heading to the interior! (Laura)

Buenas! 

I hope all is well in Peru, India, Argentina, and France! Things in Panama have been loco! 

After a long last week in Panama City, I celebrated my last night in true Panamanian style. Thursday night my spanish friend, Jobe, took it upon himself to talk my host mom into extending my curfew and letting me go out with him to a discoteca. After a lot of sweet talking, it was a go! Hanging out with just Panamanians, I felt I was getting the real discotecca experience. (Unlike the other times when I just leave feeling very white.) After an a few minutes of feeling like that, I got the hang of it and ended up having an absolute blast. The club was called "Chill Out", but it was definitely not tranquilla (chill). After getting home after 4am, I quickly took a 2 hour nap and then got ready for a big day of school, packing, and travel. I left Panama City that day with everything I need for this 2 month journey on my back. 

Our first stop on the adventure outside of the city, or "la Interior", was a little home near the small town of La Villa. One gracious family hosted all twenty of us in their home. Though we had to sleep on the floor, It was lovely. In the mornings we would drink coffee and listen to the guitar for a few hours. I say listen because that's all I could do, but it seems like half the group knows how to play. I'm looking forward to learning. Saturday afternoon we went the annual carnival in Citre. It was beautiful. Each province has a float in the parade and we had fun dancing and enjoying this day-long celebration of Panamanian culture. There was a lot of dancing... at night there was this concert type thing that was great! It was more of a big salsa party. We ended the night dancing in the street. That was a great, busy day.

After Saturday, we were so exhausted so we had a lazy Sunday morning. Our host family offered to take us to the beach and it was the perfect way to end our time in La Villa. We swam and walked on the beach all day. There was just one catch-- the only transportation the family had for us to take was a COW truck. Yes. So 20 gringos hoped in the back of this bright red cow truck and ventured down a dirt road that led to the beach. It was hilarious to be relaxing in the water and see the giant red cow truck on the shore just waiting to take us back home. That night was filled with more music... and yes, homework. I am studying abroad. I finished my 4th research proposal last night. I will be researching ecotourism opportunities in smaller communities for my community comparison research project.

(Jumping to today)

Originally, I was supposed to leave for Loma Bonita early this morning, but after a miscommunication with some of the villagers, our time there doesn't start until tomorrow. After hearing of the news, we quickly packed our bags and headed for a quaint hotel called Hotel La Villa. It's so nice to have this surprise day off,  although I was super excited to stay in a small village with an indigenous family. They have been spoiling us at this hotel. After hiking here with our big packs, we all threw our bathing suits on and jumped in the pool. We were served fresh pineapple juice and the rooms have PILLOWS, SHOWERS, and AC! These things are luxurious to me now. My day has consisted of swimming, napping, and reading about Patagonia. I have absolutely no complaints! I can't wait to write to y'all about my stay in Loma Bonita. I will be working with a indigenous family all week. I have no idea what lies ahead except for these three things:  No electricity. No running water. May have to bathe in a waterfall. 

Until later...

 

Carnival in Citre... note the mirror on the red devil.

Best way to wake up. 

traveling in style to the beach.

La Villa beach at sunset. 

xoxo! 

MACHU PICCHU Y'ALL! (cole)

With a freshly sunburned nose and ankles covered in bug bites, but none the less, a smile on my face, I am returning from one of the seven ancient wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. I'll begin by simply saying this, it was perfect. 

Just hangin' out with Machu Picchu in the background

When I was 12 years old, I made my first visit to Machu Picchu with my grandmother and was an absolute "aw" the entire time. Yesterday was my second trip. And while the remains haven't changed, I certainly have. I was still amazed by the beauty, but I had a new understanding of what surrounded me. Living and studying in Cusco has given me a new appreciation for the Incan history. I looked at the remains with a better comprehension of Machu Picchu and it's importance.

