utilizing the speedboat to reach the next island, the majority of girls chose to take the vibrant, “Mercedes-Benz” boat; on which, the girls, still wearing traditional clothes, recreated an iconic scene from “Titanic”.
After a brief break on an island selling food, the reunited group returned to the speedboat for a two hour ride where we napped, admired the views from the boat, and applied a plethora of sunscreen in preparation for our next stop.
We hopped off the speedboat, immediately, upon reaching the island of Tequile and began documenting the ethereal views of Lake Titicaca and Bolivia from Tequile. After a brief hike from the beach, Roy explained the agricultural background of the island, and we learned that the island had three thousand inhabitants despite its’ seemingly small size; then, the group descended upon the restaurant to enjoy a fresh meal made by the Quechua people. Roy discussed the significance of Quechua attire in terms of relationship status and the dominance of men in the knitting industry of the island; afterwards, we exited the restaurant to enjoy a traditional, Quechua dance; eventually, we joined in by skipping and dancing to the music. We perused knitted goods available for sale before heading back to the speedboat; after a relaxing, three-hour boat ride, we landed upon shore and drove back to the hotel.
For our last dinner in Puno, everyone “dressed-up” to eat dinner at an Italian restaurant approximately three blocks from the hotel, and after repacking our bags for the final leg of the trip, we retired early at the hotel due to the early morning that would follow that night.
In Machu Picchu
While hiking through the ruins
Learning history
By: Abigail White
As we stepped onto the reeds of one of the floating islands, the Aymara people greeted us with an indigenous saying; after settling down in the “living room” of island, Roy told the group of the construction and maintenance of the islands while noting the various methods of transportation and the differences in garb between the Cusco region and the Puno region. Then, the leading women of the island took groups of three girls into their homes where they dressed us in the traditional, colorful attire; after which, we took photos and perused the handmade goods in each woman’s shop. Instead of utilizing the speedboat to reach the next island, the majority of girls chose to take the vibrant, “Mercedes-Benz” boat; on which, the girls, still wearing traditional clothes, recreated an iconic scene from “Titanic”.
After a brief break on an island selling food, the reunited group returned to the speedboat for a two hour ride where we napped, admired the views from the boat, and applied a plethora of sunscreen in preparation for our next stop.
We hopped off the speedboat, immediately, upon reaching the island of Tequile and began documenting the ethereal views of Lake Titicaca and Bolivia from Tequile. After a brief hike from the beach, Roy explained the agricultural background of the island, and we learned that the island had three thousand inhabitants despite its’ seemingly small size; then, the group descended upon the restaurant to enjoy a fresh meal made by the Quechua people. Roy discussed the significance of Quechua attire in terms of relationship status and the dominance of men in the knitting industry of the island; afterwards, we exited the restaurant to enjoy a traditional, Quechua dance; eventually, we joined in by skipping and dancing to the music. We perused knitted goods available for sale before heading back to the speedboat; after a relaxing, three-hour boat ride, we landed upon shore and drove back to the hotel.
For our last dinner in Puno, everyone “dressed-up” to eat dinner at an Italian restaurant approximately three blocks from the hotel, and after repacking our bags for the final leg of the trip, we retired early at the hotel due to the early morning that would follow that night.
