We're going to Peru!

Who wouldn't love to travel with her??

We're actually going. I think it's officially too late to bail. Huancayo here we come!!!!

So now we must blog about our adventure because updating all you wonderful people individually is WAY too complicated :-P. And blogging is totally trendy....


Now I'm sure you're all bursting with questions including... 

Where in the World is Huancayo, Peru? 

Short answer...right here

Huancayo is the capital of the Junín Region, in the central highlands of Peru. It is located in Junín Province, of which it is also capital. Situated near the Mantaro Valley at an altitude of 3,271 meters, it has a population of 323,054. Huancayo is the cultural and commercial center of the whole central Peruvian Andes area.

(thanks Wikipedia)

More importantly...

Why are we going?

Short answer: Because we're awesome

After remembering that it was her lifelong dream to go to Peru, Katy decided to make it happen this year. And because Nate and Jacqui are awesome at following...we decided to come too. Katy did lots of research and finally found a wonderful organization called CarismaPeru. They are a Peruvian organization who's primary objective is "improving and developing the abilities and skills of deprived children and adolescents" in Peru. Sounds like a good plan to me!

Learn more about them at their website: http://www.carismaperu.org/

Katy and Nate plan to work in the medical field and Jacqui is going to do some sort of Social work. Nate may do that too... An interesting fact about Peruvian Culture is they are some of the most laid back people in the world. Which is really nice for a group that isn't always best described as having all their stuff together. (Minus Katy: see awesomely detailed packing list below). We'll see what happens once we get there. Not sure exactly what is going to happen. Sure it is going to be epic.

Besides Volunteering Do you have any other Plans?  

Funny you should ask. Just this morning we were discussing all the amazing places to see in Peru. And then Katy sent me this awesome link: The Top Ten Destinations in Peru 

Look Mom(s) we're totally prepared

 

We're definitely going to see Machu Picchu and possibly do the Inca trail. We're being slightly Peruvian in our approach to traveling. But regardless expect LOTS of pictures

What are you taking?

Ok so probably not the next question you had in mind but still interesting. Mostly I want to have an online copy of our packing list so I don't forget anything...you can skip this part if you're not interested. I totally understand. Or if you've been to South America/done any traveling and think we're forgetting something we would love to know BEFORE we leave on Wednesday. After that you're just rubbing it in that we forgot it...

How do I fit this in my backpack?

First Aid Kit-

Band-aids, alcohol swabs, gauze w/ tape, ACE bandage, scissors, thermometer, tweezers, antiseptic (povidine-iodine)

Personal Items-

Girly products

Medicines

            Cipro

            Anti-malarial meds

            Allergy meds

            Advil/Advil PM

            Motion sickness meds

            Anti-itch cream for bug bites

Toiletries

            Face wash

            Body wash

            Lotion

            Shampoo and conditioner

            Deodorant

            Makeup

            Hair products

            Razor

            Toothbrush and toothpaste

            Kleenex

            Toilet paper

General Items-

Peru guidebook

Map of Peru

Spanish dictionary/phrase book

Medical Spanish book

Backpack

Sleeping bag

Digital camera and charger/plugs for computer

Laptop and charger

Ipod and charger

Cell phone (for emergencies) and charger

Hand sanitizer

Matches

Electrical adaptor/voltage transformer

Flashlight

Batteries

Insect repellent w/ DEET (lotion is best)

Mosquito netting

Oral rehydration solution for diarrhea/dehydration

Glasses, sunglasses

Sunscreen

Water purifier

Towels

Swiss army knife

Ear plugs

Duct tape

Books

Granola bars/other non-perishable snacks

Water bottle

Documents-

Airline tickets

Debit cards/credit cards/travelers checks/cash

Passport and photo ID/driver’s license

Vaccination form

Passport photos and passport photocopy

Travel insurance documentation and copy of policy

Clothes-

Shoes- walking, hiking, sandals, water shoes

Scrubs

Rain jacket/poncho

Swimsuit

Socks and underwear

Hot weather, but conservative, clothing

Jeans, pants, or skirts

Pajamas

Sweatshirts

Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts

Hat 

 whew...thanks Katy!

 So "follow" us in Peru and you'll get an e-mail every time we update the Blog!

Thanks for all your support!!