Example of a house

Example of Terraces

What I love the most is the meticulous architecture and artwork. The Incas don't mess around when it comes to building. Every last corner is perfect. I've come to realize this on my tours around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. They cut granite blocks to fit without any gaps and spaces. Nothing to "glue" them together, simply stone on stones. Crazy, right? Yesterday I was surprised to see imperfections in the stones, but I guess I was being a bit presumptuous. Part of Machu Picchu was a residential area with terracing for farming. While they do have the standard perfect Incan stones for places of importance, the stones for the average joe buildings are not nearly as significant (and by average joe buildings, I really mean beautiful stone structures that have held up for 500 plus years where I wish I could live.) And the places of importance, well there are a lot and let's be real, they are  absolutely incredible, perfect, out of this world, cooool. Around every corner there is a new place to be discovered. Fernando, our fab tour guide, lead us around the remains and spoke of the history and significance of Machu Picchu. 

Sorry to get carried away with a history lesson... I can get a little hyped about Machu Picchu. The whole place is filled with energy. It's interesting because no one knows the true use. Since the Spaniards never discovered it, Machu Picchu became overgrown and vegetated until the early 1900s. Now hundreds of tourists, myself included, come to explore and admire the ancient civilization daily. 

Contemplative llama? 

At the top of Huayna Picchu

I am absolutely ecstatic to return with lovey Laura for the Incan Trail in December! I still remember riding the train when I was 12 and dreaming of the day I could return and hike to Machu Picchu. Now 20 years young and it's right around the corner! And maybe visiting three times is getting obsessive, but there is something magical about it that is irreplaceable. Maybe you'll go on your own trip and experience it yourself...

Adios,
Cole

weekend fun (cole)

Hey Y'all,

Thought I'd just share some pictures from last weekend. Hope everyone had a lovely week.

Viernes 

Field trip to Lake Huarcarpay lake

Rebecca and Coca leaves

My biodiversity teacher explaining the tobacco flower

The marsh reminded me of home... minus the mountains in the background...

The class 

Side note: I went to the Jaunes (a famous spanish singer) concert Friday night, but sadly I didn't take any pics.. But it was sooo fun! If you want to hear some of his music check it out here

Sábado

We liked the lake so much, we went back! Paddlin' along...

Some friends in a paddle boat

Picnic lunch

Heading back

Domingo 

The gang at the local soccer game 

Cusco won the game!! 

We befriended the mascots

Sorry this post was a little corny... BUT, in other news... Tomorrow I'm headed to Machu Picchu!! WOOO!!! Look out for a blog post early next week.


XOXO,
Cole

on tourism (CLF)

“…I am under the impression that no-one is really paying attention to the splendors and beauties of the site, as the urge to photograph is so overwhelming. The photographic record of the visit has almost destroyed the very notion of actually looking.”      
— Martin Parr

*Just wanted to share this quotation with you all...I have updates from Amsterdam (and ironically a few pictures) that I will post later. I about to start my last week at Oxford before touring the continent (I have to agree with Cole: where DID the time go?)

where does the time go? (cole)

Wait, what? I've now been here for a full month! And you know what, it's actually starting to settle in that I will be here for the next four months. Everyday here feels more and more like home. Classes are in full swing (I've already had some tests!) I'm no longer terrified to take a taxi alone, and the hectic, crowded bus system (combees) doesn't seem nearly as scarey. Corn, potatoes, and chickens are the staples in my diet. My Spanish is improving (well.... sort of.) I'm quick to say "No gracias" to street vendors and keep moving, rather then share my sympathy. The custom of kissing everyone on the cheek seems almost natural. I'm finding my favorite spots around town. And though it is strange to be away from Sewanee for so long, I am quickly falling in love with Cusco.