- Charlotte Merchant
In Machu Picchu
While hiking through the ruins
Learning history
By: Abigail White
June 2 - Puno
Although today was mostly spent sleeping, reading, or enjoying the beautiful Peruvian mountains from the bus, we were also able to explore the ruins and monumental artifacts of Incans, bargain for goods, and participate in the rich culture of the Peruvians. In the morning it was very cold, however as usual throughout the day the temperature increased even as we climbed higher into the mountains. Our first stop about an hour and forty minutes outside of Cuzco was a beautiful church built between the 16th and 17th century. In comparison to the other churches we have visited, this church was emblazoned with real leafs of gold and silver as these were ornamental materials during the 16th and 17th centuries. As it is still used today and vital to preserve the church with all of its original details, we were asked to not take any photos; however, we all received a CD with pictures from the town. After boarding the bus again, we traveled to Incan ruins that had a temple and circular granaries built to protect against the harsh wind in the afternoon and night. At the end of our tour of the old Incan town, we bargained in the city market for various objects including bracelets, bags, necklaces, spoons, scarves, and more! The prices were much lower than other markets we had visited before and almost everyone left with a new trinket. Only fifteen minutes away there was a marvelous buffet style lunch waiting for us. After filling our stomachs to the brim, we took photos of the llamas and bargained a little bit more outside of the restaurant. In addition to these two trips to markets, we stopped once again for additional pictures of a beautiful mountainous background and to further practice our bargaining skills. As our final stop, we visited a beautiful museum with preserved Incan idols and artifacts including what they ate and fished with. During our two hour ride to the city of Lake Titicaca we read, slept, and admired the marvelous nature around us with free roaming alpacas, llamas, lambs, and the occasional dogs in the country side. We are very excited to visit the reed islands of Lake Titicaca and learn about their lifestyle in such an isolated situation.
- Nora Tillmanns
Dinner today was amazing! We went to a restaurant called la Choza de Oscar and when we arrived, a man informed us that there would be a little show happening as we were eating. There were dancers and musicians playing the drum, pan flutes, and recorder-like instruments. They played so fast and were so skilled it was remarkable. Then there were the dancers; they were so incredible and had the most astonishing costumes that were glittery and sparkly. There were men who wore dragon masks and feathered bird masks, women who wore long and colorful skirts and short glittery dresses. They were marvelous. We got to see them perform many dances and we even bought their CD. I am so glad I got this opportunity to watch these Peruvians show us the dances of their people. I am thankful to be able to come to Peru and see how different and interesting their culture is from ours.
- Micca Lejwa
June 1 - Patabamba (Clean stove project)
Hello from Peru!
We have had the opportunity as a group to do things that many people hope to accomplish in a lifetime, and I am extremely grateful for the chance to participate in these ventures. From all that has been given to us, today was an exciting day to give back. We were able to take around a one hour bus ride to Patabamba which is a small city in Peru; there, we helped the locals through the Clean Stove project.
My group (Monica Fleck, Abby Hays, Mrs. Frank and me) helped a man named Alejandro by taking out his old stove and replacing it with new clay which was mixed with straw to provide support. He began to mold the stove shape the way he wanted, and from there, we helped him smooth out the outsides. It was so much fun to work alongside him instead of simply for him, and we all got to learn a lot about Alejandro throughout the day. For example, he built his own home with his own hands using all natural ingredients. Alejandro only speaks Spanish, so we got to practice with him and communicate; this was one of my favorite parts of the day.
Knowing that we made a difference in the community of Patabamba is a great feeling; service is very rewarding, and many Hutchison students know this. However, today, we experienced the power of serving in a completely different way; the Clean Stove Project in addition to later spending time with the children of the nearby school have soon become many of our favorite pieces of the trip. Connecting with the culture directly was really cool, and I am so glad that we got to help out the families.
- Samantha Tancredi
The Food in Peru
If I know one thing for sure, the food in Peru is very different from the food in America. Not only is the diet in America based around fast food, but also the food in America is majority of the time inorganic. One of the things I can take away from this trip is that the food in Peru is indeed organic and all natural. From visiting the many Peruvian restaurants to visiting private homes in Peru, all of these places share the 100% organic and all natural taste. From raw sugar to natural cheese, I was definitely surprised with the outcomes of the Peruvian diets. After visiting a home on Day 6, the people there created their own food using a homemade stove, which was made out of rocks, hay, plastic bags, and dirt. After using a match to light the hay for the stove, they used the heat and fire to use the food they grown or raised to create a meal for us. Coming fresh from the oven, they presented to us baked potatoes, cooked chicken, cooked lamb, bananas, beans, and homemade cheese. Literally, the food was the bomb.com--- in other words, the food was amazing. The cheese for one really surprised me because for one, it was homemade and two, it was again natural. Besides the meal at the home, what all the people in Peru have in common is that they will make sure that you have a full stomach. In every restaurant we have visited, the menus always included appetizers, the main course, and dessert and every time, we always ate those three courses. Not only that but when we visited the orphanage, the people there served a three course meal in order to comply with their tradition. Even when I thought I was done and full with one course, the children and women brought out more food and I just stuffed myself until I couldn’t eat anymore.
