Hola! Peru, Here We Come

After months of preparation, RCA seventh graders ventured off to Peru, the third largest country in South America.  Their first stop was Lima – the capital, which lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.  Their second stop was Cuzco, a smaller city located inland that is infused with ancient Incan history and culture.  With assistance from tour guides, students spent a full day visiting key sites, which they had studied in class prior to the trip; included on the itinerary were Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, and the Basilica Cathedral.

Next, the group was off to Machu Picchu (“the lost city of the Incas”), one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  The three-hour train ride from Cuzco led students alongside the Urubamba River and miles and miles of farmland. (Agriculture is one of the country’s top economic drivers.)  Once there, students spent most of the day site-seeing, learning more about Machu Picchu’s history, and feeling the mystery of this unforgettable place. Because this part of Peru is surrounded by the Andes Mountains on all sides, altitude is an issue.  Machu Picchu sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet and Cuzco is even higher at 11,000 feet, but this didn’t stop the group from taking in the breath-taking views every step of the way.

The next item on the itinerary was to visit a local school located in a small village outside of Cuzco.  Along the way, students were given the opportunity to visit an Alpaca and Llama farm.  In addition to helping to feed the animals, students learned all about the important role these mammals play in Peruvian culture.  Originally from North America, the four-legged creatures migrated to South America and have remained in that part of the world ever since.  Students were also exposed to Incan weaving traditions by native women from all areas of Peru.

Finally, the moment RCA students had been awaiting:  they arrived at their host school.  Welcomed by a group of Peruvian students, who ranged in age from 6 to 10 years old, RCA students were treated to a special song.  To show their appreciation, RCA students then performed the “Empowerment Song” for their hosts.  Lunch time!  Brushing up on their Spanish, RCA students helped serve bread and hot cocoa to their Peruvian peers.  They then presented the Peruvian students with special gifts that each of them had brought from the U.S.  School supplies, soccer balls, Frisbees, RCA t-shirts, and a host of other items were presented to the Peruvian students and their school.  Their screams and screeches of joy and gratitude will be forever etched in the minds of RCA students. 

Back in Lima, just prior to flying home, RCA students enjoyed one, final experience – this one a total surprise.  During a short journey to find lunch, RCA students stumbled upon a group of Peruvian students playing soccer for one of their field day activities.  After standing on the sidelines for a few minutes, RCA students were asked to join in the fun!  Although they’ve scrimmaged in soccer during after school, RCA wasn’t quite the match for their Peruvian counter-parts.  Nonetheless, they went toe-to-toe, enjoying the opportunity to get in the game!