Although the landscape lacks the greenery that I am so accustomed to, the town is vibrant and colorful. The traditional clothing is beautiful, and so bright. I am dying to get my hands on one of the skirts. The streets are filled with a rich history of Incan culture, and always seem alive.  For being a smaller city, it never really dies down (unlike Sewanee's 1am curfew at frats.) The people here are so kind and helpful, (with the exception of a few harrassing street vendors).  And one of my favorite parts - the town is in a valley of huge, magnificent mountains. It's perfect.

While I sometimes get carried away with the trips and adventures in studying abroad (as you probably have seen in my previous posts), I am here to STUDY abroad. My school, USIL, hosts all the IPSL (my program) students, as well as a few other study abroad organizations. Overall, there are about 25 international students at the school. The school is a few blocks from the plaza, on Pampa del Castillo (I've gotten really good at explaining it to taxis). The building has ancient Incan stones at its base, and Spanish architecture on top, and a sunny courtyard in the middle. All of my professors are cute Peruvians filled with knowledge. Whether we are talking about ancient Incan remains, the process of weaving the delicate textiles, or simply what new foods to try, they are always sharing and helping in any way. I am currently taking Institutions in Peruvian Society, Art and Design, Spanish 1, Biodiversity in Peru, and Incan Architecture. All of which are fantastic.

And to make sure I take advantage of all the opportunities Peru offers, I complied a list of some of the things I want to do while I am here...

TO DO IN PERU 

Learn to salsa 

Speak Spanish 

Eat the wide variety of potatoes (apparently there are over 1,000)

Try guinea pig (a local favorite)
Visit the jungle
Fly kites every Sunday at Cristo Blanco

See the Nazca Lines
Drink the local beer, Cusqueña 

Meet locals and tourist/backpackers
Go to Machu Picchu

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 

Take a picture with a llama 

See Lake Titicaca

Horse back ride in the mountains
Sand board in Ica 

Visit the Sacred Valley 

Any suggestions? 

Hola from Panama! (laura)

 CHICAS!!!

After an amazing, overwhelming, and exhausting twelve days… I now have some time to write! I miss each of you sooo much. Actually Brelyn, not so much… awkward…. Haha anyways, I’m already in love with Panama. When we first arrived to the country, we stayed in this beautiful little hotel called Los Capitanes in El Valle de Anton.  This valley is an old volcano crater… one of the largest inhabited volcano craters in the world! Story has it that the locals way back when did not realize they had built their homes on an active volcano until one day when they began to see it steaming….

The owner of Los Capitanes was an old German sailor named Manfred. At night, he would tell us stories of his time on the seas and travels in Africa as we sat out in the yard drinking “cervecas”. I truly enjoyed listening to his beautiful and many times hilariously German accounts. We spent a few more days in this paradise getting to know each other (17 SIT kiddos) and learning about our crazy schedule for the next 4 months. I did not want to leave El Valle, but this past week was spent in Panama City. It’s stunningly beautiful in some places, but unfortunately polluted and over-populated in a lot of places, too. We’re only here for a little bit before we set off on our grand trip around the country. I definitely try to get a more detailed entry in before we start, but I’ve got to get to the dinner table! My wonderful host mom made my favorite...spaghetti! Until later…

hiking in the lush Valle de Anton

not all boats in canal are cargo ships

beautiful Casco Viejo

skyline from the famous Amador Causeway near canal

home sweet home! this is the street I live on. 

xoxo

explorin' puno and colca (cole)

a few days late, but my adventures from last weekend... 

Buenos Noches! 

I'm currently sitting on a night  bus for the next eight or nine hours on my way back to Cusco. I figured since I haven't been too great at blogging, I would get ahead and write about my weekend excursion while I have plenty of time. 

