My trip to Peru was so unique that I wrote eleven pages about it. I want to share highlights and challenges. Cultural immersion showed me the local life of Peru. It tested my patience, flexibility, adaptability, perseverance, and open-mindedness. And it reminded me to be humble.

Without plans or expectations, I trusted what was unfolding during our travels. I surrendered to what was happening by allowing myself to be fully present.

Our adventure’s primary focus was seeing and spending time with my husband’s family, especially his 98-year-old grandmother in Chosica (27 miles east of Lima).

Chosica, Peru

Time with family

We spent quality time with family, explored the town, saw traditional dancing and singing, and shopped for cotton clothing and souvenirs. Indulging in local drinks and food, like anticuchos (beef heart), ceviche, and unique fruit, was my favorite thing to do. 

We also had a full day of unexpected adventure in the mountains. It was a local attraction to hike to a waterfall and other picturesque places in San Mateo de Otao. I felt refreshed and alive on our day trip, away from the busy and dusty town of Chosica. 

Dipping my toes into mountain waters

Challenges

When we arrived, I stumbled at first when I heard there was no wi-fi, hot shower, and regular access to water. Then a flashback to my upbringing in Russia reminded me to be humble. I experienced it before. I took the “moody” glasses off to change my attitude. So I read two books I brought since I had no use for my phone besides taking photos.

Having the luck of running water every day to take a shower, brush teeth, or flush the toilet was challenging BUT manageable in the family house. I was grateful when the water was turned back on late at night for personal use and to refill empty buckets and bottles. Oh, my! I’m thankful for my life in the US. 

My ability to adapt and make the best of any situation is what I love about myself. I’ve learned to appreciate it all, no matter how hard or heartbreaking. Even if I have to carry a toilet paper roll in my purse. (If you’ve been to the “least developing countries,” you know what I mean.

Seeing the beauty around me

Craziness of roads

I want to give you a heads-up in case you plan to visit Peru. I thought my hair would turn gray, fearing for my life because of how they drive in Peru.

The massive regular traffic to and from Lima was a complete mess. Thirty-five minutes became over 2 hours. Drivers make their own lanes, driving anywhere they want, squeezing into any open spaces in front of them just to move slightly forward. It felt like they were playing a dangerous game of frogger, an 80s arcade game where a spunky frog tries to cross the street and gets hit by oncoming traffic. We even saw one car going on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming traffic. I was in shock!

Witnessing a stunning sunset over the smoky mountains took my breath away

Breathe through hard situations

To deal with the chaos of the road, I held my husband’s hand to feel his presence. I focused on breathing, bringing me back into my body from my worries and fear, and knowing things around me were not under my control. My attention was on “Here and Now.” 

Eventually, we returned home safely, having survived the madness of Peruvian roads. 

Overall, I was satisfied with my trip to Peru and appreciated their simple life. It reminded me to reflect on my life and be humble, loving, and accepting.