So this is weird... (4/23/2014)

Ollanta is incredible. We just boarded our train to Aguas Calientes [Machu Picchu, Boss and Marsky are coming for you!] and we just finished talking to this old lady who lives here in Ollantaytambo. We had a conversation entirely in Spanish discussing how tourism affected her day-to-day life and what foods she recommended... As our taxi driver in Lima commented, we are gonna "pesan mucha" after all the incredible foods in Peru entice us in all their glory. "Mi nueva abuelita" gave me a goodbye "besito" and wished me health, happiness, and good travels. Why is it in the U.S. we always say "safe travels" and in Spanish we say "good travels"? Are Americans simply a more scared group of people culturally? An interesting linguistic thought to pursue.

It's strange because we are obviously outsiders to Ollanta; two tall blonde girls definitely stick out amongst the locals. And yet, we weirdly fit in. We saw that older American couple at breakfast this morning, and the cafe owner kissed us both goodbye after giving us free cookies, wishing us a "buen viaje" and telling us to speak more in Spanish to one other. We met a lady in the same cafe who works for this non-profit, Awamaki, that helps locals sell their textiles, and she made me want to come back to Ollanta. There are so many service opportunities here, and the people of the town are so welcoming. There is actually a health education program that I am going to seriously look into, because I could see myself living here for a bit. My photos simply do not do it justice! It feels like home in a strange way.

Anyway, hasta luego, Ollanta, y hasta pronto Machu Picchu...

Besos y Abrazos,

EmBoss

P.S. The dude at the ticket check told me my passport photo was beautiful, so thanks Mom and Dad for the genetics... I miss you both a lot and thanks for letting my bestie and I go on this crazy adventure!