Plaza de Armas in Puno

I finished class last Wednesday (after 8 straight hours of class... crazy, I know...), completely exhausted and thought I would have a long night of sleep before heading out to Arequipa the next day. That isn't what happened at all. My friends, Sarafina and Mary Kate, and I decided to "choose experience" and ditch Arequipa and head over to Puno and the majestic Lake Titicaca. We went straight home for a dinner and packing, then met up for the bus station to catch the next bus out to Puno. Side note: Before coming to Peru I had been scared off of any bus except the safe and comfortable 'Cruz del Sur.' Well, as soon as I saw those prices compared to the much cheaper buses, I quickly forgot my pre-conceived notion to only take the luxurious bus. We bought our 11:30pm tickets from Power (a fairly decent bus company), then bummed around the station until our departure time. Finally, it was go time. We were giddy with excitement of having the unknown ahead of us.  

As we approached the terminal we gathered our belongings, rushed off, and found a cab. When we gave our request to go to "Hostel Monterrey" on Lima Ave, the cab driver was quite confused and listed outrageous prices. "Huh??" We were all thinking. Mary Kate proceeded to ask, "Donde estamos?" Well, soon enough we discovered we hopped off a stop too early and were still an hour away from Puno. It was just the beginning of our journey, so despite the amateur traveler mistake we still had high spirits. We found a "combee," (the small buses we have learned to love in Cusco) to take us to Puno. All in a bit of a sleepy haze, the ride seemed a little like a dream being surrounded by men and women in traditional clothing and festive Peruvian music in the background. The time passed quickly and we were at our hostel in Puno before we knew it. Completely exhausted, the group decided a nap would be the best option for the time being. After a solid few hours of sleep, we were ready to hit the town. We leisurely walked the street of the town and relaxed in the "Plaza de Armas."

Ice cream in Puno

In the late afternoon, we left for our tour of the infamous floating islands - Uros. Lonely Planet says it best when it describes it as "a reed Disneyland." It was beautiful and magnificent, but very much catered to tourist. I was extremely intrigued by the islands, but partially sad that these people have converted their culture to tourism. None the less, it was interesting and informative to learn about the unique life of the floating islands and admire lake Titicaca. Afterwards, we went to a funky rock bar in downtown for pizza and beers. A perfect way to end our first full day.

Lake Titicaca

Hangin' out with locals

Friday morning we geared up for a full day of travel. After consulting our new travel bible, Lonely Planet, we agreed Colca Canyon would be the next destination. Again, we chose a random bus company for our ride to Arequipa (which turned out great) with seats on the very front of the second floor, letting us have an awesome view. The bus ride flew by with good music and the beautiful rolling landscape. The night before we consulted the bartender who recommended we jump off the bus in a town, or not even really a town, more of a  strip of a few stores, where buses to Colca Canyon come by. This cut off a few hours of travel. Under 20 minutes, a bus stopped for us and we were headed to Chivay - the entrance town to Colca . Well, the bad part about being picked up by random buses is that there is no guarantee you will have a seat. Sarafina and I found ourselves sitting in the front, with the bus drivers. It definitely added to the experience. With our novice Spanish abilities, we made small talk, then stuck to listening to the radio and admiring the Canyons we were approaching. Along the way, we picked up farmers and artisans who needed a bus ride back to town. Our spacious area in the front of the bus was quickly crowded.

Waiting to find a bus

Riding in front

We eventually made it to Chivay, one of the entrance towns to Colca. Our next bus to Cabanaconde, our final destination, didn't leave for a few hours, so we decided to do some exploring. The town was homely and A LOT less touristy than the busy streets of Cusco. We made our way to an "Irish" pub and got a late lunch/ early dinner. I was a little disappointed my hamburger turned out to be a chicken fillet... Still adjusting to the overload of chicken in Peru. After our meal we hit the markets. We were all in "awe" of the simplicity of the town and though we love Cusco, we appreciated the quaintness of the small town.

