PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Serenity & the Peru Team
Hola amigos!
Your GLA family here! We hope you didn’t forget about us and your time here in Perú! We are checking in to remind you about the impactful trip we had. We wish that everything you learned during your time in Perú, and especially the humble village of Písac, has stayed with you and impacted your daily life.
The day you arrived in Písac, though we bonded over playing two truths and a lie and the next day at orientation over a some games like a cold wind blows and the name game, you were all nervous and apprehensive of the journey ahead of you. But throughout the course of the entire trip, we saw all of your individual personalities shine, creating a diverse group of future leaders.
Our service project at Kusi Kawsay was so rewarding, as we saw a different way of life from what we are used to—one that is more connected to nature and the world around us. We learned through coming out of our comfort zones, even if that meant we had to get our hands a little dirty with concrete and plant pruning! Presentations with Iña, the music and textile teachers, Iladia and Melva taught y’all about how important it is to protect Quechua and the dying Andean culture, how to make beautiful bracelets, and why we must protect and remain connected to our beautiful Pacha Mama. We learned about local music and ancestral instruments, and even interacted with some of the local students at Kusi Kawsay in a very bilingual experience. And last but not least, we built a new sink, made pom poms, pruned the plants to allow for new growth in Nelba’s garden, and left a little piece of our spirits behind for Nelba and the staff at Kusi Kawsay to remember us by.
Over those two weeks, we hope everyone learned to embrace the cold, dry mountain air and amazing culture that the Andean mountain communities are trying so desperately to preserve. We will also remember the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu forever, where it felt like we literally stepped out of real life and into a picture. But, even though Machu Picchu was a highlight, we also won’t forget the other many incredible archaeological sites we visited that are less known. We will remember as Ali-Jei took us through the winding streets of Cusco and to the Choco museum to try some arstesanal chocolate, and how we explored the terraces of the Písac ruins with her fascinating explanations. We will also remember as we ran behind Angela through the mountains, so we could arrive at the beautiful and mystical Poc Poc waterfall and play in the refreshing pool that it fell into.
Do you guys remember talking about your OMG (one meaningful goal)/SMART goals during the final afternoon in Písac? In our mentor group, we talked about arriving home with a more open mind, raising money for important causes, and ditching the “savior” tourist mentality. We had some meaningful conversations about your personal goals as well, but our final OMG goal as a group was to volunteer (or continue to volunteer) for a cause that we believe in within our communities. You mentioned that each one of you wanted to complete at least 25 volunteer hours within the next year at that project, while others wanted to take on the challenge of completing 50 hours. Either way, we encourage you to remember and complete that goal. To bring back the memories, we attached a couple of photos of our brainstorming session that day.
Finally, a huge shoutout to:
-Señor Andrés and Señora Juana for being amazing hosts at Hospedaje Inti and helping us when we got sick
-David, Alberto, and the other drivers who took us around the Sacred Valley
-the local markets and all the vendors who we negotiated prices with
-Iña for her presentation about Kusi Kawsay and showing us the powerful movie that her students made about family violence during COVID
-Angela for being a fantastic trekking guide
-the mini markets that provided us with endless snacks and Bon Appetite the (NOT) French café where we ate so much ice cream and french-style pastries
-The enormous hill we all climbed to get to Kusi Kawsay (a collective bonding experience trying to catch our breath)
-Vicente and his team for teaching us Incan ceramics techniques, letting us play with natural clay, and sharing his studies on ancestral instruments from the Incas
-Paqo Cesar and our very special Pago a la Tierra ceremony (also, shoutout to the Coca-Cola)
-Our Mundo Antiguo Spanish teachers for being awesome, making us laugh, and catering to the different levels of Spanish in the group
-All the leaders of the day
-Spoons and all the other card games you played to bond
-The passionate debate we had
-GOLD jewelry (when we finally found it)
-The “bombs” and late-night music during the Virgen del Carmen festival (we survived)
-The alpaca ladies for nearly attacking us every time we went to the Plaza asking if we wanted photos
-All of the Apus (mountains that hold the ancestral spirits) for protecting us, like Ñusta and Linly
-The showers at the hotel at Ollantaytambo (and the alpacas that charged at us?)
