the end of the world as we know it (cole)

When I was younger, I went a small camp in coastal Georgia called, Honey Creek. I loved camp dearly. It is easy to say it was my favorite week of the year. I had four best friends at camp and we could not be separated. We went swimming, created arts & crafts, held dance parties in our cabin, kayaked on the river, played frisbee in the meadow, along with all the other shenanigans that come with camp. It was where I felt at home. So the end of  the week was quite depressing to say the least. But, on the last night the counselors would play, "The End of the World as We know It" by R.E.M. and in that moment, things seemed ok. Now it seems a little strange to think about, but everyone in camp would run around in a big circle and scream the lyrics at the top of our lungs during the chorus. We all had this last moment together and though we knew we might be returning to our home the following day; we knew we would be together again next year. It was never a "forever goodbye" 

Well, here is Cusco, it is the end of the world as I know it. After four months of settling in, learning the culture, making friends, and falling in love with the city, the ending is now in sight. Classes finished last week and today is the last day of exams. We have a closing dinner on Thursday and most of my friends leave on Saturday. While I am extremely sad about this reality, it comes with excitement too. Macon, my older sister, and Laura come to Cusco next week for the next chapter of life abroad. I am looking forward to showing them this beautiful city I've been lucky enough to live in. While it is always hard to say goodbye, I have a feeling this isn't truly a "forever goodbye" either. That somehow, someway, I will end up in Cusco again. It's more of a "see you later." 

Since I disappeared from the blog for a month, here is a recap of some of the fun I have been up to...

Let's start with my trip to the Amazon! I know this is long overdue, but let's cut to the chase... IT WAS SO COOOOL AND AWESOME AND BEAUTIFUL!!! But really, one of the best trips ever. We hiked in the mornings,  rode on the boat in the afternoon, and hung out and played cards in the evenings. Dream life, right?  Also, we saw so many great animals - Jaguar, caymens, capy baras giant otters, ten species of monkeys and many more. Overall, the trip was above any expectation I could ever set. 

The gang

So much coca

Awesome tree

Lily making a friend

Playing soccer with the locals

The following week, I went mountain biking with Mary Kate and Matthias, two friends from school. Matthias had been on this route before, so he guided the way. He forgot to mention he had a bus drop him off first at the top.. Well, we did our fair share of hiking, carrying bikes to get to the top. Then on the way down, we made a wrong turn when some crazy dogs began barking and chasing us. We ended up on a new path, that later turned into a narrow, steep hiking path. None the less, in the end it was really fun adventure! Once we made our way back down to Cusco, we continued biking through all the busy streets. To wrap up the day, we went out for pizza and wine! 

WOOOOOOOOOO!

Not meant for bikes??

Mary Kate and Matthias at the end of the day For my Incan Architecture class, I had to give a presentation AND write a paper on the lost Incan citadel, Choquequirao. Well, if that didn't spark my interest in this mysterious place, a handful of tourist agencies around Cusco offer hikes there and have pictures sitting next to Machu Picchu. Obviously, I was extremely intrigued. All the magic of Machu Picchu, but without the hundreds of tourist? Sounds good to me! I gathered a group of friends, and we set off for the 4 day hike. While it was super challenging, it was definitely worth it. I know I just said this about Manú, but it was really one of the best trips ever too. I have never seen anything like it in my life. So surreal. The pictures honestly don't do justice. There is an atmosphere within Choquequirao that is unattainable anywhere else.

Beginning the hike

Hanging out by a broken bridge

Entrance to Choquequirao

The plaza of Choquequirao

Last night of camping - Beers and cards!

Everyone on the last day!  Sidenote: I had the most bug bites of my life on this trip... And a severe sunburn too... No good!  For the end of the year, my Spanish class required to create a film explaining our daily routines. Each person had a different part of the day. My friend, Sarafina, and I both had morning activities. Waking up, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, etc. Well, we originally planned to have a sleepover and film our section in the morning as we were getting ready for school. Instead, we ended up hanging out at our friend's bar and we figured to go ahead and film there instead. Why not? Well, it turned out a lot weirder/sillier than planned. But hey, we still did well on the project.  Here are some clips...  It's been awhile since I last wrote about volunteering, but since then it has continued to be great! Before I jump into the rural school, I want to start with the orphanage. I don't think I've blogged about it yet, but for the past month I have been volunteering twice a week at a boy's orphanage in the middle of the city. If you want to adapt a kid, COME HERE! I have already tried to convince my parents, but they don't seem too interested (Mom and Dad- it's not too late!!!) But really, these boys are so happy and loving. I walked in and felt immediately welcomed. All of the kids ran up to ask my name and age. Now, when I return I am greeted with waves and hugs from the whole place. My volunteering is to help with homework. Well, I feel pretty useless some days considering my limited knowledge in Spanish... But I feel I can still be a helping hand when I can play with the kids too. And I can handle that. I wish I could have began volunteering at the orphanage sooner, but I still appreciate the time I have had with the boys.

One of the days I volunteered, the showers were being replaced so the boys played outside with a hose for their shower

Corrie playing with one of the boys

Do not fear, I still love the kids at the rural school all the same! Last Friday was our last day of volunteering at the school. It was strange knowing it was the last day of class with my students.We learned words for family members, which they really enjoyed. Each wanted to share his or her story, and their family with me. It was too sweet. We returned on Saturday with the Rotary Club of Cusco for a Christmas celebration. The club raised money to buy the children gifts. The other volunteers and I helped passed out the gifts, along with some donated clothes. It really felt like Christmas morning! All the kids were jumping with joy, extremely appreciative of what they just received. The rest of the day was spent playing soccer, sipping hot chocolate, and dancing to our favorite Spanish songs. When it was time to say goodbye, we gave big hugs and yelled at "Adios!" The kids happily skipped off home, and we returned on a bus to Cusco. Though it was heart-breaking to say goodbye, I was strangely at ease with the situation. I felt like our little fiesta gave us a chance to cherish our last moments together. The oh-so famous Dr. Suess quote wraps it up nicely, "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened."

I am excited and nervous for my final two weeks. I have to say some hard goodbyes to my friends, my school, and my home-stay family. While it will be tough, I have two of my best friends here with me to help enjoy the closing to my study abroad.   

Xoxo,
Cole