Finally, 8:30 rolled around and it was time for our bus to Colca. This might have been the least exciting bus ride, though it was extremely bumpy... All dirt roads!  When we walked off the bus two hours later, the town seemed like a ghost land. No one was out. Also, it was 10:30pm, though in Cusco nightlife would just be starting. But we all appreciated another sweet, small town. After receiving directions from a local, we went to Pachamama, our hostel, for the night. Completely beat, I went straight to bed while the other two hung out and chatted with the owners. Luckily they stayed up, because the next morning I awoke to a full day already planned. The hip, hiker brothers who co-owned the hostel suggested a route down into the canyon and to stay the night in a mountain lodge. I immediately was all in! We packed our bags and headed on our way. 

Colca Canyon 

Mary Kate, Callem, and Sarafina

Colca Canyon. Dios Mios! It's unlike anything I've seen before! (The pictures don't do it justice.) We made an Australian friend at the hostel who came hiking with us. We hiked in and out of the Canyon all day, amazed by the beauty surrounding us. Though it was extremely hot, we were so distracted laughing and enjoying each other's company. After 8 hours, including a break to swim in the river and lunch in a mountain town, we made it to the "Oasis," a little spot of lush green within the dry desert. It was incredible. I felt like I was in a island resort. We were surrounded by little huts, or rather our hostel, palm trees, and vibrant blue pools, but then you look in the distance and we are in the valley of the deepest canyon in the world. To finish the day, we had a delicious dinner, then headed to the bonfire where we drank our favorite local beer, Cusqueña, with other travelers.

The Oasis

Pachamama

Six am the next morning came a lot earlier than we all wanted, but alas we needed to beat the heat of the day. We ate a delicious breakfast of crepes and eggs and began to pack up. In the midst of gathering our belongings, Mary Kate noticed her fanny pack was missing. We split up and searched the entire place. It was nowhere to be find. After chatting with the owner and a few phones calls, we came to the conclusion it must have been stolen from the room. It was now 9:30 am, and we had to keep going in order to make our bus at 2 pm, little did we know what we had ahead of ourselves. Simply put, the climb out of the canyon was absolutely miserable. We did not have enough water and it was straight uphill for four hours. Since we were preoccupied, rightly so, with the fanny pack, we were in the hottest part of the day. It was long and hard, but eventually we made it. Once back in Cabanaconde, we ran to the store for waters and power aids. Power aid has never tasted so good! It was now 2:15... We missed our bus and the next bus wasn't til 9pm, putting us in Arequipa at 4am and there wouldn't be a bus to Cusco for several hours after that. Sarafina, Marykate, and I decided to stay another night in Pachamama rather than race back to Cusco (and there was already no way we could make it in time for class on Monday.) With the bus situation handled, we found a small store where we could pick up lunch food. We spent the rest of the day lounging around the hostel, a much deserved break, and snacked on avocado and cheese sandwiches and fruit. It was heavenly. All tired from the past couple days, we retired to bed early.

Monday morning! We woke up, caught our 9am bus to Arequipa and said goodbye to our adventure. We arrived at 3pm, spent a few hours exploring the town, and now here I am...

In the end, it was an definitely unforgettable, fun journey. And that's what study abroad is all about, right?

 

Oriel College & Pimms Party on the Lawn

Hiya Chicks!

This is choppy and disorganized but I really need to post *something* so I am just going to hop to it...

Last Thursday night (now two weeks ago, August 23rd-- this did not get posted on time..) our somewhat elderly history professor invited the western option over to Oriel College for a ‘Pimms Party’. The group was surprised at the invite as his class is somewhat sleep-inducing (mainly to his monotone voice and melancholy manner--we asked him what he does when he is not teaching in the summer and he replied: “waiting to die.” cheery.) Nevertheless, I found the party delightful and he was quite the host at the party, where he repeatedly encouraged us to not limit ourselves to just one glass of the Pimms. Afterwards, we wandered over to our second high table meal where we all left, one again, food-coma-full. 

solo pic with the baths

As I previously mentioned, we have classes four days a week which left Friday open; I joined in on the organized trip to Bath and Stonehenge--a decision I certainly did not regret.

