Greetings from Caicay!

We’ve been enjoying all the Sacred Valley has to offer—foggy sunrises, majestic mountains, and above all, delicious food.

Percy, Mary, and Eda have been hard at work in the kitchen so we can all try typical Peruvian fare. So far we have tried aji de gallina, a chicken stew served with a creamy cheese sauce and potatoes; lomo saltado, strips of perfectly cooked beef with soy sauce served with fries and rice (a favorite among the students); and ceviche, which as described by Liam is a “savory fish salad with lemon glazed rice and subtle notes of Andean herbs.” We’ve also been drinking coca tea in the mornings and evenings, in part because it keeps us warm and in part because it helps with the altitude. Coca is a sacred plant here in the valley, just as important in the rituals that pay respect to Pachamama, or Mother Earth as we know her, as it is in the daily consumption of it for medicinal reasons.

That is all to say, Peru had some good eats! We’ve been so happy to learn all about the local cuisine. Some students have even been getting involved with the food prep, helping with everything from chocolate pudding cake to ceviche. As part of their individual projects three students were able to accompany Percy to the food markets of Cusco. The sights and sounds of chaotic city life, especially compared to the tranquility of our village, was a shock to their senses! They came back excited to share all they’d seen with the rest of the group. Only a couple of a days in and we’re already recounting our favorite meals and looking forward to what else Peru has to offer.

— Joanna & Adam