Settling into Ollantaytambo

Dear Padres,
Yesterday we set off on what was advertised as a “short walk” which soon escalated into a nine hour hike. We saw the quarries where the Incas gathered their stones to build their massive empire. From personal experience we can tell you that it’s really damn far and those are some big stones. Our fearless leader was Julia Annabel and Josephine’s padre, Adolfo, led us at a breakneck pace and was much amused by our constant need of breaks due to our weak sea level lungs. We saw amazing views of one of the highest snow capped peaks in the Andes, Veronica. Even though the trek was hard, it was rewarding to be in such a beautiful setting with good friends and rich history. One of the ultimate highlights was able to see an Incan tomb that contained full-on skeletons!
On Friday we all suited up (quite literally) for white water rafting. We raced down class two and class three rapids, splashing each other and having boat wars all the way down. We rafted alongside the ancient Incan trail, seeing beautiful terraces and Incan remains. It was a beautiful day and lots of fun.
We miss you all and have only partially replaced you with our new parents. We are starting the work on the Children’s Garden today and have to go get to work!

Love love love,
Julia, Xandie and Annabel

To add to what Julia, Annabel and Xandie have already said Friday’s rafting excursion was non stop fun. During one of the many splash battles a fellow crew (Xandie) was hoisted right out of the boat and taken hostage on the foreign vessel. After some negotiations we managed to retrieve her. One particular boat got so into the mood that they hung seaweed from their helmets and painted their faces with mud.
As for the hike, well let’s just say I slept twelve hours last night. I was so exhausted when we finally reached level ground that our guide kindly hailed a taxi for me and two other tired souls. The rest of the group was perhaps not as lucky and had to walk the last half hour.
Must go. Snacks are being served.
XOXOXO
Sidney