Day 2 -- Ollantaytambo

Yesterday we arrived in Ollantaytambo through the ancient Inca gate, Punku Punku. Although we were all a little dazed and confused from our long flights from JFK (which didn’t leave until 2 am) and Lima (which we missed), we were all amazed by the natural beauty of the mountainous surroundings and friendly local people. After we settled at Hospedaje Las Portadas, we set out on a scavenger hunt to get to know the layout of the town and meet some new people. We then gathered around in a circle to discuss our hopes for the trip. After a delicious dinner at Pachamama Restaurante (where we will eat most of our meals), we were all ready to hit the hay.
This morning, we explored the sun temple ruins and climbed the many terraces, while learning about the Incan history of the town. After our morning activity, we split up and browsed the colorful markets. Now, we are enjoying our free time and trying out new games like Frogger. Some of us are continuing to explore while others are taking a break before our next meeting. This afternoon we have been invited by our new friend, Carlos, to play soccer with the local people.
So far, it has been an unbelievable beginning to our trip, and we couldn’t be more excited!

XOXO, Hannah, Jocelyn, and Jane

Fred and Cindy in Peru

Hello Groton students and parents,

This is Ross Wehner from World Leadership School writing from Cusco, Peru. Everything is all set for your arrival and the kids of Ollantaytambo are very excited to get to work with you on the Children´s Park, which will add a wonderul new education element onto the local school.

Joaquin Randall, World Leadership School´s Peru Program Director and I have spent the last two days with Fred and Cindy Beams in El Carmen, a small community on the coast of Southern Peru that was largely destroyed by the earthquake in August of 2007. We met there two nights ago, along with a teacher from a school in Easton, Maryland, to view an area where World Leadership School is attempting to start a new program. El Carmen is the center of Afro-Peruvian culture and, along with a tour of local schools and the earthquake devastation, we experienced Afro-Peruvian music and dance up close. Cindy stayed up very late at night practicing her new moves! We left the community awestruck by the resolve and the solidarity of the local people. After six months of living in tents, they are finally completing new homes that are being built in ways to withstand future earthquakes.

Fred and Cindy are now headed to the Ica Desert, which they are planning to explore with a local guide. Then they will stay a few nights in the colonial city of Arequipa before coming to Cuzco next week to be here for your arrival. Email is difficult for me at this point but if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call Erin Lasky at World Leadership School´s U.S. office at 303-679-3412. I look forward to meeting everyone soon!

Ross Wehner