Study Abroad Programs Blog

Around Cusco

By Tina Lin - Guest blogger traveling in Peru. It was a pain to get up in the morning today. I did not have a good sleep last night because of very bad stomach problems. I ate too much at the Sanctuary Hotel at Machu Pichu for lunch. I still pulled myself together to go on our trip to Sacsayhuaman. I would not miss the opportunity to see these amazing Incan buildings. Of about 15 of us in SALUD, only 8 people showed up for the trip at 9am. I guess the whole weekend of strenuous hikes and traveling was a big toll on everyone else as well. The 8 of us took the bus with our guide, Eduardo, to go to the entrance of the first ruin site we were to visit. At every site, Eduardo told information about possible uses and history of each site. It was nice that the bus took us to every site even though they are within walk-able distance. Today was the last day for our Boleto Turistico. I was happy that we are to visit the four sites included on the ticket. I am planning to visit Pikillacta on another day due to the lack of time. First, we stopped at Tambomachay. It was a bath for the Inkas. There are fountains of water that flows down from a spring on the top of the mountain all-year round. It has 4 windows which could have been shelves to put clothes. There are 2 guard posts for soldiers to watch for anyone approaching. Locals believe that this water has restorative properties. It can cleanse the spirit, allow one to stay young and have fertility. I wonder what is more effective, this fountain of youth or Botox. Secondly, we stopped by Pukapukara. Its name stands for red fortress. The rocks used to build this fortress are red, small stones. It allows for easy reconstruction. This site served two purposes. One is to control how many people could enter the city of Cusco since it connects Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Lamay. Its second purpose was to protect the Inka King at Tambomachay taking his restorative shower. There are 3 levels at Pukapukara. First level is the living quarter for soldiers. Second level is for depository of food. Third level is a watch tower. Thirdly, we stopped by Q'Enko. I was very impressed with Q'Enko by its natural cave formations and stone carvings. Q'Enko stands for zigzag. It served as both an astronomical observation and religious ceremonial site. There are 2 tables inside the cave for ceremony. The first one was used to prepare the llama; the second one was used to dry the blood of the llama. This sacrificial ceremony of the llama took place only at the precise moment the moonlight strike the first step of the 3 ladders by second ceremonial table. This three steps symbol could also be seen in other sites as well as the Cusquenean cross. Outside the top of this ruin, you can see a basin and 2 veins that courses down the stone. One vein would lead to the right and the other to the left. During a sacrifice, llama blood was poured into the basin. If it flowed to the right vein, it told a good sign for the future. But if it flowed to the left, it foreshadowed bad signs. Near the basin you can also make out shapes of sacred animals such as Puma and condor. Lastly, we visited Sacsayhuaman. It was originally named Sacsayuma in Quechua but the Spanish could not pronounce the word. It means head with many colored lines. It made sense because it is located at the head of the Puma (the city of Cusco is in the shape of a Puma). And coursing close by Sacsayhuaman are two rivers (lines on Puma's head). I was very impressed with the gigantic rocks used as columns in building the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Sacsay was not only a fortress. It was a city where many people lived in. There are patios for dance and performance, depositories for water and food, altars for ceremonies, intricate caves that connect to other ruins and a natural playground for kids. I had the privilege to slide down the slide formed on the rocks across from the fortress by rain. I have to say it is one of the most exciting slides I have ever been to. When the Spaniards arrived, they destroyed much of the site using bombs to explode some of the rocks. They tried to find silver within the stones but had no success. Later, they also used stones from Sacsayhuaman to build up to 15 churches in Cusco. Spaniards were not the only ones that damaged Sacsayhuaman. Locals would drive up here and take some rocks to build their own houses for many years until the government prohibited the practice in 1998. This morning had been a very worthwhile visit to the ruins. I wish I did not have classes in the afternoon. My legs needed a break.

