Stephanie- Cusco, Peru

This past week was amazing!  We visited Sacred Valley and seen Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chincero.  These Incan sites were beautiful and we learned a great deal about the Incan culture.  Climbing these archaeological sites were tiring due to the high altitude.  Many citizens of Peru make their living running tour guides, trips, and selling cultural merchandise.  I went to two museums(Museo Historico Regional and Museo de Sitio de Qoricancha), however, you are not allowed to take pictures!  I find this a bit strange.  I will visit Machu Picchu this weekend of a four day expedition.  It will included mountain biking, zip lining, hiking, and white water rafting.  I am most excited for this trip.

Volunteering at the mental hospital has been a wonderful experience.  Many of the patients are becoming more comfortable around me and I noticed a increase in their daily functions.  One patient who asked me my name each time they seen me throughout the day now knows my name.  Another patient who would refuse to eat breakfast asked me for help and now is eating daily.  My most favorite memory, a patient who cannot seem to make movements, but is able to stand, ran fast as I was playing soccer with him.  Once again these patients function best when they are in a thriving environment.  The most rewarding thing about working here is that I am improving the lives of the patients.  I also was able to read the charts of all the patients at the hospital.  I really enjoyed reading each patients record as I was becoming more familiar with each one.  Next week I will change departments.  I am not sure what I will be doing here, but I know these are patients with more severe cases.  Unfortunately I am unable to take pictures with the patients and there isn't really people around to take pictures of me in action.  When I pull anything out of my pocket the patients automatically want to see it.   I will continue to try to take pictures of me in action, however, I am not sure if I will be able to.