AAVE Trip BLOG » Peru & Machu Picchu
September 21, 2008
Amazing Summer Camp in Peru
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Peru Machu Picchu
My experience with AAVE was incredible. I couldn’t have wished for anything more. There was never a dull moment throughout the day. I am an extremely critical and analytical person and AAVE most certainly surpassed my expectations. I particularly enjoyed spending time with my group and engaging in collective activities. I loved that we reflected on our experiences throughout the day together each night and played games. Traveling to Peru was such an eye opening experience and I believe that I have truly changed for the better as a result of participating on this trip. -Jade Polay
September 14, 2008
Peru Teen Adventure Camp
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Cultural Immersion
Ashley’s trip was a complete success. The friends she made and the experiences she shared with them have had a tremendous impact on her. The activities and interaction with the Peruvian people were challenging, rewarding, and real. I think she came away from the experience with a greater appreciation of what it means to be an American, but also, how challenging life outside this country can be. Her trip leaders were easy to relate to, fun to be with, but most importantly, in charge of the situation from start to finish. Her trip leaders displayed exactly the type of judgment required throughout the trip. We have no complaints whatsoever our relationship with AAVE and would send our children out with you again. -Eric Allen
I got to experience a culture I never would have before, and I think that was the best part of the trip. I made friends with some amazing people and had two leaders that really inspired and pushed me to do my best. Everything was a success, really– the trip was everything I could have asked for and more. -Ashley Allen
September 1, 2008
Peru Manchu Picchu Summer Adventure
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Hiking in the Andes
The trip was very successful. Pre trip communication was amazing, keeping us informed during was outstanding and picking up Alexis from the airport was the best…she could not say enough about all that she experienced. Great job AAVE!!! -Betty Fera
August 26, 2008
Peru Machu Picchu Teen Travel Tour
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Summer Fun!
A wonderful enriching experience with very good supervision. There was excellent and truthful communication. The attitude of The trip leaders and Abbott was reassuring when need be. The activities were varied and exciting. The people who were involved with the experience were truly professional and warm. There was no time for boredom. I would highly recommend this trip and AAVE. -Evelyn Jankousky
August 16, 2008
Culture & Adventure Camp in Peru
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Biking the Andes
The successful part of the trip was that I tried my hardest on the most difficult part of the trip, which was climbing the Andes Mountains. I succeeded. It made me feel confident in myself. I loved the homestay. It was a big part of the trip that I really enjoyed. I will never forget my two families. It was interesting to see the world outside of United States and how people live. I got to have a one on one experience and see how they actually live. -Alexandra Jankousky
August 11, 2008
Peru & Machu Picchu #2 Update
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Practicing his surfing skills
Hola mis amigos!
We’re just chilling in Cerro Azul, a tiny beach town a few hours from Lima. After some surfing this morning, we came back to a delicious lunch and are now getting ready for round two of catching some waves.
The biggest challenge since the trek has definitely been the homestay on Lake Titikaka. We arrived in the afternoon and had the rest of the day to get to know our new families– we played soccer with them, ate dinner and went to a dance party at the local school. The general opinion of the group was that they were great people who were willing to help us and get to know us in any way they can, despite the sometimes frustrating language barrier.
“The homestay was an experience of a lifetime. The chance to stay, eat and interact with a different culture of people was great. Also, building the chimneys made me feel like I was giving something in return for their hospitality.” –Vicky
“The homestay was challenging yet very rewarding. I enjoyed the fact that I had the opportunity to give back to my family by aiding them in building a chimney.” –Jade
“The homestay was a very memorable experience. The families were very friendly and accepting, and it was great to give back to them in a very helpful way.” –Noah
“I felt that the homestay was a very interesting way to experience the life that many people of the world live. I liked that they were not concerned with material things and only had what they needed to survive.” –Corey
“The homestay was a very memorable and great experience. Staying in the home of those families made me appreciate more and take advantage of all the opportunity I have in front of me.” –Jennefry
“The homestay was an amazing experience. Even though my communication with the family consisted of points, grunts and the use of a picture book I feel like we understood each other just as well as if we were always friends.” –Zuri
“The homestay was great! I will never forget my family. They were so nice and caring. It was a very big disappointment when we had to leave. The kids did not want us to leave. The families will always be in my heart.” –Alex
“The homestay allowed us to experience a way of life we normally wouldn’t. It made us appreciative of what we have, and opened our eyes on poverty we don’t normally see. We also got to meet some amazing people who are truly generous and kind.” –Ashley
We’re leaving for Lima tomorrow afternoon, which will be our last full day together. The beach is a great place for us to all reflect on this awesome trip and the friendships we’ve made.
