We're now about two weeks from departure, and I'm itching to be in Cuzco!
Curious and excited, I emailed IVHQ fishing for further details about our trip, but to no avail. Evidently, we won't find out our exact housing or work assignments until a few days before arrival. Their in-country partner organization arranges these placements, and, as I understand it, this is done closer to our volunteer time because each project's availability is variable, and they want to find the best project fit for each volunteer. Basically, they will give us each a proposed assignment, which will then determine where we'll be housed so that our work environments are accessible. This assignment can then be modified upon arrival or even after commencement to ensure the best volunteer-project fit. What's exciting for me is that they encourage volunteers to share other skills as they are willing. So, while my primary project will be teaching English, I may get a chance to teach some dance classes, too! We shall soon see. We've made our preparations, and now we just have to be patient.
In a way, it's unfortunate that we've been organized with our trip preparations because we have little left to do other than wait. Overzealous, as usual, I did a trial packing job the other night. For my birthday, Josh outfitted us both with awesome Eagle Creek backpacks (equipped with detachable daypacks), along with sleeping bags, some packing cubes and sacs, and compression bags. Fitting a month's worth of stuff into a backpack was a daunting task for me, but I'm excited to report that it's possible (and that's including the sleeping bag, a towel, shoes, my North Face, sundries, like a flashlight, Kindle, tiny toiletries, umbrella..., and clothing to accommodate weather conditions ranging from 30 to 70 degrees)! I've never been the lightest packer - in fact, quite mysteriously, just packing a suitcase with clothes, a few pairs of shoes, normal toiletries, and minimal cosmetic appliances (hair dryer, flat iron), I seem to earn a "heavy" tag nine times out of ten. It's been suggested that my usual suitcase weighs more than the normal bag, so I'm going with that theory ;) Generally, I bring what I want/need, but, honestly, not in extreme excess; however, one thing I've learned in my travels is that light luggage makes a trip much less stressful! Checking bags? No, sir, not this time around. I can fit the necessities and more, and the rest (hair dryer, full-size toiletries, etc.) we'll be able to find in Peru. This backpack is a winner, so now I'm really ready to go!
Other than fake packing, I'm channeling my Peru excitement into researching our options for weekend excursions and reading up on the Incas. We're hoping to spend one weekend at Machu Picchu - how could we not?! - and hopefully a trip to Lake Titicaca and the surrounding area. We've found some great prices on those particular tours, so our side trips look promising. I don't think we'll have time to go sandboarding or check out the northern beaches, but we're definitely looking at a great adventure - there's so much to see and do in Peru!
Oh yeah, should probably start brushing up on that Spanish now, too!
Curious and excited, I emailed IVHQ fishing for further details about our trip, but to no avail. Evidently, we won't find out our exact housing or work assignments until a few days before arrival. Their in-country partner organization arranges these placements, and, as I understand it, this is done closer to our volunteer time because each project's availability is variable, and they want to find the best project fit for each volunteer. Basically, they will give us each a proposed assignment, which will then determine where we'll be housed so that our work environments are accessible. This assignment can then be modified upon arrival or even after commencement to ensure the best volunteer-project fit. What's exciting for me is that they encourage volunteers to share other skills as they are willing. So, while my primary project will be teaching English, I may get a chance to teach some dance classes, too! We shall soon see. We've made our preparations, and now we just have to be patient.
In a way, it's unfortunate that we've been organized with our trip preparations because we have little left to do other than wait. Overzealous, as usual, I did a trial packing job the other night. For my birthday, Josh outfitted us both with awesome Eagle Creek backpacks (equipped with detachable daypacks), along with sleeping bags, some packing cubes and sacs, and compression bags. Fitting a month's worth of stuff into a backpack was a daunting task for me, but I'm excited to report that it's possible (and that's including the sleeping bag, a towel, shoes, my North Face, sundries, like a flashlight, Kindle, tiny toiletries, umbrella..., and clothing to accommodate weather conditions ranging from 30 to 70 degrees)! I've never been the lightest packer - in fact, quite mysteriously, just packing a suitcase with clothes, a few pairs of shoes, normal toiletries, and minimal cosmetic appliances (hair dryer, flat iron), I seem to earn a "heavy" tag nine times out of ten. It's been suggested that my usual suitcase weighs more than the normal bag, so I'm going with that theory ;) Generally, I bring what I want/need, but, honestly, not in extreme excess; however, one thing I've learned in my travels is that light luggage makes a trip much less stressful! Checking bags? No, sir, not this time around. I can fit the necessities and more, and the rest (hair dryer, full-size toiletries, etc.) we'll be able to find in Peru. This backpack is a winner, so now I'm really ready to go!Other than fake packing, I'm channeling my Peru excitement into researching our options for weekend excursions and reading up on the Incas. We're hoping to spend one weekend at Machu Picchu - how could we not?! - and hopefully a trip to Lake Titicaca and the surrounding area. We've found some great prices on those particular tours, so our side trips look promising. I don't think we'll have time to go sandboarding or check out the northern beaches, but we're definitely looking at a great adventure - there's so much to see and do in Peru!
Oh yeah, should probably start brushing up on that Spanish now, too!
2 comments:
How exciting! Thanks for sharing your blog, and have an amazing trip!
I am soooo excited that the adventure has begun and that you are there safe and sound. Look forward to hearing about all of it as it unfolds.....and pictures as you can....lots of pictures....love you both....Dad
Post a Comment