Top 10 of Morelia

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. As I was trying to think of how to sum up my Morelian experience, place names kept popping into my head, and with them, various memories of my trip here. I've decided to close out my blog experience with a "top 10" of things and places that have been special to me here, and for me represent this great Michoacan city. 1) El Bosque There's nothing quite like el Bosque- it's this huge park that I walked through every day to get to school. In the mornings, it is an exercise hot spot, with people running, doing aerobics, walking their dogs, and even playing volleyball (as I saw a funny group of middle aged women doing yesterday). In the afternoons, I've loved seeing kids playing futbol with their families, and have been fascinated by the people training for bull-fighting. And, the duck pond is always great too, not to mention the ever-present amorous couples. Love the Bosque. 2) Crossing the Street Even though this isn't a place, per say, it's still been a memorable part of my experience. At our orientation, our program director told us that men often have trouble crossing the street, because cars will not stop for them, but that when an attractive young woman is looking to cross, cars screech to a stop. I am here to tell you that it doesn't matter if you're old, young, fat, or skinny, cars will not stop for you. In fact, at times they even speed up and try to run you over. Crossing the street always cracks me up, because it runs so contrary to our orientation advice. 3) La Catedral What can I say? It's beautiful at night, it's got great Saturday evening fireworks, and it's just beautiful. Love it. 4) Casa de las Artesanias This place is like a museum and souvenir haven in one. Local artisans have shops upstairs, but there are amazing handicrafts on display in glass cases too. And I always enjoy looking at the very large fountain outside, and all the activity around it. 5) My Language School My language school has been incredible. It's so well-run, and so well-organized, and has great teachers. The salsa lessons and cooking classes have been pretty sweet too. 6) Panaderias I love going to the panaderia (bakery) by our school and trying something new and delicious each time. . .and avoiding the bees, who also enjoy trying out the goods. 7) Mercado de Independencia Any place where you can buy chiles, leather shoes, and live birds at one stop is a place I want to be. 8) Las Piramides So, they're not in Morelia, but the pyramids at Teohituacan are breathtaking, and such a favorite part of my trip. 9) Walking/Public Transport Morelia is so compact, you can walk pretty much anywhere, or if you want to spend the extra buck or two, take a cab. I never got over my fear of the combis, these VW minibuses that are all-the-rage, but maybe next time I visit I'll be brave and go for it. 10) El Hogar del Buen Pastor I have such a soft spot in my heart for this place. The kids are sweet, the dogs are sweet, and it's just a nice place to hang out. I've loved my time in Morelia, and if you ever go there, I hope you love it too. I've had a good time writing these entries, and if you've gotten through them, thanks for reading, and take care!

