Edibles!

The rest of Barbados is a coconut shell

Posted on August 20, 2013 by erikamae82

Time to wrap up the eventful visit to my favorite island of Barbados. You’ve seen the controlled chaos of the mud and paint party in Jouvert followed by the boat cruise of big kids pretending to be adults. Hopefully you giggled at the 5 “not so” well known facts and thoroughly enjoyed the energy of Kadooment!

Now it’s time to bring you the other side of my journey through the land of “The bearded ones”, which is the original name given do to the islands fig trees that have hanging roots resembling a beard. Since we’re already talking about fig trees, lets just jump into more scenery that you may find while driving, walking or exploring around.

This is on the path to Cherry tree hill for the gorgeous panoramic view overlooking the “Scotland District”. What used to be an orchard of Cherry trees, is now a street lined with towering mahogany trees, perfect for a handstand picture!

Once reaching the peak, you have a wide view of the north part of the island, better known as the parish of St.Andrew. Another handstand for sure, this time accompanied by Ryan and his inverted pose as well!

Let’s dive right into the beaches! None of the photos below have been edited to enhance the color of the water, sand or sky… It’s just that gorgeous! In fact, the first photo was taken from a car window while driving south on the west coast.

What a glorious convenience that my dear friend and host Ryan teaches stand up paddle boarding. I score every time it’s “take your buddy to work” day!

This is the end of his “sunset lesson”. If you’re headed to the island and desire some SUP (stand up paddle boarding) please contact me… I know a phenomenal instructor!

Houses, markets, street sights and more!

This girl (that’s me) loves to eat and it’s easy to do so around here! Between the Caribbean treats and the local flare, it’s hard to go hungry on this island of flavor. Please don’t hesitate to let the next set of photos make you drool, ok maybe just strike a bit of hunger.

This is one of my favorite dishes to get here and its not hard to find being one of the most popular quick bites on the island. Although the origin of the Roti is from India, it’s also well known in Trinidad and has made its way into other parts of the Caribbean. From various meat to shrimp or just good ol vegetables, the curry sauce and mango chutney won’t do you wrong. You can get it wrapped up or my personal favorite way, with the “insides” on a plate and the Roti wrap separate to be torn and dipped with your digits!

Fish cakes are another ideal Barbadian snack food that can be served in rustic rum shops as well as elegant cocktail parties. Deep fried with salt fish, flour, egg and spices it certainly makes for a greasy treat that leaves you either wanting more… or a gym.

Sushi on an island? Of course! This was privately ordered through a local woman who makes every dish directly from her home kitchen to yours. Due to the popularity and effort she puts forward, you have to order at least 24 hours in advance before you drive out and pick it up.

Since chain fast food restaurants are limited (thank you Barbados!) you’re more likely to find a street vendor offering fresh made food and side dishes. Here’s one of our favorites that’s conveniently located on the drive home, The Rock Net Grill. With juicy options and service with a friendly smile, you can’t go wrong with this late night treat!
Side note: Its an average of 2 Barbadian to 1 US dollar.

On the side of the road you can find home mixed juices ranging from Golden apple with ginger to the floral flavor of Sorrel. Considering this is where sugar cane is harvested and Rum is said to be created right here, “Rum punch” is the top seller of mixed drinks.

Fun fact: George Washington insisted on a barrel of Barbados rum at his 1789 inauguration!

Keeping a healthy choice in mind, this gorgeous place holds one of the number one purest forms of liquid next to clean water… coconut water! For a longer list of this amazing drink and its benefits, I found a great website to checkout at www.coconutwaterlife.com

My favorite fun fact of this magical beverage: During World War II, coconut water was injected into the veins of soldiers when medics were out of blood plasma because it has the same electrolyte balance, thus appropriately called “the fluid of life.”

Although they sell it in stores and off the street, I’m lucky enough to watch my friends gather their own right in the backyard! Bajan cherries and coconut water for a snack, yes please!

The hidden treasure below won’t be found in the “top 10 things” to do in Barbados…. But it should be! From jewelry to coffee, organic veggies to fresh meals, this place starts every Sunday off just the way it should be.

My favorite magnetic stall is ran by two angelic characters that greet you with smiles and an abundance of positive energy that I’m sure comes from their products! Serving up power oat smoothies, homemade herbal seasonings and my personal favorite, Kombucha tea (if you’ve never heard of it, please do your mind, body and spirit a favor and research it)!

