I hit another continent in my world travels… South America. I am in Peru!!! Every year, Latin America Lions come together for leadership training and to discuss improving Lionism in their area. This year I was fortunate to attend to be apart of a meeting with the consultants for my program in Latin America. Previous years, only the department manager went, but since Sue had another meeting going on the same time - I was able to attend and it was a great experience. I left Chicago on Thursday, January 6th with my co-worker Becca. We went through Miami and arrived in Lima, Peru on Friday morning. We had no problem getting to our hotel El Condado. We were trying to get into the headquarters hotel which is Casa Andina Private Collection, but we were unable to. However, it worked out because our rooms are great. We are right next to each other on the 13th floor over looking the city and have a nice large Jacuzzi bathtub.
Day 1, Friday: After a quick nap, we started walking around downtown Miraflores, which is an upscale suburb of Lima. It is very nice. Although pretty confusing to figure out where everything was and trying to get a sense of direction. While walking around, Becca mentioned about going to Machu Pitchu. How we are here and she felt maybe we should just inquire to see if it was possible to go for one day. I agreed, especially after realizing that there isn’t a whole lot to do in Lima and we have the rest of the week here. So off to find a travel agent we go. We found a travel agency right down the street from our hotel. They thought we were absolutely crazy for wanting to go for only 1 day. Many people get sick from the high elevation, but we were determined to make it happen as long as it was
reasonably priced. So after about a hour there, they were able to make it happen for a decent price, especially leaving the next day. Our flight leaves at 5:45 in the morning, so we had to get up around 3:30 a.m. to take our cab to the airport. 
Day 2, Saturday… My birthday!: Didn’t get too much sleep at all. Only about 2.5 hours. By the time we got back to the hotel, packed a backpack I bought for about $10 the day before for our trip, talked with my parents and Jay on Skype, and then trying to fall asleep to all the crazy horn honking… I feel asleep around 1:30 a.m. Then my alarm didn’t go off and my wake up call was late - luckily Becca knocked on my door and woke me up in time. When we arrived in Cusco and what happens…. I twist my ankle as we are walking outside of the airport. Not fun! Especially when you have a bunch of Peruvian cab drivers outside laughing at you thinking “gueta loca”. We had a personal driver Raylando who
The way of live in Cusco is very sad unless you have money. Trash everywhere, Stray dogs, dilapidated homes. Very sad. Really makes you appreciate what you have and where you live - that is for sure. We also stopped at an old Inca City which was really cool to see. There were original doorways from the city and now people still live there. It was pretty awesome.
We took a nice train to Machu Pitchu, which was about 2 hours (I did hear someone say it was only about 10 miles away… but with the mountains, the train goes very slow, and the workers have to stop the train to change the track). Once we arrived, there was a nice little city to do shopping at stores or the market to buy souvenirs. But we had to catch a bus to take us up the mountain… luckily I saw a pharmacy where I bought a bandage to wrap my ankle… and good thing too, because it was a lot of walking on uneven ground. My ankle wasn’t too bad, not sprained or anything, but it was swollen and sore.
Once we got to the top, there were spactacular views! Becca and I had a personal tour guide named Norma. She was awesome. She was so full of knowledge and suggested good photo shots and even took tons of pictures of us. It was so amazing to see Machu Pitchu in person. As soon as we saw it, it was completely worth the money and crazy travel to get there to see it. I mean, who knows if I will ever get back to Peru - so I am soooo glad that I went.
After we walked through the whole area, even in the rain towards the end, we ate at a restaurant and Becca bought me a birthday drink. Then we went shopping at the market where I was able to get some souvenirs including some very cool vases and a small plate for a mantle or a table. We then caught the 2 hour train back to the town, to get picked up for another 1.5 hour car ride with a personal driver. We arrived back at our hotel in Cusco at 11:30. Needless to say we were exhausted! But again, worth every minute.
Day 3, Sunday: We got picked up at 8:30 to catch our flight back to Lima. Everything ran smoothly. Got in on time, and went straight to Casa Andina to meet up with Sue to discuss our upcoming meetings.
Later that night we had a welcome dinner with the consultants at the Maria Angola and this was the first time I met pretty much everyone. It was great. They were all so friendly and it was wonderful to put faces to names and emails. Many know a little English so I was able to communicate with them with my little bit of Spanish. Esta Bien! I was also introduced to Pisco Sours, which is Pisco, Lemon, and Egg White. It is a cultural drink here, and it is muy delicioso.
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| Franco, my translator- aka- my lifesaver |
Day 4, Monday: First day of meetings went really well. I did my presentation and was able to really stress the importance of why we do things and answer many questions. It really helps to get to know them to be able to assist them better. I look forward to future forums and hope I can attend to get to know them much better and continue progressing the program in Latin America.
Day 5, Tuesday - My manger was in with Becca’s meeting today which left me and one of my directors for our last day of the Extension Meeting. It was very productive. Each did a 15 minute presentation from a template I created and all felt that they learned a lot from each other.
We also took many pictures with each other. My consultants are so nice. Many even brought me gifts from their country, which I will forever cherish… or eat. Lol.
At night we had dinner with the consultants and the woman’s workshop participants at this wonderful restaurant that is on a pier in the ocean. Great views. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. And we took muchos photos. Everyone was smiling and having a great time. One of my consultants, even bought me a shot of tequila. He was surprised I took it like a shot rather then sip it… I sooo can not sip tequila… gross! Lol the whole table watched me and then he called me a “professional” haha… if he only knew! Lol.
Day 6, Wednesday - My meetings are done, but I helped Becca out with her meeting with the woman. It went really well. We received lots of valuable feedback that will really help our association out. We had lunch and then finalized the bill at the hotel for our meetings. Then back to our hotel for a short nap before attending the opening ceremony.
One thing that we will never forget is our experience getting onto the bus to take us back to the hotel. Everyone was pushing and shoving, I seriously felt I was back at a KORN concert in the mosh pit. Wow! I wish I could have recorded it. I think everyone knew there were only 2 buses and they didn’t want to wait. (it was pretty… VERY disorganized, that is for sure).
Once we got back, we ate dinner at this Jazz Café right by our hotel (and confirmed that there is a short cut to the hotel our meetings are at.. Figures, our meetings are over, but at least we have a few more days to utilize it). It’s funny, all we wanted for dinner a cheeseburger, and you should how excited we were to see it on the menu. Lol. I also ordered this drink called Chilcano. Which has Pisco, Sprite, y limon. Esta muy bien. I am definitely bringing back a couple of bottles of Pisco with me.
Day 7, Thursday - We went to the opening session, which was nice. Then we had some time after lunch before we had to be at the Presidents session, so we decided to go for a Relaxation massage. It was great! And the best part only $20. =)
After we went to the session and it was good. Although all the standing really hurt our feet. Then we went to Argentina’s and Venezuela’s parties, which were both very well attended, but really warm. We then went to Sue’s hotel for dinner because we just couldn’t do any more rice and potatoes. So we all ended up ordering off of the kids menu and I got chicken nuggets and fries. Totally hit the spot. On our way back to the hotel, Becca and I stopped at the Peruvian Theme Night and saw some cultural dancing and heard some music. Then finally to bed to start day 8.
Day 8, Friday - We had our Extension Seminar which was well attended. All consultants did a great job. Then we were pretty much done for the day so I did a little shopping and ate some KFC (no coleslaw tho.. so sad) Then came back to the room to pack. I have no idea how I am going to get all of this stuff home. My small carry-on suitcase is full of souvenirs and gifts I received. But I will make it work some how.
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