AN END OR A NEW BEGINNING?

These days have provoked contradictory feelings among BWYers. The program is successfully over and we are happy about that. However, as SWY exPYs must have learnt, it's not easy to say goodbye to those who you've spent incredible time with.

On Sunday, around 12:30 p.m., while most of participants were finishing packing or doing some last minute shopping, Sarah sent us a new post for this blog...

BWY is officially over. In about one hour 18 of the 25 of us that began this Bus for World Youth journey will head to Cusco airport to return to Lima. Others will then go on to explore northern Peru, spend some relaxing days in Lima, or move on to more adventures in other South American countries. I will begin my return journey to Canada tonight at midnight and I am not very happy about it, specially as I am quite tired right now after a big farewell party last night and not looking forward to the long journey ahead.

This trip has been very eye opening, inspirational and most of all, SO ENJOYable!!! We have seen not only the truly awe inspiring Inca sites that Cusco and its surroundings have to offer, but we have experienced the beautiful neighbourhoods of Lima like bohemian Barranco and modern Miraflores, the extreme poverty of communities like Chalhuanca and the people of Uros islands but also the many people who come to cities like Lima, Arequipa and Cusco in search of something that seems to elude them. We have also seen, importantly, the extreme resourcefulness and joyful spirit of the Peruvian people. It seems that despite the wonder of Machu Picchu and the gorgeous landscapes and more gorgeous people that Peru has to offer, it does not get as many tourists as other South American countries, and the people of Peru seem to work hard and find creative ways to promote and preserve their cultures, attract tourists, and develop their own sustainable development projects, be it environmental, economic, social or cultural (or as is often the case, a combination of several!)

We have just spent our last 4 days in Cusco, Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. In Cusco we visited many incredible Inca sites like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, and Ollantaytambo, the last surviving Inca town. We did 2 days of tours to sites within Cusco and the surrounding areas, including a hike through salt flats down through the sacred valley, and lots and lots of Inca ruins. We then did a one day hike along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. We hiked about 2 hours up Machu Picchu mountains which was very difficult as there were large stone steps and the high altitude makes it hard to catch your breath. After lunch we had a much more enjoyable hike to the sun gate of Machu Picchu, through what our guide calls Peruvian Flat, ie up and down, but not too difficult, and a wonderful chance to explore the gorgeous flora and fauna of the rainforest that brought us to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the sun gate, we were greeted by an amazing view of Machu Picchu which made the hike well worth it. We then hiked down through Machu Picchu and caught a bus to Agua Calientes, the town that seems only to exist to house and feed the tourists headed for Machu Picchu. After a good night sleep, we were off at 5:15 am with, surprisingly, hordes of other tourists up way too early, for a 2 hour tour of Machu Picchu. It is truly incredible all that the Incas managed to create from rock. I think I took about 500 photos just of rocks! But they look beautiful, especially with the green moss that still covers much of it, since Machu Picchu was covered over by Pachamama, or mother earth, for a long time. After Machu Picchu, it was back to Cusco with some much needed napping on the train, and farewell party last night and here we are! Time to move on.

Its so sad to go and say goodbye, especially to the beautiful Peruvians that worked tirelessly to create this magnificent experience for all of us out of the goodness of their hearts. I cannot thank enough Paola, Susy, Natalia, Diego and Oscar, the BWY committee, for everything, I love you guys!!!! Te quiero mucho! The SWY spirit has definitely been renewed thanks to BWY and we are already discussing which country should organize the next BWY! Canada? Chau amigos y buenas suerte a todos!

-Sarah, Canada, SWY 21


Thanks again Sarah. We miss you!