Arrival, Soroche, and other things...

I think, first, the title of this blog needs a little explanation. It's the beginning of a quote by Albert Einstein which has followed me around ever since I first heard it, and which has really become a sort of mantra for the way I try to live from day to day. The quote is this: "There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle." I sincerely believe that. That being said, what a beautiful miracle that I'm here! I feel like this was totally meant to be. Cusco is lovely and every time I look outside I'm reminded of some of the beautiful experiences I've had in Guatemala, and I can't wait to make new memories here in this country. And I haven't even been out to explore yet.

With that in mind, right now I'm in the process of acclimating to the elevation change. We're at about 11,000 feet above sea level, and in all honesty, it's kickin' my butt. I actually passed out this morning, and some other not-so-pretty things have happened as well- let's just say I haven't eaten much because it doesn't want to stay in my stomach. But I'm hopeful that in the next couple of days I will acclimate and then I'll really be able to enjoy the city.

In the less-than-24-hours that I've been here I've already met some wonderful people, some of whom are Cusqueñan and others who are not. But they are all super friendly and I can't wait to get to know them further.

One positive thing that has come out of my altitude sickness is that I had some Mate de Coca today, which is a tea made with the leaves of the Coca plant and is a natural remedy for Soroche (altitude sickness), and it was great. It really helped for awhile, and I have to make sure I drink some more in the next few days.

Tomorrow the other students arrive at various times and we're moving out of the ProWorld office and into the hotel in which we'll all stay and get to know each other. Then on the 18th we have orientation and our host families come to pick us up. I'm so excited to meet everyone! I'm also anxiously awaiting the start of classes- I think they're going to be incredible.

A pretty short post for now, but there's really not too much going on yet. Once I'm feeling better and the semester really begins, there will be much more to say and many pictures to post. As for right now, I have a much-needed full night's sleep ahead of me. I wonder what I'll dream about.

Caitlin