Today is the first day of my experience in Cusco, Peru. I got here yesterday and have been quick to adjust. Cusco is one of the highest cities in the world at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level, which makes it very mountainous. It is a charming town full of warm and kind people. It gives me a very homey feel and I am excited to try Peruvian cuisine soon.
Today I participated in the first part of my volunteer project, which included building a school for a neighborhood named Puerto Rico, just 30 minutes outside of Cusco. It can get physically demanding and very messy but I’m delighted to be able to help a small community that is in need of a school.
Overall, the transitioning process has been great. Aside from having to deal with the difference in elevation for the first day or two, everything has gone perfectly. I made it a point to not plan anything in advance because I have a bad habit of having too much structure in my life. The spontaneity has been great, and the people are very warm and helpful even though my Spanish isn’t great. I can’t wait to learn more of the language and culture over my time here!
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