- Madyson Bolton
We have had the opportunity as a group to do things that many people hope to accomplish in a lifetime, and I am extremely grateful for the chance to participate in these ventures. From all that has been given to us, today was an exciting day to give back. We were able to take around a one hour bus ride to Patabamba which is a small city in Peru; there, we helped the locals through the Clean Stove project.
My group (Monica Fleck, Abby Hays, Mrs. Frank and me) helped a man named Alejandro by taking out his old stove and replacing it with new clay which was mixed with straw to provide support. He began to mold the stove shape the way he wanted, and from there, we helped him smooth out the outsides. It was so much fun to work alongside him instead of simply for him, and we all got to learn a lot about Alejandro throughout the day. For example, he built his own home with his own hands using all natural ingredients. Alejandro only speaks Spanish, so we got to practice with him and communicate; this was one of my favorite parts of the day.
Knowing that we made a difference in the community of Patabamba is a great feeling; service is very rewarding, and many Hutchison students know this. However, today, we experienced the power of serving in a completely different way; the Clean Stove Project in addition to later spending time with the children of the nearby school have soon become many of our favorite pieces of the trip. Connecting with the culture directly was really cool, and I am so glad that we got to help out the families.
- Samantha Tancredi
The Food in Peru
If I know one thing for sure, the food in Peru is very different from the food in America. Not only is the diet in America based around fast food, but also the food in America is majority of the time inorganic. One of the things I can take away from this trip is that the food in Peru is indeed organic and all natural. From visiting the many Peruvian restaurants to visiting private homes in Peru, all of these places share the 100% organic and all natural taste. From raw sugar to natural cheese, I was definitely surprised with the outcomes of the Peruvian diets. After visiting a home on Day 6, the people there created their own food using a homemade stove, which was made out of rocks, hay, plastic bags, and dirt. After using a match to light the hay for the stove, they used the heat and fire to use the food they grown or raised to create a meal for us. Coming fresh from the oven, they presented to us baked potatoes, cooked chicken, cooked lamb, bananas, beans, and homemade cheese. Literally, the food was the bomb.com--- in other words, the food was amazing. The cheese for one really surprised me because for one, it was homemade and two, it was again natural. Besides the meal at the home, what all the people in Peru have in common is that they will make sure that you have a full stomach. In every restaurant we have visited, the menus always included appetizers, the main course, and dessert and every time, we always ate those three courses. Not only that but when we visited the orphanage, the people there served a three course meal in order to comply with their tradition. Even when I thought I was done and full with one course, the children and women brought out more food and I just stuffed myself until I couldn’t eat anymore.
- Madyson Bolton
May 31 - Cusco
Today Jessica took us on a tour of colonial Perú. The first place we went was called Qorikancha; it displayed many Incan structures and worship places. Also, there were many ancient paintings conveying the Catholic religion. I enjoyed going to this place with the group because it allowed me to see the connections between two religions. The Quechua people would sacrifice a llama to their gods and then drain the blood out to the other citizens through holes in the wall. Also, during Passover, people sacrificed lambs in order to put the lamb’s blood on their door. These are related because it shows how valued animals were and the influence religion has on buildings.
