More from Tuesday, March 15

This morning, I reread the emails I received from the team and realized I missed an attachment with the following highlights from the Team.

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Candice - Tuesday, March 15. Last night, we slept at the airport. Our flight came in around midnight and by the time we went through baggage claim and settled in for the night it was close to 1 a.m. Jessica and Ashton had their makeshift beds all set up with blankets, pillows, and spare luggage. Unfortunately, when they got up to go to the  bathroom, the cleaning crew came by to wash and wax the floors. We had to move all the luggage and beds to a new area and then move back when they kicked us out of our new "homes". People started lining up a little before three to check into their early morning flights, if you're doing the math, that gave us about an hour of sleep from the time finally bedded down for the night until we were awaken by tourists and locals clicking by in their heels and workers moving the line forming posts and ropes into position.

It was refreshing to see some glimpses of home. Many grandmas in Peru wear metallic shoes just like here, and many of us met great friends on the plane that were supportive of our travels. We caught a short plane ride to Cuzco and then rode with local taxi drivers to the bus depot. There are many stray dogs and damaged houses in this city. Our driver said this is common, but he loves living here (at least that's what I think he said...he only spoke Spanish). He got us safely to the train station, which is an interesting destination. Bus ticket sales ladies bark back and forth like hens in a hen house trying to outdo the others' attempts at a solicitation. There are many children and families here and lots of new smells; spicy food, tobacco smoke, and freshly-baked breads. Our host assistant, Sandy said the breads and pastry should be fine to eat, but to avoid the soups. She has lived here for 3 years and we would be wise to heed her advice. Also, she recommended we use the bathrooms before we go up the mountain because the bus will only stop one time on the side of the road during the 5 hour ride.

Austin- 3/15/11-  As I found my seat on the 8hr. flight I was waiting for someone to sit by the window. Shortly after I sat down a girl from Lima sat down next to me. She was on her way home from Colorado where she was working for a three month time period. She said Americans were "cold" in a way we great in a way that's not as "warming" as people from Peru do. She shared a lot of information in a short time. She said if they offer you guinea pig take it because that shows they respect you, if you don't take eat it they could be offended. That's not much but I will leave it at that!