Peru

Despite all the drama happened during our Peru trip ( connecting flight was cancelled, luggage was lost between LA and Lima. Wendy's serious fever, problems with the returning flight..) the Peru trip was amazing. The country itself is a mess but I am sure no tourist will mind. We visited three major cities in total: Lima, Cusco and Puno, each has its own uniqueness:

Lama: We did not have much time exploring Lima but my impression is that it's a typical country capital where the most wealthy people live. It's a city where you need the locals to show you around or else you'll get ripped off.

Cusco: The city is just beautiful and lively. It is said that during recent years, driven by Peruvian and foreign citizens, Cusco has began to host many fusion and neo-andean food places where traditional andean taste is found fusioned with modern techniques and ingredients, delivering a very innovative, exciting and trendy cuisine. One night we visited a trendy bar Los Perros where I swear I had the best sandwich and potato dish in my life. Another aspect that made visiting Cusco particularity exciting was that it sits at a daunting altitude of 3,400 meter. I remember the first day I was there I had to constantly remind myself not to walk too fast because it was so hard to catch my breath. During our 3 nights there, we stayed at a cozy hotel Cusco plaza , which is only 3 minutes away from the Plaza de Armas (the city central). Because the hotel location was so close to the most popular restaurants, every night after dinner we'd walk back to the hotel while enjoying the charming and dynamic nightlife of the city.

Puno: I have to admit I was a bit disappointed about the city, especially after we have experienced the beauty of Cusco (Not to mention our tour guide could barely speak English) Tourists visit Puno to see lake titicaca (pronounced ti-ti-ha-ha). As I had expected before the trip, it was nice to see things other than Inca ruins for a change. I particularly enjoyed the tranquil islands and the lake. The tour guide insisted that the lake resembles the shape of a puma even though it was obvious that it dif not. He said " Here in Peru, you have to use your imagination." I am an impatient person who usually pays very little attention to tour guides. His words, however, caught my attention. In the real world, people tend to only search for the truth. But I believe that those who are truly successful are the ones who imagines. They take challenges well because they can imagine themselves succeeding the daunting tasks. More importantly, they use imagination to create the self they want.

Last but not the least, there are so many moments that made the Peru trip memorable: The surprisingly good Purvian cafe au lait, playing "raise your hand if you have.." beer game, singing silly songs on the road trip to Pisac, fighting to eat before the food is all gone, indulge myself in the gorgeous Andes landscape and petting the adorable llamas.

Whenever the going gets tough, I imagine I have never left Peru.

Peru