Also, we went to Saqsayamán. This place was very important to the Quechua people because it was where they worshipped the sun. Just like Qorikancha, this place showed the importance of the animals in their culture. They placed rocks in the shape of a llama, and the entire city of Cusco is shaped like a Puma. I really liked this place because there was an amazing view of the city of Cusco and I learned a great deal about the culture of the Incas.
-Abby Hays
Today we were able to visit a Peruvian market and I realized how different our two cultures are. There were several vendors all in one crowded place and everything they were selling was presented in such a different way than I am used to in the United States. We saw a lot of things being sold, from headbands to whole pigs. I could tell that we were standing out from the usual crowd of Peruvian natives because of all of the odd looks we received and how much more eager the people were to sell things to us. The whole market was brightly colored and the people were bustling through carrying their goods and profits from the day. Overall, being able to experience such a different culture really helped me to understand the different circumstances and daily lives of these people, making me appreciate all that I have at home.
-Sarah Harris
*Check the photos tab for pictures
May 30- Machu Picchu
Today we went to Machu Picchu!!!! This was very exciting because it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it has llamas, and it’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were all anticipating and excited for the beautiful views, not only to take them all in but also for the photo opportunities (do it for the gram)!!! We had a great time walking among the ruins and learning the history of the area. Among other things, we learned about the farming practices, society, and theories of other practices of the civilization. It’s nice to see a piece of ancient history still intact and to be able to walk among it as the Incans did. Many of the students were most excited for all of the llamas at Machu Picchu. Towards the end of our time there, we were able to get extremely close to the llamas, and some of us were even able to get selfies with them!!
After coming back from Machu Picchu, we had the opportunity to go into some of the markets in Aguas Calientes where we had the opportunity to barter for some goods which is obviously very different to how we buy things in the U.S. (imagine walking into Target and haggling for a lower price). We bought t-shirts, alpaca blankets and sweaters, bracelets, and alpaca trinkets among other things.
-Abigail White
Today I was able to experience one go the greatest wonders of the world—Machu Picchu. When we first started hiking, the altitude was affecting the group; however, when we reached the top, I was surprised at how fast our group had adjusted to the altitude. From then on, we traveled around Machu Picchu, enjoying the views and ruins. I was amazed by the breathtaking views and history in every step. My favorite part about Machu Picchu would have to be all of the photography opportunities. Towards the end of the trip I was so exhausted from the long hike but I was so energized after seeing one of the wonders of the world.
- Julia Colombo
After coming back from Machu Picchu, we had the opportunity to go into some of the markets in Aguas Calientes where we had the opportunity to barter for some goods which is obviously very different to how we buy things in the U.S. (imagine walking into Target and haggling for a lower price). We bought t-shirts, alpaca blankets and sweaters, bracelets, and alpaca trinkets among other things.
-Abigail White
Today I was able to experience one go the greatest wonders of the world—Machu Picchu. When we first started hiking, the altitude was affecting the group; however, when we reached the top, I was surprised at how fast our group had adjusted to the altitude. From then on, we traveled around Machu Picchu, enjoying the views and ruins. I was amazed by the breathtaking views and history in every step. My favorite part about Machu Picchu would have to be all of the photography opportunities. Towards the end of the trip I was so exhausted from the long hike but I was so energized after seeing one of the wonders of the world.
- Julia Colombo
May 29 - Lima, Cusco, Urubamba
At 12:30 this morning, we finally landed safely in Lima, commencing our Peruvian adventure. Beginning with our drive from the airport to the hostel, I observed a culture completely foreign from my own. Casinos and disco clubs, whose doors were wide open or nonexistent, buzzed with life while the opposite side of the street remained dark and unoccupied. Once we arrived in the hostel, everyone was relieved to be in Peru with a place to go yet apprehensive due to the abundance of stray dogs, cats, and roosters. Although we only stayed in the hostel for two hours, it was nice to take a shower and have the chance to assemble a bag for the following day’s trip to Machu Picchu. Later, we left the hostel and boarded our flight for Cusco, arriving around 8 a.m. I hardly remember the flight because I slept so well during it. Next, we boarded our bus, and our tour guide Jessica took us to a beautiful lookout where we could see the glaciers and meet indigenous people for the first time. We took several cute pictures, and some girls bought small llama-themed items from the four women working at the lookout.
