Friends, I have misplaced my camera cord so I cannot do my weekend review post as planned! Oops. So instead, some other goodies.
Tonight Mrs. Southern Aspirations heads back to school. I'm enrolled in Accelerated Spanish 101, in an effort to shed myself of my self-titled "Ugly American" status. Please don't get me wrong... when I travel to other countries I do behave myself and try not to be overly touristy.
However, I have not achieved my personal goal of being fluent in a language other than English. (For those readers who also are fluent in one language, I don't mean to sound judgmental of you! This is just my goal!!). You see, my sister is bilingual and teaches bilingual children. My mother taught High School Spanish and is very proficient in conversational Spanish. I, despite four years of Spanish and two years of French, am proficient in English. I have bought some CDs as well, but figure the classroom experience will be good for me.
On to Peru. I had the great opportunity to visit Peru with two of my dearest friends a few years ago and it was an amazing experience. We went from Lima...
the city was so beautiful in many parts and I can't believe I didn't take more photos! My favorite was my morning run with Jillie along the Pacific Ocean...
to Cuzco....
Santo Domingo Convent Monastery- quite simply gorgeous.
Pisaq Market for a little shopping
Ollantaytambo, the only Incan village where folks still live in the ancient buildings
our super-cute hotel, Sol y Luna
to the Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu...
Because of the elevation, it apparently is cloudy/foggy most mornings. However, still absolutely incredible views. This can be my inspiration for terracing the little hill in the backyard! (kidding, of course).
and then down to Puno.
We did a little hiking- and it was quite cold in parts!
Lake Titicaca
So yes, the trip was a bit touristy, but it was great to learn the history of the beautiful country while seeing it. Additionally, we used Latin Discover tours (we're not the group tour types) and were very pleased. Whenever we felt lost or confused, it's amazing how someone from Latin Discover would appear and call for us. Even when we didn't realize we should have gotten off the train.
cute little alpacas in Puno
By my next trip, I hope to be a bit more conversant in Spanish!
Have a great week!
Emmie
Wonderful. Out daughter #2 is heading to Peru next week for about 10 days. Glad you gave us a little preview.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I took French all throughout school, but have lost almost all of it. Who knows… maybe I'll pick it back up one day and plan a trip to Paris!
ReplyDeleteConcordia Language Villages in Northern Minnesota offer adult immersion weeks and weekends in several languages. Jayne did several years of month long camps there (in French) and loved it. Last September I did the French immersion week for adults. www.concordialanguagevillages.org
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a fun trip! And I totally feel you on the one language bit: in college all 3 of my roommates were bilingual (in fact, one was trilingual) -- they were Puerto Rican, Guatemalan and Japanese, respectively. I felt like SUCH a hick sometimes. Of course, my language in college was Latin though so not exactly like I made a whole lot of effort to change that! Now, I wish I had. Yay for you for making the effort!
ReplyDeleteWhat an AMAZING trip. And you should be so proud of yourself doing the language course! It's a challenge as an adult - but one well worth it. Maybe I need to sign up again too...
ReplyDeleteHola, soy Silvina Duprat,de Argentina, y te sigo desde hace mucho, pero a veces no dejo mensajes por esto del idioma, ahora lo haré para que practiques tu español!!! pásate después por mi blog, amiga.Kiss you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to get back into studying spanish, because it was a goal of mine to be bilingual as well. i know a bit of spanish, but i can only give you the gist of the conversation. if i wasn't already in school now, i'd be tempted to join you! i'd love to hear how you enjoy the class, and which one you took.
ReplyDeletethanks for entering my giveaway!
What a great pursuit! You will catch on fast, I am sure. Thanks for the great photos!
ReplyDeleteI studied Spanish for 13 years, and I am sorry to say alot of it is gone. I am hoping the finace wants to move abroad to a Spanish speaking country so I can pick it back up again. Good luck in your class!
ReplyDeleteI SO wish I was bilingual. I think it's great that you're going back to school!
ReplyDelete