-The terrifying llamas that we fed alfalfa to at Awana Cancha
-Big, fluffy alpaca hats and small, fluffy alpaca plushies
-Nelba’s knowledge about plants and her jokes
-Iladia’s beautiful smile and guidance on service days
-The cui that some of us tried on our night in Ollantaytambo (where we FINALLY ate at a restaurant)
-The empanadas teacher and our class at the traditional colonial ovens
-The Pacha Mama, who we will all try to protect and respect more when we get home
-Our Quechua teacher, our “Siku” (flute) and Kusi Kawsay music teachers, our dance teachers, and our guide at Machu Picchu who all taught us so much about the local culture and how to preserve it
-The hamburgers we ate for our last dinner after Señor Andrés went all the way to Cusco to buy them, just to make us feel special
We wish you all a very bright future and hope that each of you chases your dreams and achieves your goals. Every single one of you left a lasting and memorable impression on all of us. We genuinely hope that you go out, live each and every day outside of your comfort zone, keep learning Spanish and other dying languages, embrace new cultures, and be the change you want to see in the world.
Un abrazo enorme,
Serenity Dzubay (International Director)
Ali-Jei Salazar (Local Director)
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
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-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
Allillanchu!
This is your crew from Peru Spanish Service Adventure, and we are so excited to kick off session 2 of summer 2024!
Today is arrival day! Everything is ready for our students to arrive and experience everything that Peru and our home base town, Pisac, have to offer! Most of the students were picked up in the morning at the Cusco Airport, with one student having changed to their flight itinerary to the afternoon (Christina does not appear in this photo, but don’t worry she will feature in the blogs to come!!). Students then took a 1-hour taxi ride to the beautiful and rustic village of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of Peru. They are settling in and getting used to the Peruvian winter, which is warm during the day due to the strong Andean sun and chilly at night.
At the home base, students were able to mingle with other students, explore their new home base, and rest/shower after a long day of travel. The students also went to a cafe to take advantage of the wifi, ate dinner (with our last student arriving just in time!), met the GLA Spanish Service Adventure staff, and played 2 truths and a lie to get to know each other!
Although students shared that they were exhausted from the traveling, they were super enthusiastic and looking forward to the adventure and service days to come!
We can’t wait for the next two weeks of service, learning, lifelong memories, and deep friendships that await.
We hope that you can use this blog to keep up with your student’s adventures and as a way to experience this journey with us!
From the ecstatic GLA Peru Spanish Service Adventure team,
Ali Jei Salazar (Local Director)
Serenity Dzubay (International Director)
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
Hi this is Ruby, I hope everyone is well!
Today was a very eventful day, in the morning we did orientation, played the name game and the cold wind blows. We also went over the Code of Conduct and created skits for some of the rules.
The afternoon consisted of hiking/walking the Pisac ruins (they were so beautiful). After we were done with the ruins we went straight back to the hotel and got warm jakets for the ceremony Paqo Cesar held for us. This might have been the coolest cultural event i have seen. We watched him pray and he kindly let us join him. We thanked him and headed back for dinner, which was delicious. It was chicken fried rice.
Now as we wind down we are doing our mentor group! Which I will be conducting a game called “speed dating” (don’t worry, not actual dating). We will be doing a goal setting activity afterwards.
Goodnight!
Ruby
BLOG POST FOR JULY 15
I woke up today to a bountiful breakfast provided by GLA. I feasted upon bread made solely by locals with butter that was warm and spread perfectly.
We then started our Spanish course which consisted of two hours of Spanish taught by an excellent local instructor. After that we traveled to the local school, Kusi Kawsay, so that we can get accustomed to the service we will be doing throughout our time in Peru. We had a crash course in botany with the plants having grown in the Andes.
After that we explored Pisac some more and watched the celebration of Saint Carmen. We did a leadership activity about social media as well. We then ended the day with a hardy dinner and hour of journaling.
Peace out GLA nation.
Gabe
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
Today the fireworks started our day bright and early, with wakeup at 6:50. We quickly ate our traditional breakfast of some Peruvian bread, butter, and jam and then got together with our Spanish class groups for another day of practice! In my group, we started with some more review of past tense grammar and completed a spanish crossword puzzle. After, we began to converse over travel-themed would you rather questions in which we explained our opinions on various topics such as hot weather vs cold weather and only speaking English on vacation vs trying to converse in the local language.
We then took our Spanish practice out into the real world where the groups ventured into the town plaza. The town is still buzzing for the festival of St. Carmen so we witnessed many festivities and people dressed up in costumes accompanied by loud music. We asked sellers about the prices of some food as some of us either salivated or were repulsed by the guinea pigs roasting over a fire (cui – very popular dish in peru). We left happy and full from colorful kettle corn (for less than a dollar). We then had a unique lunch of savory almond soup and some pasta.
After lunch, we headed back to the Kusi Kawsay school to begin our service. We first learned a little about how astrology and agriculture are heavily interconnected in the local culture. Also, how constellations and star brightness can be used to predict rainfall or crop turnouts. After that, we split into three groups to complete various tasks. My group constructed a stone sink from scratch. We found and transported large rocks, sand, mixed concrete and layered the stones in a cilindrical shale. The other groups built a fence and cleaned up some dead leaves around campus.
