It’s hard to believe that this journey comes to an end today. This trip turned out to be so much more than I originally set out for it to be. Physically, I have done what I came to do…Hike the Inca Trail. That said, there was so much more that I experienced in this adventure. Peru is such a beautiful country. The mountains, rivers, ruins and towns are stunningly magnificent. We learned about the history of the land and the people and the challenges they have overcome and it is admirable. The true treasure here are the people. They are friendly, generous, thoughtful and hospitable. I read somewhere that the average monthly income in Peru is $400. That said, there are not the materialistic ego’s that we are so used to in the United States. People are happy and it shows in their demeanor, in how they build each other up and how they work together. I felt so calm and at peace while I was there. It was just very serene.

I walk away from this trip knowing that there is so much more to life than working 60 hours a week so I can make more money to buy new things. Life is for living and experiencing all there is to experience with the people I love. I am definitely going to do my best to live it to it’s fullest and to teach my daughter this lesson as well.

Peru will always hold a special place in my heart and I am grateful.

Since it was our last day, I got up early this morning and took a quick stroll around Cusco one last time before meeting the group for our final breakfast at the Meeting Place. A few things that were picture worthy:

A man driving his child around on his motorcycle. It scares me to even consider riding a motorcycle in Peru. It’s even more frightening to imagine a child on the motorcycle. At least the kid was wearing a helmet.

A helpful motorcycle police officer was very proud of his bike and let me take his picture.

The stonework on the city walls are so amazing. It’s hard to imagine that they were able to cut these stones so precisely.  There is no mortar or gaps and all of this was done before any of modern day technology was invented.

Ed had these Waffles 2 other mornings. He convinced us that we all needed to try it. As a celebratory last breakfast together, we all ordered them and we all agreed they were as amazing as Ed had originally reported.

Maria met us to say our goodbyes and rode with us to the airport to say a final farewell. She was an amazing guide and now a true friend. Thank you Maria for everything you taught us, showed us and shared with us. It’s your turn now to come visit us so that we can be your tour guide!

After a 7 hour layover in Lima, it was time to go our separate ways to catch our flights home! Thanks guys for an amazing 12 days. Can’t wait until 2019 ~ Rainbow Mountain!