Spanish 101 and Recalling Peru

Friends, I have misplaced my camera cord so I cannot do my weekend review post as planned! Oops. So instead, some other goodies.

Tonight Mrs. Southern Aspirations heads back to school. I'm enrolled in Accelerated Spanish 101, in an effort to shed myself of my self-titled "Ugly American" status. Please don't get me wrong... when I travel to other countries I do behave myself and try not to be overly touristy.

However, I have not achieved my personal goal of being fluent in a language other than English. (For those readers who also are fluent in one language, I don't mean to sound judgmental of you! This is just my goal!!). You see, my sister is bilingual and teaches bilingual children. My mother taught High School Spanish and is very proficient in conversational Spanish. I, despite four years of Spanish and two years of French, am proficient in English. I have bought some CDs as well, but figure the classroom experience will be good for me.


On to Peru. I had the great opportunity to visit Peru with two of my dearest friends a few years ago and it was an amazing experience. We went from Lima...

the city was so beautiful in many parts and I can't believe I didn't take more photos! My favorite was my morning run with Jillie along the Pacific Ocean...

to Cuzco....

Santo Domingo Convent Monastery- quite simply gorgeous.

Pisaq Market for a little shopping


Ollantaytambo, the only Incan village where folks still live in the ancient buildings



our super-cute hotel, Sol y Luna



to the Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu...

Because of the elevation, it apparently is cloudy/foggy most mornings. However, still absolutely incredible views. This can be my inspiration for terracing the little hill in the backyard! (kidding, of course).
and then down to Puno.

We did a little hiking- and it was quite cold in parts!


Lake Titicaca

So yes, the trip was a bit touristy, but it was great to learn the history of the beautiful country while seeing it. Additionally, we used Latin Discover tours (we're not the group tour types) and were very pleased. Whenever we felt lost or confused, it's amazing how someone from Latin Discover would appear and call for us. Even when we didn't realize we should have gotten off the train.

cute little alpacas in Puno


By my next trip, I hope to be a bit more conversant in Spanish!

Have a great week!

Emmie