We also met with another faculty member of the school to learn about the school’s mottos and how they were able to create change during Covid. Then, we retired for dinner and did an activity about relating colors to emotions and some drawing! Now it’s time for bed.
Xoxo, Zoe
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
This morning we woke up bright at early and had a big breakfast of crepes. Breakfast was followed by Spanish Classes into the afternoon. Today in our Spanish classes we learned how to play a siku, which is a traditional Andean wind instrument. Each class learned a different song and we got to see the other class perform.
For lunch, we had chicken, potato soup, and lentils. Nourished and strong, we then headed towards Kusi Kawsay to complete our afternoon of service. First, we learned a song from the resident music teacher with a bunch of different instruments. Then, we split off into three groups, one finishing the sink, one harvesting seeds to sell for scholarships for kids at the school, and one making pompoms to string across the school and bring in some more color. When we came back to the hostel, we had an intro to the debate we were going to have this night.
Dinner was rice, chicken soup, and wontons. We finished dinner quickly and went out into town to go to the grocery store and get some snacks. On our way back, we stopped to watch some of the massive celebration going on in honor of the virgen Carmen. It was super interesting and looked insanely fun. We loved seeing all the different traditions they have here, especially the clothes and costumes they wear. When we came back, we had a debate about the teaching of Quechua and preservation of dying languages. An eventful day of learning about Peruvian and andean culture!
Luna
BLOG POST FOR JULY 18
Today, our group started with a ceramics class in the mountains with an elevation of 10,000 ft. As we were doing ceramics, halfway through we took a break to let the clay dry, and we went to a little park with a basketball court with goals and a soccer ball. After we ended our break we returned to the ceramics studio, where we drew our designs into the clay jewelry. After we drew our designs, we left the studio, and walked a little down the mountain into the ceramics shop, where we learned and listened to the ancestral instruments of the Inca.
Later in the afternoon, we went to the market where we were able to exchange money and buy all sorts of goods. At the market we also practiced “responsible photography” where we learned that when we take photos, we need to make sure to be respectful, and not take photos of people as if they are objects, or without consent.
Then, at night half of us went into the city, where we saw part of the carnival and dances, and we also got pizza and lemonade. Then, the other half stayed at the hotel, where they watched a movie. The festivities and music lasted almost all night.
Goodnight,
Henry
BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
The day started with a 7:30 am wake up with breakfast at 8. We all headed down to the breakfast area to enjoy some delicious fruit and bread prepared by the amazing hostel staff. After breakfast, we began our Spanish class for the remainder of the morning.
After Spanish class, we enjoyed lunch together and lots of games of playing cards. Then the main attraction of the day was going to Kusi Kawsay, where we were taught how to weave bracelets by the school experts. We all got to learn and create our very own bracelets, and if we got the hang of it fast, we could make another. When we finished our bracelets, we headed back to the hostel to talk about our upcoming hike to the beautiful Machu Picchu.
After our debrief and packing for our upcoming hikes, we ate dinner and played even more card games together. At end the day, we got taught traditional Peruvian dances and a bit of salsa. After we danced our hearts out, we ended the day tired and ready to get some rest I’m preparation for the amazing hike we had planned for the next day.
Goodnight,
Kimball
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
Hello parents,
Today was a warm up for Machu Picchu, as we went on a very long hike to Poc Poc waterfall. We first got our day started by having breakfast. Then, we quickly got on a bus to Chinchero town to see a beautiful archaeological site.
Then, the long hike started as we made our way towards the start of Poc Poc. It mostly consisted of downhill hiking with a little bit of uphill. It was definitely worth our time as when we made it to the spot, there was a beautiful waterfall. We all got in the water and took many fun and cool pictures.
(Some students were feeling under the weather, so they took a separate trip to see the ruins in Ollantaytambo!)
After the hike, we got picked up and arrived at our new hotel in Ollantaytambo for the night. It was so nice and the showers were unbelievable. Once we were settled in, we made our way over to a local restaurant and had some good food while some of us tried guinea pig. After dinner we went back to the hotel and got a good night’s rest.
Cya,
Jordan Tanaka
BLOG POST FOR JULY 21
Today we woke up in a new town called Ollantaytambo, but most people know it as the town you stay when going to Machu Picchu. We packed all of our stuff up, had a quick breakfast of kefir yogurt with granola, and we were off. We walked through the town and to the train station where we all pilled on the train to Macchu Picchu. We excitedly stared out the windows for an hour and a half as we watched the dry and desolate mountains turn into the most vibrant jungle. After what felt like days, we hoped off the train and into the cheery pueblo (town) of Machu Picchu. As we walked through, there were backpackers left and right who had just embarked in the four night journey up the Inca Trail. Ruby and I have promised each other we will come back and hike the Inca Trail one day. After waiting in a never-ending line, we all loaded onto a bus to enjoy a fourty five minute ride winding up into the mountains. Finally after a morning of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles made it to Machu Picchu.