To finish up strong, I’m going to bunch together a group of random photos that didn’t make a specific post. Please enjoy this bundle of quality people, great memories and more reasons I’ll be back to the unforgettable island of Barbados.

Care to see what it looks like when a I’m packing for my next journey aside a Bajan heading to Costa Rica?

Turns out Ryan and I were on the same flight to Miami! After that, he heads to Central America and I’m off to visit my dear friend outside of New York!

I seem to always have a lack of words to fully describe my gratitude towards the warm open arms and sincere friends that welcome me wherever I go. Once again, I feel like “thank you” would be an understatement to my family in Barbados. Till next time friends… peace, love and sandy sunsets…

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, beaches, cherry tree hill, coconut water, holders market, kombucha tea, Roti Den, rum punch, sushi | 2 Comments

Jumbled July shenanigans in California

Posted on July 21, 2013 by erikamae82

When some think of California they picture the long haired surfers living on a beach or possibly downtown Hollywood being packed with movie stars. Although that does makes up a small portion of this magnificent state, let me welcome you to Northern California and the natural beauty that comes with it!

This trip back was short and sweet, so I’d like to recap multiple visits. Simply click on any link below and viola, you’ll be directed to previous posts that go into detail of those magical destinations!

My hometown of Folsom. Yes, where the prison is from the Johnny Cash song.

A day in the bay of San Francisco!

Green + Sand + Blue = Lake Tahoe!

Downtown in the capital city of Sacramento.

River rafting (aka “floating”) down the American River.

Here’s a direct link to last years July celebrations including house boating and a cattle drive parade!

This July in California I was invited to several small gatherings that allowed me to pack in a variety of adventures.

I’ll start by recapping Yosemite with a few of my favorite photos. If you missed any of the detailed posts about this national park, click here.

For this 4th of July, I headed back to the houseboat on Lake Oroville to celebrate the day of America’s independence! What do you do while stuck (to be said with sarcasm) on a boat for a few days with great people? Play, eat, swim, nap, drink and play!

Check it out, my cup is a blog fan!

When waking up on the final day, my dear friend Crystal and I thought a yoga session was the perfect way to rise with the bright sun!

After thoroughly enjoying the natural beauty of the outdoors, I returned to town to partake in a few backyard events. Considering California broke heat records this year, I’ll start with pool parties and bbq’s!

Recognize this little red headed doll? That’s my cousin from Oklahoma that I wrote about during the tornado’s last month. Now he gets to see California blue sky, 100 degree weather and play with “Keka’s” friends!

This lovely couple is at the top of my “I want to be like you when I grown up” list. Maureen (aka Mo) and I have been friends since the days of finger paint, hair scrunchies and snack packs. Ben is her equally incredible husband that makes up the other half of this power duo. Ever wonder how many married couples still express their love through patience, consideration and open communication? Well, meet the Hillel’s and their newest addition (one of my favorite mini buddies) Cora.

Themed Parties! This one is called “White Trash” or “Redneck”. The Urban dictionary defines this group as uneducated persons that comes from the backwoods with little awareness of the modern world with moral failings. An individual that may or may not be poor, but is monumentally ignorant and quite possibly stupid.
Spam carving contest, arm wrestling and a whipped cream Twinkie hunt leads to duck tape prizes and dancing. Notice the can stacks? It’s a game in which each time you finish a beer, you tape it to the bottom of your “stick”. (Clearly I don’t mine losing that game).

Why we base an entire gathering celebrating this with costumes, games and prizes? I’m still trying to figure it out myself…

Moving on to a more “classy”” portion of my trip was visiting one of my favorite restaurants.

Sushi! For the sake of the fans out there, I’m going to share Mikunis and its enormous growth in popularity over the past 20 years. When I used to come here as a little girl, there were a few chairs in front of the chef and a couple tables that crowded a small dining area. With quality food and the dedication from the owner Taro, it has now expanded to a well known and award winning hotspot. Their menu website is also worth checking out if you’re in the need of growling stomach and a salivating mouth.

The large wheel is for the “grown-ups” to spin on their birthday. Prizes range from a bag if rice up to $100 gift card! I’ve spun this wheel every year since my 9th birthday and now have a collection of mugs, t-shirts and chopsticks. This summer, I was thrilled to watch Cora spin on her first birthday… Special.

Hungry yet?