Second day Machu Pichu

By Tina Lin - Guest blogger traveling in Peru. Today, we had breakfast at 5am. It consisted of delicious ham, cheese and egg sandwich. We also had a choice between pineapple juice, orange juice and strawberry smoothie. We left our bags in storage in the hotel and took off to a bus that would take us up Machu Pichu. We went up to the Caretaker´s hut because you can get the best view of Machu Pichu from up there. The sun did not rise until 7:14am, so the guide told us some history while we waited for the sunrise. He told us how Hiram Bingham was not the first one to discover Machu Pichu because the farmers nearby had known about these ruins for a long time. At that time, they still cultivated crops on the agricultural terraces of the mysterious city. They only cleared the agricultural section and left the other parts alone. Originally, Bingham was set out to discover Vilcabamba (the last stronghold of Incan empire). According to the journal of a Spanish priest, under the Temple of the Sun at Vilcabamba, there would be a spring of water that fed 3 fountains. However, when Bingham checked under the natural white rock under the temple at Machu Pichu, he could not find a spring. People would confuse Machu Pichu with Vilcabamba for many years until Bingham discovered Vilcabamba years later. He was not impressed with Vilcabamba as much as he was with Machu Pichu because the Spaniards destroyed much of Vilcabamba. It is also only half the size of Machu Pichu. He went back to United States to gather funding, then he came back to Machu Pichu to clear the site that was covered in the jungle. They did many excavations but they did not find the body of the King under the Temple of the Sun (this meant that he must have retreated to another site with all of his people). They did find the body of the queen in a rock perched high up in the cliff facing East by herself. She had a beautiful Manta (blanket) covering her. A dog and a marsupial also accompanied her. Many tombs were found at a nearby slope. The diseased were mummified in fetal position because they believed that the dead should depart in the same way they came into the world. The condition of the tombs further proved that Machu Pichu was not completely unknown by the locals. This is because during Inca Empire, it is common practice to close the tombs with stone walls. However, most were found with walls already broken by tomb raiders. After all the clearing in Machu Pichu, Bingham took all the findings back to the United States for exhibit in Yale University. There are debates about whether these findings should be returned to Cusco. After all, most of the items buried were offerings to Pachamama (mother earth). Finally, we saw the sun rise above the mountains. It would light up the entire Machu Pichu with such brightness. I took many pictures of the panoramic view. This is when I regret not purchasing a digital camera. I cannot help but take more and more pictures. I want to remember the view of every different shade of light coming into Machu Pichu. After an hour of marveling how the sun illuminates the valley, our guide gave us the tour through different temples and quarters in Machu Pichu. Basically, Machu Pichu has one side that was for quarters for the important general, king and priests. This side would be build with beautiful big stones of perfect alignment and precise cuts. The other side is living quarters for the soldiers and common people. It was built with smaller and uglier rocks. There are also large terraces along the cliffs for farming. Planting them higher and higher along the terraces would slowly acclimatize agricultural plants in lower altitude. About the construction of Machu Pichu, we could learn how they cut the stones by observing some un-finished work at the granary. We can also observe how the builders had intentions to build more walls but got to complete such. These remains of unfinished work made this site even more endearing. It was a little imperfection in the city build with perfection. We were told that the construction of the city that we could see with our eyes were only 60 percent on the surface. Much of the construction was underground for foundation, filling and drainage system. After our guided tour, we had 2 hours free time to wonder around Machu Pichu before we ate lunch. Some students went to hike Waynupichu, the smaller mountain nearby. I just re-traced the steps we walked by to experience again the peace I felt in each temple and quarters. I even encountered a llama by itself in a common room eating grass. I cannot help but to admire just how magical this place is. It brings out not just a feeling of admiration within me but also adoration. Later, we had lunch at the famous Sanctuary Hotel. It was right outside of the entrance into Machu Pichu. We had more time in the afternoon to shop at local vendors and relax. I bought three Cusquenean crosses. According to our guide, the cross will bring good luck. We took the 4:15pm train back to Ollantaytambo, and then went on a bus back to Cusco. I went to bed early tonight. However, my stomach was not very happy all throughout the night.

Popular Study Abroad Questions

By Alexa Boyce While we enjoy speaking directly with our clients, we do often answer the same few questions. I have decided to answer them here for those students who haven't asked them yet: How do I get credit for an AmeriSpan program? The easiest way to get college or high school credit for our programs is to receive it directly through your home institution. This avoids any problems in transferring credits. Upon request, we will send you a syllabus for the specific location you are interested in, as well as any other information your school requires. You simply take this to your study abroad office or academic advisor and inquire about the process for granting credits for off-campus programs. We also offer credit through Brookhaven College and Seattle Central Community College. You can find out more information about which programs are eligible for this credit here. Should I get a cell phone? If you are traveling for less than 4 weeks, a calling card should be sufficient. The AmeriSpan phonecard can be used in over 130 countries. Please contact us and we will send you a card containing 10 bonus minutes. To get started right away, please visit ekit. If you plan to be in country for a longer period of time, a cell phone might be a good idea. Beware of using your regular phone abroad, as international fees might apply. We recommend a Telestial cell phone, because all incoming calls are free and local calls are at local rates. Please visit our Staying in Touch page. Do I need a visa? In many countries, a tourist visa is granted automatically upon arrival to US citizens and is good for 90 days. Your participation in an AmeriSpan program does not require a student or work visa. Each student is responsible for ensuring their legal status in the country. Please check with your local embassy for information on entrance requirements. You may find contact information for embassies at here. For help on obtaining visas, airfare and other helpful predeparture tips, check out our Get Ready page. For more frequently asked questions, please see our FAQ list

