Travel Tuesday: Gabs in Peru

Gabrielle Hammond

Happy Tuesday! This means it's Travel Tuesday. Well, you probably don't know that as it’s the first instalment but oh well... let's pretend you do know.

Today we are speaking all about Peru as I have had the privilege of going there last year for eighteen days to volunteer at a local primary school. It was amazing- other then a few hiccups along the way but that was no fault of Peru's.

We went in July and the weather, while warm, was not boiling and most days a cardigan was needed. The nights draw in very early- it was dark by about 5pm (which was quite odd for summer).

We stayed in Urubamba, near Cusco after a long flight from Heathrow to Miami, another flight from Miami to Lima and then after a fourteen hour layover (yup, you read that right) for a short flight to Cusco. I was very ill on the way there which was torturous on the planes and all the travelling as well as the altitude difference which did not help.

(Above a picture of our flights and working out when to sleep)

However, Urubamba was a lovely and friendly village in the valleys; mountains all around. Picturesque. Perfect. Peace.

Activities when not volunteering in the Urubamban school included pottery making, Samba classes, going to a hummingbird sanctuary and learning some local dances aswell. With samba dancing being a stand out highlight of mine as our dance teacher looked like Gok Wan LOL. The dance and music is still ingrained in my memory now!

However, the best of all in the weekend in-between was one of the seven wonders of the world... Machu Picchu. It was absolutely mesmerising; a once in a lifetime experience. Astonishing. I still can't believe I managed to go and will be grateful for it all my life.

I would highly recommend Peru, if you're feeling adventurous. I love South America and would love to visit and explore more. Until next week, friends, bye!