Thanks for the reminder, Meaghan!

So the first week has been pretty fantastic.  I like almost everything about Cusco and Peru.  I went to Machu Picchu and walked the Inca Trail last weekend.  It was pretty amazing minus a few setbacks.  Even though I booked my trek through the travel agency connected to my school, there was no one else who happened to book the same tour on the same day.  Needless to say, I had my own private guide.  So it was just me and Isai, a Peruvian who is a descendant of the Incas.  At times, I thought he talked way too much and I was excited to meet some Americans when I got back because my brain could not take anymore Spanish.  The hike itself was challenging to say the least. It was hot and all up hill or gigantic steps.  But I made it Machu Picchu and it was definitely worth it.  The next day, I woke up early to be at Machu Picchu for sunrise--although it wasn't much of a sunrise because the mountains are so big, the block the view.  After my guide left me, I climbed Wayna Picchu which is 8,750 feet (I am almost ready for the 14er).  That was also physically and mentally challenging, but well worth it in the end.  I did it in 2 hours, which is how long it is supposed to take. Only 400 people a day are admitted to climb, I was number 267.  Setbacks include: the train stopping in the middle of nowhere to let me off, my guide being late to meet me, my transfer not showing up to get me back to Cusco from the train station in Ollanta.
Likes:
Flags everywhere
All of the stray dogs barking at bedtime, it reminds me of 101 dalmatians
The sunshine in the day
Stopping to buy a scarf or some jewelry to take a break from walking up the giant hill to school
The views of the city
My Advanced Spanish class--Finally!
Peruvian food
Everything is ridiculously cheap!!
Dislikes:
Lack of heat
COLD SHOWERS
No, I do not want a massage
Lack of dinner
Throwing toilet paper in the trash can
50 soles only buys me about 8 minutes to talk to my mom on the phone

My plans for the future are as follows:
Paragliding on Friday
I am going to Pisac for a week and I leave Sunday morning (There were not enough students to go the rain forest, so I will not be going there. Sad.)