I’ve done an abundance of hair to replenish some travel funds and I did the annual dig through my storage unit to repack for future weather changes. I’ve gotten to hug old friends and make some new ones. Now I’m off to Florida to love on my dear mother!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my life? Well, I do.

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: American River, BBQ, California, Folsom, Lake Oroville, Lake Tahoe, Mikuni's, pool party, Sacramento, San Francisco, sushi, white trash, Yosemite | 2 Comments

Hot Springs or a Brewery? Both!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by erikamae82

Im going to start right off with some fun comparison photos from past and present travels with this power group.

First photo is a picture we snapped in the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Without knowing what the others were doing, we all agreed this would make a great album cover!

Second album cover comes from Yosemite, California.

Girls will be girls… Night trek to Aguascalientes followed by volunteering in Huambutio and a night in Mammoth.

Ninja shot in Machu Picchu!

Ninja shot in Yosemite!

Attempt at an over the head group shot…

…and again in The Redwoods!

Well that was fun! Now moving on to a local brewery in Mammoth. This is the tasting room in which they eagerly share their latest creations while bragging on their oldies but goodies. If you’re a beer connoisseur or even just a fan of trying new things, this pit stop is well worth it!

Back to the outdoors as they treat us to our last night in this beautiful part of Central California. Do you see that street with hot springs and camp sites? Me neither. That’s the beauty of this hidden gem!

If you know about this special place, the view will remind you of the short journey it takes to reach the hot springs.

The 2ft deep pool is built of rocks and cement making it just the right size to fit a small group of people. Fed by natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra, water is piped in and controlled by a hot water valve. This spout keeps the temperatures maintained in the low 100’s, to prevent extreme heat for anyone taking a soak. The pool also faces the Sierra Nevada’s, which makes for an incredible backdrop!

After 2 adventurous days packed with activities, we now find it perfect timing to indulge in natures little hot tub. I must say our wardrobe choices awkwardly compliment one another.

Well thank you amazing universe for this incredible sunset to compliment our midnight dip.

Dear Ann and Colin, from the moment we met, I knew this was a friendship that was far beyond a “hello” and “goodbye” in Ecuador. With Peru following and a reunion in California, I continue to keep my hopes high with another connection abroad!
Hayden, you are what some define as a “trooper”. You jumped in, buckled up and made this ride even more memorable. Thank you!

I am surrounded by quality people that I’m proud to call my friends.

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: beer, camping, hot springs, Mammoth, Sunset, Yosemite | 1 Comment

Gas station gourmet food!

Posted on July 6, 2013 by erikamae82

That space in time in which the reality of your insignificance is brought to your attention.

A brief instant in which your largest worries, all of sudden seem so small.

Those moments you begin to feel just how grand this world really is.

While our hands healed from the climbing and our muscles reminded us of their existence, Hayden and I explored to find some easy trekking as Colin and Ann scaled another cliff side. Handstand shot!

Although there was a clearly marked trail, we decided to use the river as our guide instead! (Actually, we lost the path and just hugged the water until we made our way back). Please take notice to his head scratching focus for our future steps. I’m quickly finding out that one of the best parts of Yosemite is that getting lost just leads to more beautiful sights and an entertaining route back to base.

A few creative photos using effects on my camera.

We’ve finished up our adventure and now it’s time to meet up with the group for dinner.

For the average tourist passing through, this is a typical gas station with your necessary snacks and a few souvenirs for sale. To the frequent local traveler, “The Mobile” is a well known social hangout that provides live music, quality eats a selection of adult beverages.

Also, a free fresh water spout to refill your drinking bottles!

The Whoa Nellie Deli has a kitchen that was started by the renowned chef Matt Toomey, serving up a range of dishes from lobster taquitos to buffalo meatloaf and complimenting them with mango margaritas and local beer on tap. Colin and Ann eagerly shared their fish tacos, while Hayden and split the Seared Ahi Tuna.

With blues playing in the background, a delicious meal and great company, we wrapped up dinner to head to our final evening together. Just outside of Mammoth, here’s a sneak peak of the sunset from my next post!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Live music, Mammoth, the mobile, whoa Nellie deli, Yosemite | 1 Comment

Push ups on a dance floor?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by erikamae82

Remember during the last bus ride, how we were plotting out an opportuntiy to reunite with the brightly spirited newlyweds? Please officially meet Muli, a joyful man with a sincere presence and his equally happy wife that carries a genuine smile wherever she goes.

