Today, I was flying to Cuzco. I got up pretty early because I wanted to catch an early flight. After getting ready and was set to go. I chatted a bit with Lizette, one of the girls that work at the hostel. It was her birthday the day before and I wanted to wish her happy birthday. Lizette was a very cute girl, and it was unfortunate that I had to go. After saying bye, and while we were driving (Luis was the one that drove me), I kind of regretted not asking for her e-mail or something. So I had the clever idea of writing a note with my e-mail and telling Luis to give it to her when he got back (no news yet while I am writing this, but I will keep everyone posted...).

I had the brilliant idea of trying to buy my plane ticket the same day. I thought that it would be cheaper, but I was wrong...The only flight available was at 12:30 and it cost me 260 US$!!! At least I know for next time (if there will be a next time).

On the plane I meet this group of girls, one of which is from Canada. We chatted almost the whole way down. Our conversations consisted of her, Quebec-bashing and me rest-of-Canada-bashing. It was all in good fun. I gave her my peruvian number in case they wanted to go out.

Outside the airport, Jonathan (an employee for Maximo Nivel, the organization that I would be working with) was waiting for me. He spoke Engligh very well, but I urged him to speak to me in Spanish. We got to the Maximo Nivel offices (very nice by the way) and Jonathan gave me a mini-tour. My orientation with Heidi was goimg to be tomorrow since I came very late. We then took a taxi and went to the house I would be staying at.

As soon as I entered the house, I was surprised at how nice it was. I was introduced to Maritza, our stay at home caretaker. Maritza is a 24 year old girl that comes from a very big yet poor family. She is very soft spoken, and extremely nice. She offered me something to eat right away. The food was AMAZING!

All of sudden, I felt it...the high altitude symptoms. The bloating, headache, you name it, I had it. I was told that it would take a couple of days before I ajust. The other volunteers I was staying with are very nice. Barbara, a volunteer, came with her son (don´t get any ideas Mom!). We clicked right away. We shared the exact same views on politics, foreign policy, nutrition, medicine, you name it! I felt like she was my soul mate...only 25 years older....

I decided to power nap since I still wasn´t feeling well. A few of the volunteers were going to a trivia night, but I decided to take it easy. I really felt excited to start my volunteer work.