Conclusion of my Trip to Morelia

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. I have loved the people I have met here in Morelia. At school, some of my teachers are now like friends, like Luz, who I've had for 2 hours each day this week. We laugh and joke, and my Spanish is getting more natural, and less of a chore. It is amazing- this week there hasn't been anyone here in my class level, so I've had private lessons. I feel like it's perfect- I've learned so much, and in several classes we're working on things I've long had trouble with. I think the subjunctive is finally starting to click (haha, it's only taken 4 weeks, and multiple years of previous study). The teachers are very willing to stop when I have questions, and it doesn't feel like I'm holding the class up, since it's just me-- great! The staff at the school here Morelia really take pride in what they do, and it seems like people are encouraged to use what they're passionate about for the school. Like Tere, a woman who cooks at the café, offers cooking classes each week (which are amazing, since she's such an excellent cook). And a guy who works in the computer lab just put up a signup sheet for futbol de salon (indoor soccer). It's just an incredible school, very well run, with wonderful people. And my host family- having almost been here a month, I'm really feeling a part of things. My "abuelo" and I joke about the yogurt that his wife always offers him (that he doesn't like). And whenever I hang out with Regina (who's almost 2) and her great-aunt, it seems like we're always doing something silly. Regina likes to make us lie down on the floor, and we all pretend to go to sleep. And the best was last Monday, when some good music came on the radio, and Regina, Abuela, the Great-Aunt, and I were dancing away in the kitchen. They're really a nice family, and they kind of remind me of my own, especially the grandparents with their quirky ways. I've also met some really great people at school. Lee, Amanda, Patricio, Natalie, and I all arrived around the same time, and we've explored the city together. I feel like I've done many things that I probably wouldn't have on my own (like salsa classes! so fun), and they're just good people to be around. I mean, who else could I hike with around el Mercado de Independencia in search of a tortilla press? As I look back over my time here in Morelia, the people are what have made it special. Fountains and panaderias are great, but if you don't have friends to share them with (or to gawk at the pickled chicken feet together!), they're not quite as sweet, at least not for me.

Arriving to Machu Pichu

By Tina Lin - Guest blogger traveling in Peru. The day for Machu Pichu has finally arrived. Given all the hype there is, I am crossing my fingers that it is as impressive as all the stories I have heard. We got onto a bus to Ollantaytambo around 7:30am. That is where we get on the train to Machu Pichu. Right outside the train, you can see all these vendors selling breakfast (hot corn with big kernels, sandwich with cheese and egg, and soup). Even though most of us are somewhat weary of getting stomach problems, I could not resist buying a hot corn off of a vendor for 2 sols. On the way to Machu Pichu in the train, some of us read books while others sat close to the window to marvel at the beautiful scenery. The scenery goes from majestic mountains with few trees to luscious green jungle. One girl even made the remark that it looked like we were in Jurassic Park. The train route courses by the Urubamba River, it follows the course that Bingham took in 1911. The water in Urubamba River is very rapid. Our guide told us that water rafting is not allowed in this section because it is too dangerous. The water reflected a beautiful jade green and it became white whenever it clashed on big rocks. The river and the surrounding mountains are amazing combination of natural beauty that I cannot describe in words. When we arrived to Machu Pichu, we had 30 minutes to check into our hotel and grab whatever we need for our hike up Putukusi Mountain. The hotel we stayed in is called Apu Majestico. It is very close to both the train station and the thermal baths. Let me tell you some background about Putukusi. It is a mountain across from Machu Pichu. From there, you can get amazing view of the surrounding mountains/valleys and priceless view of Machu Pichu that is better than the postcards. However, it is a killer hike. It consisted of constant incline with stones steps of various sizes. On top of that, there are about 4 sets of wooden ladres that are 90 degrees against the rocks that we had to climb up. It is a little scary because some of these stone steps are so close to the edge of the cliff. You have to be very focused on where your next step is. While we were struggling to climb this crazy hill, some other tourist that were coming down would tell us that there are only a few minutes to go and the view is worth it. Strangely enough, one cannot see Machu Pichu unless you reach the very top of Putukusi. Once I got there, I just lied down on a big rock and breathed deeply. The Cusco flag, the Putukusi sign and most important of all, the view of Machu Pichu were like trophies for all that hard work. We took group photos with Machu Pichu in the background. The top of the mountain is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and feel peaceful inside and out. After about 45 minutes of marveling at the scenery, we headed back down the mountain. The hike down was much more dangerous than the hike up. We had to be careful not to slip when there were only dirt and gravel. The ladders are a lot scarier when you are looking down. I tried not to look down and focused on one step at a time. My arm soared and my thighs were becoming numb. It seemed like a very long descend. When we finally walked back to the hotel, most of us want to soak ourselves in the hot thermal baths nearby. Agua Caliente is known for its restorative baths for people that just finished their long 4 day hike on the Inca trail. It has been known also for the poor hygene...just imagine all these dirty hikers soaking in a pool of hot water. I was glad I tried it, the soak made my muscles much happier. It was nice to be in the pool with 8 of my classmates and just relax in the pool. We had a traditional Peruvian dinner afterwards. Then it was bedtime because tomorrow we had to get up at 4:30am to get to Machu Pichu before the sunrise.