Hang ten from your fearless leader of the day (plus Skyeler and Kaitlin),
Ashley
Whitewater rafting in Peru
August 5, 2008
PMP2 - Conquering the Sacred Valley
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Que Haciendo Familias?
PMP 2 here, checking in after a wild handful of days tromping around the Sacred Valley. There were thrills and spills while biking, endless uphill while trekking and endless views from the lofty tops of 15,000 ft passes, and the whole time our students did not disappoint in pushing their limits and overcoming one obstacle after another.
From the comfort of a glass ceiling train we watched the landscape shift from vast and arid Andean Highlands to the chasm of a cloud forest canyon where cactus was replaced by lush canopy clinging to each neck-bending cliff. Within the cloud forest awaited Machu Picchu (and another 3,000 travelers…) where we walked with wonder through ruins resilient to time and our attempts to pierce their mystery.
Tomorrow we brave the mighty Urubamba River. Do these kids have any idea what’s in store- what adventure lurks within those cold cerulean rapids? I don’t think so, but something tells me they’ll rise to each new challenge with the same zest and verve that brought them across each high altitude pass. Do they have what it takes? A better question is this: Is the river tough enough for THEM??
One Love,
Las Pirahnitas (our new group name)
Peru & Machu Picchu #2 - Amazon Adventure!
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Summer Fun in Peru!
Hola hola!
I am sure you are all waiting to hear if we made it out of the jungle alive, and we did…barely. The jungle was absolutely incredible! We got to see more caymans than ever before, we did a lot of hiking, and we got to hang out and chill in the hammocks by the Tambopata river
Our guides fit right in with everyones goofy senses of humor, and everyone fell in love while we were there…don´t worry, with the lodge´s pet monkey, Llana (cutest thing EVER). I apologize now to the parents if your kids come home begging for a new tropical pet.
We just arrived in Cusco and everyone is eager to get out and explore this beautiful city. Monday we mountain bike, and then it is off on the trek! Everyone is doing great so far! Ring ring…Oh! Adventure is calling…got to go! We will update everyone soon.
Log into: photobucket.com
account to see all of our jungle pictures! Log in is at the top of the page!
username: PMP2
password: aave2008
Hasta entonces,
Kaitlin and Skyeler
July 18, 2008
PMP1 - July 18, 2008
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A taste of Peruvian Culture
Hi Everybody,
Here are some highlights from our trek that went on the back burner for a few days … the kids had such a powerful experience that thought we should post them anyway (even if it was a week ago)!!
Eduard: Because of my knee mishap I got to Sit and watch movies for two days with the coolest guy ever…Harold
Emily: Realizing strengths I never knew I had
Marissa: Completing a challenge I never thought I could
Shaylyn: Looking back from the highest elevation, at how far we had come as a group
John: How everyday brings us all closer
Emma:Â Seeing how little things we need to have such good times and attitudes together
Skyler: Gaining respect from the Peruvians by helping them move a large rock from the road that was blocking our bus.
Harold: Being able to be flexible and find a solution to the Strike
Kaitlin: Constantly laughing and watching the group realize their own potential
Ally: Extreme mountain biking over extreme boulders at extreme altitudes with extreme padding.
Sarah: Accomplishing anything that’s hard for me is a good feeling
Will: Waking up to snow in July
PMP1 - July 16, 2008
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Hola a todos!
After traveling together for two weeks, we experienced a break from each other and send them with host families! The past three days have been spent with Aymara families on Lake Titicaca installing chimneys, eating lots of potatoes, and learning some traditional dances and customs. Seeing the kids interact with the locals was incredible, and everyone did their best to try new things and communicate the best they could. The kids did a great job working together to figure out on their own how to install chimneys in the different houses, and all were satisfied with the final product. We had a couple of intense soccer games against people in the community, and I think it’s safe to say that we lost every time. We like to blame it on the altitude. 
Although it was rough at times, staying with people who live off of their own land and survive with no running water was an amazing experience for everyone in our group.
On our way back to Puno from our home stays we stopped on one of the floating islands to check out the way people live there compared to the other places we’ve already visited. Walking on an island made of only reeds and dirt was a strange feeling, but the houses, boats, and people were beautiful! It was interesting to learn the history of such a unique place. Now we are back in Puno and the kids are off on a scavenger hunt! Tomorrow we will be flying back to Lima where we will begin our final adventure - surfing! Time is flying by but we continue to have a blast. WOW, we are missing the adventure but looking forward to home sweet home!
Hasta el proximo,
Kaitlin and Skyeler from the AAVE life