My daughter, Erin, and my grandkids, Cody, 12, and Ellie, 10, have just arrived home from a summer spent in Cusco, Peru. They went to Cusco to do volunteer work in the Juan Pablo II Orphanage. The trip was arranged through United Planet, an organization that offers volunteer opportunities in over 35 countries. They were up for an adventure and they got one beyond their wildest expectations. They have come home with memories (and lots of souvenirs) that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. They had the opportunity to visit many famous sites such as Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and Ariquipa. I can’t get enough of their stories and photographs and Erin generously said I could share a few of her photos in this post. I’ve never thought too much about going to South America but I think it needs to be added to my bucket list. It’s amazing.
We are off to Peru – June, 2015, from Newberg, Oregon.
The Church in the town square, Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru
Very narrow streets of the town
Juan Pablo II Orphanage, Cusco
Beautiful children
Machu Picchu, Peru
The beautiful people of Peru
Food Market in Cusco
Handcrafted items in the shops and markets of Cusco
Traditional Peruvian Weaving
If you would like to read about Erin’s trip to Peru and see more of her wonderful pictures you can visit her blog, Making Memories With Your Kids. She certainly did that with this amazing trip, didn’t she? Over the next few weeks she will be sharing memories of their trip and even some delicious Peruvian recipes that can be made here at home. Click over now to see photos of the San Pedro Market that will leave you speechless.
what a wonderful experience and so kind they helped
They had a wonderful time, Rebecca, and it was an eye opener for my grandkids to see how people in other parts of the world live. They don’t have anywhere near the creature comforts we have.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
I think I mentioned to you that I knew someone who went to work there and I had seen their photos..
What a great adventure your daughter embarked on with her children.Memories to last a lifetime.
She looks like you so much if I am not mistaken..
look at them:)
And what glorious pics//hat first one is a prize winner.
You must be very proud and happy mom.
Monique recently posted..Tomato..tomatoes..tomates..& varia~
I am proud of them, Monique. I was a little apprehensive when they left but quickly saw what a wonderful time they were having and what a great learning experience it was for them. Erin posted pictures on Facebook almost daily. I almost felt I was on the journey with them.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
What a great adventure and also what a kind thing to do. I applaud them. Your daughter really favors you Cathy. I agree with Monique. You must be very proud.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Dark Chocolate Molten Cake & Le St André Café in Bonnieux
I am proud of them, Sam. I think it is good for young people to see how people live in other parts of the world. Not everyone has the comforts that we enjoy. They stayed in a very comfortable home with a lovely host family. They didn’t have hot water in their home so everyone had to take cold showers every day. And although it’s winter time in Peru the homes there don’t have central heating. They were freezing much of the time. But all that is part of the great memories.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
What a wonderful thing to do for your Grandkids. Your daughter is one sharp and caring lady. She does favor you both in looks and generosity. Her pictures are stunning.
Penny recently posted..Rum-Glazed Pork Skewers with Coconut Rice
Thank you, Penny. Erin gave her kids a great gift with this trip that they will talk about the rest of their lives. I’m very proud of her.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
What a wonderful life lesson Erin has given her children! They will never forget this adventure of a lifetime!
Liz recently posted..Peach Raspberry Galette #ProgressiveEats
I agree, Liz. They were the perfect age to get a lot out of the experience.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
That is an amazing experience for your daughter and grandchildren. How special that they were able to do it. The photos are wonderful.
Thanks for such a great write up, Mom. It was definitely a life changing adventure for us.
<3
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..7-Up Pound Cake
What a great trip. I am sure your grands will remember this trip always. If I went you would find me at the market. 🙂
Wow, those pictures bring back so many memories. We lived & worked in Lima for 2 years and loved it. We took every opportunity to explore the country and Cusco was one of my favourite places. Machu Picchu is an awe inspiring place. You feel like you’re sitting in the lap of the gods, although that could be put down to the altitude too. Thankfully it’s a lot safer these days.
an amazing place, something those kids won’t ever forget !!!
They sure won’t, Ramona. It made a really big impression on them. they were very lucky to have that experience with their mom.
Cathy Farley recently posted..Summer in Peru
What a fabulous experience, especially for the kids. Bet they can’t wait to get to school and have someone ask “well what did you do this summer?”
Larry recently posted..2015 Western Trip – Days 22 & 23 – Leavenworth & Yakima
What an amazing experience they had. Those kids will never be the same and will carry such great memories with them all their lives! It’s such a colorful part of the world!
Chris Scheuer recently posted..Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Your posts brings back memories of our experience in the same area. What a wonderful opportunity for your family to see and experience so many new sights while making a difference.
Linda recently posted..Gotcha!
How wonderful, Cathy! A memorable experience for your daughter and your grandchildren and for a good cause.
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti recently posted..Central City Opera
Cathy, my dear friend Armenia, as well as sister in law, Ceci, are from Peru. They both speak of so much time spent in Cusco. And have shared so many fun things about their home land with me over the years. My best friend Jae, traveled to Peru to hike Machu Pichu a couple of years ago, and became deathly ill with what they thought to be altitude illness. But what a trip, she said!!! I am sure they will remember this for their entire life!
XO Kris
Wow, Peru is such a beautiful place. Oh my, wish I can visit there some day.
Kristy
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