Arrival ~ Peru

We have arrived! Monday, we began the first leg of our travels to Arequipa, Peru as Charly, Grace, Myah, Ryan and I boarded our flight from Chicago to Miami. After arriving at the Miami Airport, we were met with delays and mechanical issues with the plane, meaning we had to spend the night in the Miami Airport while this year’s faculty advisor, Bruce Campbell continued his venture from Lima to Arequipa. Despite our exhaustion and frustration, we all seemed to have made the most of it, everyone laughing and telling stories from previous trips with family and friends. Given the nature of our topic this year, the importance of accessible transportation, perhaps an incident where transportation wasn’t so easily accessible was a necessary blip in our journey.

After our long wait, we safely ventured from Miami to Lima and finally Lima to Arequipa, just in time for sunset and preparation for their New Year’s Festivities. We watched the sunset as we drove to our hostel and quickly found a restaurant nearby to have our first go at traditional Peruvian dishes. Although no one has been brave enough yet to try the dish, we learned a lot about the significance of Cuy, Guinea pig, from Bruce. This traditional meal has deep roots within the Andean community and even required protection from the catholic church when the consumption of Cuy was banned within Peru.

Following dinner, we arrived at Plaza de Armas, watching street performers and fireworks for the holiday, and finally retired to our hostel after our 40-hour day. We’re looking forward to getting to video and interview here soon, but this has already been quite a great adventure! 

Peace and advocacy,

Abby