All of us agreed that sealing up the trip at a nice resort would be a delightful way to decompress (as if our life is hard) before the long flights home. Since I had already been there with Hayden, the guarantee of quality accommodations brought no hesitation as the bunch decided… Off to the Hilton we go!

Again, my camera just seems to disappear when my shower shoes come off. With that said, here’s a small piece of our luxurious ending!

Daytime fun!

I was able to learn some new German card games and I taught her a few that I grew up with as well!
Fun fact: In Germany, they call the Jack a “Bube” and the Queen a “Dame”.

Food fun!

Night time fun!

SIDE NOTE: To mix things up at the resort, we decided to act like a couple of kids and create a “list” of items to find or things to happen while staying here. Examples would be a polka dotted bikini, someone skipping, a “mom” tattoo, etc. Who ever spotted a “list” item first would then get to deliver a drink or dare to the other person.

Carina pointed out an elderly couple holding hands (also on the list) so I received the first dare. 10 push ups in the middle of the dance floor at the disco tech! Of course I waited until an Usher song, then randomly dropped for my set. Raise your hand if you’ll ever see me again?!

Our new friends have departed and now Carina and I are left with one more van ride together as we make our way towards the San Jose airport. Can you see the difference in our eyes? The smiles just aren’t the same when you know that the next hug, will be the last one for awhile.

Carina, you are a friend that blesses us with your bright heart and fun loving spirit. You’re the type of woman that gives us all such a great example of “independence” being used with positive drive. You’re worthy of all the amazing things this life has to offer and I truly thank you for being you!

Next stop, USA! I’m flying directly into Oklahoma to visit my father and fabulous family that always has arms open, smiles waiting and eager ears to hear the stories I bring back. The photo below is the card I needed to get into Costa Rica and the document to get out.

This next stretch of travels will also allow me to put my hands to work for the victims of the EF5 tornado (strongest category measured) that destroyed over 17 miles of central Oklahoma. With packed winds between 200 and 210 mph and a rotation of almost 2 miles wide, several innocent families are left to pick up the remaining pieces of what was once their home. My thoughts go out to them and I’ll be there soon!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Costa rica, Dancing, food, Hilton, Punteranas, Swimming | 1 Comment

Jaco Bell to Montezuma!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by erikamae82

About an hour drive from San Jose, is the dark sanded beach town of Jaco (sounds like “Ha-co”). With a recent boom in development, this hideaway is now lined with shops, galleries, hotels and restaurants that invite travelers and surfers to come stay and play.

Since Carina and I were just using it as a pit stop, we decided to entertain ourselves and walk the entire town.

We usually go to the store and create our own meals, but here in Jaco it was too easy to swing in and split a snack for less than what you may spend at the market. Our first shared bite was a beautiful piece of Mahi Mahi, layered over fresh greens and veggies with a splash of tropical fruit.

At the Taco Bar, $2.50 gets you a burrito, pita or taco filled with your choice of meat, fish, veg or hummus complimented with an all you can eat salad bar. Im not sure if it was the scrumptious food or the swings for chairs, but this was our favorite eating spot. If you ever make your way to Jaco, please make time to visit the Taco Bar!

Our final treat was an adult smoothie in the open air at Surf Dogs. Doesn’t the vibrant decor just invite you in?

The walk home was made complete with our toes in the warm sand and all smiles as wrap up our stay in Jaco.

Creative beach photos!

The next morning brings an easy bus ride to the Puntarenas ferry. We were told to “stand here” and “get on any bus that’s not colored white”. Easy to love the Tico way of giving directions!

Now a 90 minute float that allows taking in the sun while enjoying the Costa Rican breeze.

Reaching the opposite shore, we jump on yet another bus and head towards Montezuma!

If you can remember, this was the same ride that Hayden and I took when I had to stop the bus as they were passing our road. With this in mind, as we got closer to the town, I showed Carina the name of our hostel and jokingly said, “If you see this place out of your window, let me know so I can stop the bus!”. She giggled as she looked through the curtains, then with a sober face pointed and said, “Wait, I think we just passed it!”. No way! I went to the driver to confirm and sure enough, he stopped the bus and out came our bags as the left us in the dust. You have to laugh in these moments and realize the simple comedy that makes life so entertaining.

We turned back up the windy road to find our new home waiting for our arrival. Casa Colores is a property with separate houses that are lifted above the earth and fully self contained.