Must See in Beijing

By Alexa Boyce Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, and therefore is what the Lonely Planet China Travel Guide calls, "the center of the Chinese universe." While it's shiny skyscrapers and creature comforts belie the true economic situation of the country, those who have braved China's rough interior will appreciate what Beijing has to offer. The already rapid development of the city has doubled down in order to prepare for the 2008 Olympics. Beijing seems hectic upon arrival, but it is actually laid out geographically in an orderly, grid pattern. The Forbidden city is the center of the grid, and the major roads are generally named for where they are located or where they go. For example, Chongwenmenwai Daije literally means "the avenue outside Chongwen Gate", and Xi Daije ("West Avenue") heads west from the Forbidden City. Once you know these tips, the city is easily navigable. Bikes are the easiest and most efficient way to get around, and if you get a flat there are many roadside repairmen willing to help. Forbidden City: Of course, the best place to start a tour of Beijing is the Forbidden city, the famed Ming and Qing dynasty palace that was off-limits to everyone but the royal court, and some places off-limits to everyone but the emperor and his harem. Tours all day. Tiananmen Square: Chairman Mao's creation, this massive square is now the heart of Beijing. Once used for reviewing parades of troops, this square was also the site of the 1989 massacre of protesting students. Be careful to walk (not ride) your bike across the square. Mao Zedong Mausoleum: Westerners may have been raised to hate Chairman Mao and his deeds, but his impact on Chinese and World history in the 20th century cannot be denied. Throngs of sightseers flock here to pay their respects and view the body of this influential leader. Summer Palace: Described in Lonely Planet as "one of the finest sights in Beijing", this lakeside retreat was designed for royalty, enlarged in the 18th century, abandoned and rebuilt in the 19th, destroyed by foreign troops in the 1900 Boxer Rebellion, and renovated again in 1949.