We were met by an enthusiastic tour guide, Jose Luis, who throughout the tour kept saying “My friends” which we all loved about him. He led us up the mountain to be met with the surreal picturesque view of the ruins of Machu Picchu. We took a billion photos at the top looking over the breathtaking view while our tour guide explained the rich history of Machu Picchu and the American man who discovered it in the first place. Then, we dropped down into the ruins. Walking though the same grounds as the Inca had walked thousands of years ago is a memory I will never forget. We also crossed the path of a few llamas who live in Machu Picchu. We were all very jealous of the view that they get every day. After exploring all the ruins, we headed back up the stairs and to the buses to take us back down the mountain. As I was walking up the stairs, I kept glancing back trying to take in every last minute of the beautiful views.
Once we were back in the Machu Picchu Pueblo, we had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river. The staff gave us free Coca-Cola which was so so good after the long day. After lunch, we caught the train back to Ollantaytambo. Then, we all loaded up on snacks before the two hour drive back to Pisac. After the two hour moonlit drive, we made it back to our hostel. Tired and hungry we ate a brisk spaghetti dinner. Then stumbled up to our rooms and finally headed to bed.
Peace,
Emi
BLOG POST FOR JULY 22
Good morning parents,
This morning we had Spanish class. At the end of Spanish class we went into town to learn how to make empanadas. We went into the kitchen and we got to learn how to make five different empanadas (sweet or salty).
Later in the afternoon we had lunch. For lunch we had rice, vegetarian pasta and peruvian beef stirfry. After lunch, we had a mentor group where we played a game where we write about our opinions on certain topics and placed them in a bowl and randomly picked someone else’s paper to discuss. Then, we went to exchange some money and spend some time in the market.
When we got back to the hotel, we had an interesting class about the Quechua language. At dinner we had sausage, fries and semola soup.
After dinner, we watched Ratatouille.
Have a great day,
Grayson
BLOG POST FOR JULY 23
Hello parents and assorted loved ones,
Starting the day off with toast, yogurt and fruit, we prepared for a road trip. From our small city of Pisac, we drove a total of about 45 minutes in 2 hours to the big city of Cusco. Along the way, we stopped at an overlook to pet an adorable dog, then went to an alpaca, llama, vicuña, and guanaco farm!! The combination of violent and adorable energy in these animals is insane. We got to feed them grass and had the privilege of being spit at! We then visited the attached artesanal store of woven goods scouted directly from the farming communities.
After, we visited the Tambomachay ruins. We hiked a small hill to a sacred spa-like resting place of a powerful Inca. After, we took a small drive to the site of Quenqo. In the cave, we saw tables carved out of the rock for mummification (not all humans, dont worry). Then, we drove to the biggest site on our tour: Saqsaywaman. In an intricate and sprawling layout, we saw the famous walls and base of what was a very important site for rituals to the Sun god. We were in awe of the massive stones, several tons at least, carved to fit almost seamlessly together. Also, the fact that Transformers was filmed there.
In fifteen minutes, we finally arrived in Cusco for lunch at a cute restaurant. The utter disbelief on our faces when we were offered REAL WHITE BREAD AND BUTTER.
Stumbling through the streets of Cusco in a carb-induced coma, we visited the Choco Museo. We tried free samples and other various chocolate products, once again securing our drowsyness. Finally, we split into groups, doing our best to negotiate and reconciliate with our considerably emptier wallets in the market.
We drove back to the Inti Lodge, our home away from home in Pisac for freetime, shoutout circle, and dinner. We journaled together about how we have been leaders at home and how GLA has changed our perspective.
Then off to bed, which is where I’m going now.
Wishing you all the best of luck with your child’s inevitable culture shock,
Lucinda 🙂
BLOG POST FOR JULY 25
We woke up at 8 and ate a great breakfast provided by the hotel. We had our Spanish class at 9 and we rounded off our Spanish classes for the last time with a graduation ceremony. During our graduation ceremony we all were able to say our favorite Spanish word/phrase.
In the afternoon, we completed our final service trip to Kusi Kawsay. We worked in the garden pruning the trees and plants there and finished our fence. We finished off with a final goodbye around the fire.
After dinner, we took a trip to get ice cream and were able to choose from a great selection of flavors. When we returned, we completed a journaling activity and had a challenging game of human knot. We rounded off the day with a great night’s sleep to get us ready for our final day.
Ciao,
Christina
