Day 4 - Inca Ruins & Homestays

After eating breakfast, we went to the Incan ruins in the mountains. We went with our Peruvian leaders, Señor Fernando and Pancho, to learn about the ancient Incan empire. We learned how the Incas stored food high up in the mountains; the wind and cold acted as a natural refrigerator. We also learned which gods the Incans praised. They honored Mother Nature and the things that provided for them, such as the sun, moon, river, and animals. At 12, we had lunch in the Tumy house after visiting the ruins. After lunch, we had free time for a few hours. Most people went shopping, while others played cards and games. We began packing at 5 to prepare for the arrival of our Peruvian homestays at 6. Before they arrived, Jacob and Gabriela announced the new leaders and led a short round of highs and lows. We met our families and went home with them. At their houses, we introduced ourselves, got a tour of their home, gave them our gifts from the U.S., and had dinner. Some students found where the others were staying and spent free time with them before curfew at 10. At 10 we went to bed for our first night at their homes. We can’t wait for our first full day with our families!

- Jacob Bellinger and Gabriela Coates