Meet Alexa

by Alexa Boyce Where are you from? Though born in Middlesex, New Jersey (no comments, please J), I spent 19 of my 23 years just outside of Detroit, MI. What's your sign? Aries--I'm VERY superstitious about my horoscope! How long have you been with AmeriSpan? Since March of 2006. What are your current favorites? Books: I just joined a book club with my roommate, so hopefully this list will be getting a lot longer. For starters: Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins and Brett Easton Ellis are my favourite authors, so pretty much anything by them. Also: The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea, Guevara (Yes, a biography of Che written by Paco Ignacio Taibo II, an author of some…interesting novels I read in one of my many Latin American literature classes in college), Absolut: Biography of a Bottle (because I was a marketing major, I am OBSESSED with the Absolut ads). There are so many more but I get the feeling I can't do the list justice here. Movies: I love movies that are so terrible that they're hilarious. I highly recommend Don't Go in the Woods as possibly the worst '70s horror flick ever. Literally, the killer was a wooden spear-toting Viking who had amazingly good aim, as a 2" thick spear could send heads flying all over the woods. Cemetery Man was recently recommended to me by my brother-in-law. This is a mid-'90s Italian/French film starring Rupert Everitt, whose job is to kill the dead bodies in the cemetery after they re-awaken. As far as movies that are good because they are, well, good, I highly recommend Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Four Rooms, Jackie Brown (Yes, I am a Tarantino fan), and 24 hours on Craigslist. Music: I hate this question because I can't possibly list even a slightly comprehensive list. I love local bands, but I am more knowledgeable of local Detroit bands thanks to my good friends back home. Philly has a pretty good music scene as well. Currently on my iPod: Tally Hall, Duenow, Sublime, Goldfinger, Billie Holliday, Johnny Cash and Spacehog. What do you do in your spare time? Aside from the above-mentioned passions, I am still in the "infatuation stage" with this city so I like to do almost anything as long as it's here: Walk around, go to museums, concerts, festivals, cafes, bars, restaurants… Oh yeah, and read, watch movies and listen to music. What is your favorite place in the world and why? Though my worldly travels are quite modest in comparison with most of my colleagues (hopefully not for long!), so far my favorite place ever is the back patio of my host family's apartment in Marbella, Spain. I used to get up early, which is extremely rare if you know me, just to sit and look out over the Mediterranean in one direction and a majestic purple mountain in the other. Plus, the people I met on the Costa del Sol were so laid back and fun. It is just an amazingly relaxing place to be. What is your favorite food? I like to try new things, though I was a vegetarian until recently so strange meat still kind of freaks me out. My favorite food in the world is Greek food, because I grew up on Greektown takeout! Spanikopita, Falafel, Baklava, Tdzadziki sauce, Feta salad…. mmmmm I love it! What is your favorite drink? I survive on mostly water, coffee and tea. Though possibly the most delicious thing ever is this tea I had in Chinatown in San Francisco- White Jasmine Dragon Pearl tea. Smells like perfume and tastes like heaven. What is your favorite time of year? In Michigan it's springtime, because there is nothing better than the relief you feel after the 5-month sunless deep freeze is over. Here, though, I really enjoy the fall as well because it's really rainy! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why? * Something to read. Ok, Lots of things to read. * iPod/Radio/Other music-making device. * Friends and family- to keep me company, and protect me from bears. You know, the tropical bears. * Burt's Bee's lip balm. I'm like a walking advertisement for them. * Some sort of unlimited source of food. I'm a city girl- I would die in the wilderness!

Morelia on the Weekend

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. I can hardly believe that 3 weeks have come and gone, and that I am entering my last week of my stay here in Mexico. The first week I was here seemed slightly interminable, but since then the time has flown by, and I will be sad to leave on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and roommates at home, but I will miss improving my Spanish, trying all sorts of tasty food, and seeing the many amazing things that are here. This weekend, although I didn't do much other than rest, my few activities were, I think, very "Morelia." On Saturday night, in the rain (it's really becoming apparent that this is the rainy season), I went to la Catedral with a few friends, and saw the fuegos artificiales (fireworks) blazing in the sky nighttime sky. It was very dramatic, with tons of locals and tourists gathered on the street in front of it, and choral music setting the stage as well. They actually shut down the street in front for the duration of the fireworks, which I thought was a little crazy, considering this is something that takes place every Saturday evening. It was worth getting soaked (even with umbrella) to see it, especially since the cathedral itself is so beautiful at night. Sunday afternoon, I wandered with Patricio, Natalie, and Margaret, to el Mercado de Independencia (Independence Market), which simply explodes with people and vendors on the weekends. This was my third visit, but definitely a memorable one. We saw the usual cow heads and large pieces of meat in the open air, but this was the first time I had noticed chicken with the feet still attached. It was also the first time I've explored the large group of booths that overflow outside the market itself. My favorites were the delicious mini pancake biscuits, straight off the griddle of a street vendor, and the booth with assorted blender parts where you could assemble your own. I had also wanted to purchase a tortilla press, so I can make corn tortillas in the States, and although I didn't buy one, I now know where they're located in the market (right by the saddles and machetes, naturally), so I can hopefully return this week.