A bungalow made meal (complimented with some sweet dance moves) of veggies, tuna and guacamole send us to bed for a good nights rest.

Tomorrow brings a day of waterfalls, trail hiking and zip lining. Good night Montezuma!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, Casa Colores, Costa rica, ferry, Jaco, Montezuma, taco Bar | Leave a comment

Trading in shower shoes for fancy pants

Posted on May 14, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been another wonderful adventure Peru. Some may say, “It’s never as good as the first visit”, however I totally disagree. The first trip left me craving another round and this year has captured my attention even more! There is always a special place in my heart for you, until next time…

Knocking on the door now? It’s Costa rica! Let’s welcome the iguanas, the monkeys, jungles, and beaches. Although I’ve been here before, Hayden has never and we agreed to visit spots that I have yet to explore.

After his open minded, dirt filled, hostel living in Peru, he reminded me that he was technically “on vacation” and a resort wouldn’t hurt for a day or two. As you can imagine, the arm twisting was minimal and before I knew it, we were beach side in the coastal town of Puntarenas.

Due to my new “holiday” mind set, the alarm clock was packed away along with the shower shoes, hostel locks and my camera.

I felt like we were kids in Disneyland with no parents to rule! Attempting to hit every option that was offered to us, here are a few photos that were captured during the mini vacation.

Poolside!

Evening dance classes (that resembled salsa styled jazzercise). Please take notice to the thrilled woman glaring into the camera, makes me want to smile even more!

Laying out and taking in the sun.

New friends!

Iguana friends!

The complimentary “fancy” dinner with… what’s that, real wine!

Peace, love and sandy toes!

Time to say farewell to our luxury weekend and get ready to reunite with my dear friend Michelle! Hayden and I find the ferry with ease and enjoy the hour and a half ride.

Next is a bus that had no wheels. Imagine the confused giggles as we rounded the corner to find our “convenient” transfer propped up on center blocks with no driver. I regret not snagging a priceless photo for you. Needless to say, a few cab offers and some other travelers to join, we waited for the back up bus to take us all to the coast.

Let me pause here and show you the only information we have to find our friends.

Notice this doesn’t have much detail in regards to a bus stop or any clue of where to start.

This leads me to a semi-proud moment. In my past, I really haven’t had a very good sense of direction. I used to get lost coming out a store in the mall. Well, being a solo traveler without an iPhone and rarely having maps, I suppose I’ve naturally started to develop a stronger awareness of my surrounddings and even more directionally capable than I thought possible. So it’s been awhile in the bus and my internal clock started to alarm me that we need to pay attention. I kept my eyes peeled and ears open as they would surely announce upcoming stops. Quick reminder, they do things a little differently around here.

Here is the view and the next picture would have been that of “Hotel de Luz”. It dawned on me within seconds that they were passing the only thing I recognized from that tiny map!

“¡Por Favor, aqúi aqúi!” I managed to stop the entire bus and get them to let us off on the side of the road. This all happened so fast that I had payed no attention to Hayden and his deer in the head lights look. I didnt hold back my laughter when I finally paused to see him fighting between panic and relief. Good times my friend!

After walking the trail, we finally made our way to find this incredible view and an adorable note by my dear friend. Enjoy it with us, as we wait for the next chapter in this exciting book that I call “Life”.

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Costa rica, Hotel, iguanas, Pool, Puntarenas, resort, swim up bar | Leave a comment

Markets, street food and exploring (eating) the unknown!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by erikamae82

Shoes on, empty tummy and friends to join! Open your eyes and let us welcome you to the streets of Cusco!

One hard boiled egg next to a baked potato topped with a green chile sauce… Yes please!

Our curiosity finally got to us after passing by this bucket mounted with what looked like a pile of compost. Turns out, they pour water over the goodies and let is seep through to create a tea. We each tried a sip from the warm recycled water bottle that it came in… none of us fought for the last drink.

This was simply a barrel of baked potatoes. You could a decent bag, warm and ready for less than $0.15.

Sopa, sopa, sopa!

Back into the markets…

Fresh juice smoothie anyone?

Sharing is caring as we continued to get one of everything that looked intriguing. Grab a bite and pass it around!

This little surprise treat was warm white rice mixed with sweet milk, layered with a mild fruit jelly like substance, all topped off with a saltine cracker.

