What happens in Cusco, stays in Cusco....

So, Bequis and I arrived in Cusco and were greeted by taxistas wanting to charge us 20 soles for a ride from the airport to our hostal. I laughed at them trying to overcharge them, and they laughed at my trying to undercharge them (I told them that we always go for 7 soles). We finally found a persistent taxista willing to go for 10 soles. This was the first of many price hagglings we would undergo (much to my enjoyment and Bequis{ chagrin). The driver told us to tour the Incan ruins, including the famous Saqsayhuaman, which is pronounced close to "sexy woman." We soon learned that this joke is used a lot in Cusco.

We found our Hostal, Hostal Qosqo, which is close to the Plaza de Armas. We like it a lot. The people are nice and the rooms are simple but nice. The breakfast buffet is good, too. For more information, check out their website: It could also help that we bought the staff chocolate bars (Sublime) to show our appreciation-grease the wheels.

We went to Museo de Arte Qosqo and saw traditional dances there, including La Marinera: It was incredible! Bequis and I had fun posing with the mannequins in native dress from different regions. We were afraid we would be chastised for getting too close to the mannequins when the security lady told me to hug the mannequin and to pretend to kiss it! So, we were obedient! I will make sure to post these pictures of our Peruvian boyfriends.

That same night we met up with Allie Yost, another mission companion who is in Cusco for a public health internship. We met up with her and her friend and caught up on our lives. Another happy reunion and plans to see each other in the States.

Bequis and I discovered this amazing restaurant that was reasonably priced (10 soles for menu), neat and clean, and DELICIOUS. It is called El Fogon and is amazing. We tipped them EXTREMELY well because we were so impressed. It is located on the street called "Plateros" #365 on the second floor. The phone number is 262353. We loved the food so much, we want everyone to go there!

The next day we went on a city tour to see the Incan ruins with our new Arequipeñan friends we had met the Sunday before. Our guide was pretty SASSY! He was really smart, too. There were people in our group from all over the world. There was one time that they were talking about the fountain of youth. I jokingly told this white-haired Argentine man, I tried the fountain of youth and it works for me! I am actually 150 and I look GREAT! The Argentine went along with the joke and said that I was his mom. I reminded him that he needed to clean his room and do his homework when he got back from the tour. Good times, good times.

After our tour we were exhausted. We had some maracuya juice and headed to bed. We had to wake up early to go on our big trekking expedition the next morning.......

Happy Times in Arequipa

So, no worries. Bequis and I are well and alive in Peru. We first went to Arequipa, where we were warmly received by Katty Avalos and her parents. They even had a special cake made for us which said, Bienvenidos, amigos! We had so much fun with them and her sobrinos (nieces and nephews). We went grocery shopping with Mami Avalos one day, and we did everything from watch Bollywood music videos (very popular here), practice English pronunciation of Katy Perry{s Firework song, try new hairstyles, etc. We had so much fun spending time with Katty´s family.

We had not been able to contact one of my companions, Hna. Nina, but were able to track her down and reunite with her, Hna. Ticona, and Hna. Avalos in the Plaza de Armas (the main square). We had so much fun catching up on the happenings of the past few years. I love those girls! I think Bequis enjoyed getting to know them, too.

Our time in Arequipa flew by and soon it was time for us to begin our next adventure....Cusco!

Leaving on a jet plane....

Are you ready for this?


It's been a little over two years since I've gotten back from my full-time missionary service in the Peru Lima North Mission, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attribute so many blessings in my life as a result of my missionary service. I learned so many life lessons that I hope I have not forgotten in these two years since I have gotten back. I have formed amazing friendships with the people with whom I have served and who we served. I have felt an amazing spirit of love and unity that comes from working hard, praying hard, and trying to help others. I have seen miracles and have seen what can happen when people put their faith in God and in Jesus Christ.

And, now, it is time to go back!


I am excited to go back, but also, frankly, nervous.

-Will I ever get my packing and trip preparations done?
-What will happen when I go back? What the heck am I even going to do?
-Will I get lost? (That's a given. I don't even have to ask that question.)
-Will I be safe? Will I get robbed?
-Will I get fat (I sure hope so! The food is SO good!)?
-Will I be able to make a difference in such a short time span?
-What if my friends and church members don't like me?
-Will they understand and be forgiving if I have forgotten their names?
-Will I be able to understand and communicate in Spanish?
-Will my suitcase be too heavy (I hope I don't have to wear all my clothes at once, but I could do it if necessary)?
-Will I ever want to come back to the States? (Naaahh....probably not)


It hasn't quite sunk in yet, that I am even leaving the country. WHAT? What am I doing?!?!?!

So, stay updated on my trip by following my blog. I plan to update it at least once a week. And, I promise it will be entertaining, uplifting, and worthy of your time.

So, buckle your seat belts and let the adventure begin!!!