Around nine we bus-ed it to Bath. We walked around and viewed apartments based upon the architecture of Colosseum (one can $till live there, which is pretty neat), grabbed lunch at Pret (a chain recently bought by McDonalds--I have seen them in DC/NYC....do you all have these in your hometown?) before touring the well-preserved Roman site for public bathing.



Caldarium--hot air flowed through to heat the floor





 

 

 

 

 

 

During some free time, a group of us meandered to Sally Lunn bun, home of the original bath bun, which was good but not life-changing (I would relate it to a hamburger bun, I tried one topped with lemon curd). http://www.sallylunns.co.uk/

Afterwards, our Dean led a tour through Bath Abbey, a perpendicular (gothic) style church known for its intricate fan vaulting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our last stop included the renowned Stonehenge:



*required touristy pic*



Clotted cream (not the best for the lactose-intolerant) and jam

After this eventful day, we headed back to the College for some piiizaaaa, M&Ms and digestives (taste better than they sound, promise) and finally caught up on some much needed zzzs

Sunday afternoon I attended ‘Cream Tea’ (Meaning tea with scones) at the Brown, which was splendid.

We had an accumulation of assignments due last Thursday, but were rewarded with yet another High Table dinner and a trip to Dublin the next morning (and by morning, i mean 3 AM...it wasn’t pretty)

 

 

Our Assignment for our Literature class= An Arthurian rendition of “Mean Girls” lolz

 

The Factory--note the shape!

DUBLIN, iRELAND

We arrived in Dublin around 8:30 am, where we had a bus tour of the city followed by a visit to the Guinness Factory at 10:30. After learning about the brewing process, we were able to pour our own pint of the beer and taste the “goodness of Guinness.”

Never too early for some bur..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While most of the group stayed in Trinity College, the overflow (myself included) spent the two nights in a quaint hotel, Saunton’s on the Green. Following a glorious catnap, we had yet another three-course meal (which seems to be a theme of this trip--no complaints here) to Dobbins Wine Bistro.



I could write a blog on the desserts of this trip alone

Afterwards, I went to The Temple bar, recommended by locals, which played great live music, even some Johnny Cash! There was a very hyped up football game this weekend (seven years in planning, apparently--Navy vs. Notre Dame for those of you who follow football) which equated to numerous Americans in Dublin; this was slightly comforting but mostly annoying as we were automatically grouped in with the wild football fans (please, we are actually studying over here!)

 

Saturday morning we had a home-cooked breakfast at Sauntons before viewing the Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library. I spent the morning visiting the National Gallery of Ireland and exploring Christ Church before a lunch at the library gallery.

The afternoon consisted of a bit of shopping and an afternoon full of pub hopping, starting at 3 pm and lasting far into the night. I knew I had found my place when I heard a live rendition of Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” mixed with Eminem's “Lose YOurself.” Loved it.

 

Sunday morning was, by far, my favorite time spent in Ireland. After an 8 AM checkout we drove to the Irish Countryside, over the Wicklow Hills to the monastic site and lake of Glendalough, where we explored for about two hours.

 





unreal

A portion of "The Count of Monte Cristo" was filmed here

After another three-course Sunday lunch at Glenview Hotel we went to Powerscourt, an Irish estate.





This trip made me excited to start travelling the continent, which is just a few weeks away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    



just around the riberbend..

This past week... 

...we started the second half of our classes, the main difference, besides new teachers and topics, is the slightly longer class periods Monday/Wednesday; however, the workload is very manageable and allows plenty of opportunity to explore the area, such as punting after class and a trivia night at a pub this past Tuesday.

Currently, I am just back from my fourth High Table dinner.We had a Globe actor speak to us about theatre production beforehand, as tomorrow we leave to see a 2 pm showing of Taming of the Shrew at the Globe (!); Afterwards, I have a night flight to Amsterdam with some frands.

There is so much to look forward to in the coming week; it’s hard to believe this is my life right now...feeling very lucky.

Love from Oxfahd!





ES 2012