Afterwards, we went to an orphanage set up in Peru by a German non-profit so that we could eat lunch and interact with the orphan children. The two German volunteers taking a gap year in Peru dispersed our group among the seven houses of children, and I ate lunch with the group of youngest girls. Our lunch was awkwardly quiet for the majority of the time because some of the girls were too shy to speak, I would ask questions and receive short responses, and I sometimes could not understand what was said to me in Spanish. I tried my best, and I think this trip will help me improve, but the speed of the native speakers is difficult for me to follow. Once lunch finished, we had more fun drawing and blowing bubbles with the girls, and everyone ate ice cream facing the mountains as our final activity in our short time together. Luckily, we were able to leave a few Polaroid pictures with some of the girls, so hopefully they will remember our fun afternoon together! To finish the day, we took a train to Machu Picchu town, ate dinner, and spent a little time bartering in the markets.
- Anne Grinder
*Check the photos tab for pictures!
Afterwards, we went to an orphanage set up in Peru by a German non-profit so that we could eat lunch and interact with the orphan children. The two German volunteers taking a gap year in Peru dispersed our group among the seven houses of children, and I ate lunch with the group of youngest girls. Our lunch was awkwardly quiet for the majority of the time because some of the girls were too shy to speak, I would ask questions and receive short responses, and I sometimes could not understand what was said to me in Spanish. I tried my best, and I think this trip will help me improve, but the speed of the native speakers is difficult for me to follow. Once lunch finished, we had more fun drawing and blowing bubbles with the girls, and everyone ate ice cream facing the mountains as our final activity in our short time together. Luckily, we were able to leave a few Polaroid pictures with some of the girls, so hopefully they will remember our fun afternoon together! To finish the day, we took a train to Machu Picchu town, ate dinner, and spent a little time bartering in the markets.
- Anne Grinder
*Check the photos tab for pictures!
May 28, 2016 - Houston airport
Hello from Houston! Finally, the flight to Peru is here; however, getting to Houston was not as easy. We started off yesterday with exciting, energized faces which thirteen hours later, in the Houston airport at midnight, we ended with our words slurring and falling asleep on each other’s shoulders. We had issues with many of our flights suffering from the lack of fuel, the Houston airport flooded, and customer service lines lasting three hours. Refusing to let us get discouraged by the fact that we could not get to Peru when we wanted to, we played countless card games and laughed for hours, literally. We ended our day with no luggage but lots of laughing smiling faces! We are here now waiting to board our flight to Lima, and we are so excited. We have action packed days ahead of us and are preparing by drinking as much water as in a water tower and getting lots of sleep. We are looking forward to the rest of the trip and will be in Peru very soon!
-Laura Heathcott
~ Check the photos tab for pictures!
-Laura Heathcott
~ Check the photos tab for pictures!
May 27, 2016 - Memphis Airport
The moment our group has been waiting for! The time has come! We are finally headed to Peru! Wish us safe travels. More pictures and blogging coming soon!
May 2, 2016
The Tancredi family was so gracious to host our group of travelers for a pre-trip meal. This allowed time for girls to get to know each other better and spend time talking about the trip! We even indulged in a few ice-breaker games. One of the games Señora Lejwa led included tossing a ball of yarn across the circle to discuss things we are worried about regarding the trip. Once we had created a web of yarn, we spent time retracing our steps and talking about ways the whole group could work together to address any concerns and be supportive. A few common themes from our discussion included trying new foods, packing the right clothes, and staying hydrated.
We are incredibly excited to board our flight to Peru at the end of the month!
We are incredibly excited to board our flight to Peru at the end of the month!