Vacation with the Family

Camana, Peru

After my classes and volunteering position in Cusco were ending my host family, along with my house mates, and I went to the beach. I am usually not much of a beach person but I was excited to see how a Peruvian family takes a vacation. We jumped onto a bus from Cusco to Arequipa at 8 pm. The bus ride takes about 10 hours and I was unable to sleep at all during the night. We were in Arequipa just long enough to catch breakfast before taking another bus 3 hours south to the beach. The coast of Peru is incredibly dry and this beach was no exception. We arrived at our hostel at around noon, threw on our suits and headed across the road to the ocean. The beach was full of people and you could rent chairs and umbrellas for cheap. The water was pretty cold but with the hot sun it felt great. The entire day consisted of reading my book, ordering seafood from the local resturants, and just hanging out. In the evening we hung around and just socialized. A very relaxing trip. On Sunday we all caught the bus back to Arequipa. In Arequipa we parted ways, I was heading to Puno and Lake Titikaka and the rest of the family was returning to Cusco. My bus ride was long, I had to sit next to an old guy who did not speak spanish and who had gas, but I made it. My arrival in Puno was also interesting but I will comment on that in my next blog.

Shawn,

Sounds like you are having an amazing time!! I am actually going to student teach this summer in either Brazil or South Africa. I just got accpeted into the program today and they are working on placing me as we speak! Your pictures are amazing and I really want to hear about your trip when you get back to the good ol' USA. I look forward to hearing more.....

Safe Travels,

Kristin

written by Kristin Kyllo on February 15, 2007

Seen,

The kids look awsome but dirty which is even better. Are you now a white water rafting guide? Was the bus packed? In for skiing when you get back and have fun in Brazil with Reid.

Joe

written by Joe on February 15, 2007

I love the picture of you in dancing in the traditional peruvian clothing- it looks like you found a new girlfriend though :)

written by Erin on February 16, 2007

Hey Cousin Shawn!
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time and lots of great experiences!!! It's so great that you're sharing them all with us as they happen. I just got caught up on your blog and your pictures - they're great! Looking forward to hearing more and seeing all your pictures next time we get to see you. We just got back from a beach vacation to the Dominican Republic for 9 days/8 nights - it was beautiful! Joseph keeps asking if we can go back!
Take care.
Love,
Traci, David, Joseph, and Samuel

written by Traci Bunch on February 16, 2007

Post some pics of Lake Titikaka... and, how long of a busride was that?
I hope you're having a great time in Brazil. You'll be home before you know it.
Love,
Em

written by emily on February 28, 2007

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