On the way back we skimmed some of the non edible items that offered up hammocks, sweaters, jewelry, wallets, dishes, tattoos, and more.

Ann and I decided that instead of getting matching tattoos (enter sarcastic laugh here), that we would go with Peruvian friendship bracelets.

Sometimes it’s necessary to stop and remind yourself of where you are. We were all just chatting away before we glanced over at this beauty. Handstand time!

For more photos and info showing a different side of this gorgeous city, click here to be directly linked to last years posts!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: cusco, markets, Peru, rice, San Pedro, shopping, soup, street vendor, tea | Leave a comment

Aguascalientes… more than just hot water

Posted on May 9, 2013 by erikamae82

After the memory filled days of exploring Machu Picchu, the boys took the long route and made it up even higher as Ann and I skipped the bus ride and walked back to Aguascalientes.

One of the outstanding features of this city, is how it sits hillside with a beautiful river running through it.

Even though it is fully stocked with several gift shops, craft markets and tienda’s, we went for the group effort and indulged in a game of “table hopping”.

This pleasant pause was with a local woman behind a card table, whom I believe was fully impressed with our enthusiasm for her amazing stuffed peppers and veggie potato snacks!

Not only did we find Jenga at this pit stop, we found one of the last empty blocks to make our mark!

Wrapping up our self entertaining excursion, we boarded a train to connect us to a bus, that finally dropped us off back for the walk to our hostel.

Tomorrow, the markets and inner streets of one of my favorite cities in South America… Cusco!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Aguascalientes, Bus, food, Jenga, Machu Picchu, peppers, Peru, river, train, walk | Leave a comment

For dessert… Hugs around the table.

Posted on April 30, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been said that you cross paths with people for a reason, season or a lifetime. In my case, I come across so many beautiful connections, I feel like they all have a reason. Some, for that very moment to bring joy or possibly a lesson that is needed at that time in my life. Others, I bond with imminently as if the purpose was to develop an instant friendship that without a doubt would continue on.

If you’ve been following even for a short while, you can remember Ann and Colin from Ecuador. They’re the adorable couple that came to the Donkey Den as I was leaving. With only 2 nights and a short walk to bond, we made plans to hopefully reunite someday either in South America or even back in the states.

Here we are a few weeks ago in Santa Marianita, Ecuador…

…and now Cusco, Peru!

We came back together with the intensions of having lunch or maybe a night out, but after a short conversation (and a Cusqueña Negra) it was decided that much more was in our future!

Not only are we going to hike Machu Picchu together, they’re going to join me as I revisit the home I volunteered in last year! (To see that full experience click here)

We start by meeting up with one of the other volunteers. Abigail is here from England and was all smiles as we made our way to the tiny village of Huambatio. Follow now as we jump from taxi to bus to a decent walk before finally landing at Club Suyai Wari.

We’ve made it! Now to figure out how to turn on the electricity and water while we wait for Enrique to get home.

A few unexpected volunteers showed up with backpacks, smiles and an appetite… Problem solved!

Rise and shine! Time for an adventure in the local school where we’ll be doing anything and everything that we can help with. A gorgeous morning walk leads us to a view that sits beyond this vibrant school. A quick tour before the kids see us!

Ooh, which door will he go with folks?

This was a little building full of recyclable designs, representing just a small portion of the reused objects placed within the property. How encouraging to walk around knowing these students are being shown how to use their creative minds!

Shoe garden, toilet seat… Backpacks! Who needs planters when you can use your old purse? Time to get our hands dirty!

With 5 happy, healthy and high energized volunteers, why not put us to some solid use? A great workout that will benefit everyone involved. Ready, set, go!

As we finished up, we were literally taken by the hand and guided in for breakfast.
Step one- Pick a mug and gather around the table.

Step two- Enjoy half of a hard boiled egg and a cup of warm quinoa soup. I love this place!

Step three- Gladly return the hugs being passed around the table while holding back the tears of joy that gently fill your heart with the good stuff.

Finally, rinse your dishes and put them in the bucket for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Ann was kind (and brave) to walk with me as I tried to remember the way into the next village. Key word tried, as I forgot that there was a small bus that took you most of the way before the jaunt up the hill. Here we are realizing it, then hitchhiking our way to the finish line. Thank you Ann for your positive attitude during our accidental mini journey!

Categories: Edibles!, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: breakfast, cusco, gardening, kids, Peru, school, Volunteer | Leave a comment