Culture in Cusco

By Tina Lin - Guest blogger traveling in Peru. Today is the last day of hospital visits. I have mix sentiments about going to Hospital Seguro Social. It is the most modern in all of Cusco because patients pay for their treatments. The majority of patients are middle-upper class. In comparison to Hospital Lorena, it is like day and night. The equipments at Seguro Social are much better. I worked in Pediatrics outpatient unit today. The doctors patiently explained everything to me. They often ask me about medical school system in the United States and how many years it takes to become a specialist in the United States. Here, people take a test that places them into medical schools. Then, it takes 7 years of school and about 3 years to specialize. It is a relief to know it is a pain to be medical students in other countries too. At lunch time, I went to Qoricancha (temple of the Sun) to visit the museum. This is because my Boleto Turistico is expiring on 7/24. This tourist ticket allows you to see about 10 different historical sites in Cusco. However, you have only one week to complete it. Given our busy schedule this week, it is hard to cram all the visits in. This museum is located on Avenida del Sol. I have passed by it several times. The museum itself is small, but it contained the artifacts excavated on-site around 1993. It allows you to imagine just how much more things are yet buried underground in Cusco. There were head jewelries, potteries, weapons, and skull remains. A note on these skull remains…the ones on exhibit have holes of various sizes drilled into them. This is because Incans used to perform brain surgeries! There are also elongated skulls signifying the status of the high priests. Aside from these artifacts, I also read a passage about their perception of the world. It is believed that the world is divided into three dimensions. Hanan-Pacha is similar to heaven. It is where the Gods live. Kay Pacha is our world in the present. Uqhu Pacha is the underworld. It is where ancestors and the deceased live. The Incan kings were the bridge between Hanan Pacha and Kay Pacha. They can communicate with Gods and rule earth. Tonight, I promised a classmate I will go dancing Salsa with her at Mama America. I have been there three times and I am not too impressed with the dance floor. However, I do like the view of Plaza de Armas from its windows. I will not be out too late. We have to leave for Machu Pichu at 7am.

Best Cuisine Regions

cont... by Kayla Allen Picking up where Glenn left off sort of; it's time to get out of Europe or at least add a dash of spice. In recent years fusion has taken over the culinary world, mixing traditional preparations with new and exciting ingredients. Let's look at where these ingredients that are breathing new life into our spice cabinets and taste buds are coming from. In truth, they're coming from all over. The world seems to get smaller and smaller every year, trade easier and easier. I can walk into a corner market in Philadelphia and find any array of ingredients from all over the world and now at reasonable prices. You can really get a great idea of how top chefs are using ingredients from around the world to augment their traditional culinary educations by watching yes, I'm going to say it, Iron Chef America. In addition to the flavors they're bringing together their food is made richer with the stories they've brought back from the countries they've visited. Some of my favorite meals have been simple meals eaten in their country of origin. My enjoyment may have had less to do with food itself as the romance of eating some of my favorite foods in some of the most amazing places but flavorful and enjoyable none the less. Here we go, back to Europe to start: * Brie, bread and red wine in Paris sitting next to the Seine * Gelato everyday in Italy and a delicious dose of a simple pasta every dinner. * Guiness in London, c'mon it's as close as I've gotten to Ireland. * Empanadas in Guatemala watching Bailar para un Sueno. * Vegetarian Cheesesteaks, Giana's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA Some of the more widely appreciated recently popular flavors: Japanese - Sushi continues to evolve and the ingredients you would expect to find in your typical hand roll have changed. Sushi with a decidedly Latin flavor is gaining popularity and prevalence. Cuban - The fact that the city of Philadelphia can sustain at least two up-scale Cuban restaurants is saying something. I lay the explosion of Cuban cuisine at the feet of the popularity of the Mojito. Mint and rum in summer, who could pass that up? Thai - See my blog on Thai food if you dare, lemongrass is everywhere.