We just arrived in Cusco after a wonderful stay in Alemeria! We are all very sad to have said goodbye to all our new friends. During our stay we were able to celebrate with the locals during Almeria township's anniversary! While there we made new friends with the local kids and taght them fun games.  We also learned a few new ones from them.  It was a great opportunity to practice our Spanish as well!

Part of our stay in Almeria involved volunteer work! In addition to the school and community areas which have already been built, there are also greenhouses and fields used to grow veggies for the community. Alongside Baltizar, we spent  2 full days tillng the field with picks,  preparing the soil for crops and finally planting rows of  lettuce and radishes. It was difficult work but we found a way to make it fun and we were rewarded  by a star gazing session and a new moon!  

Yesterday was a rest day and we decided to hike to the top of the highest mountain we could see.  So much for a rest!    It took us 3 hours to get to the top and it was worth it. We were able to see far and wide, and even had a close encounter with a hawk and some big vultures! 

One of the best parts of Almeria was the food.  Reuben, who is from Spain, is an aspiring chef who wants to open a restaurant in Cusco some day. We were spoiled with fresh pastries, wood oven pizza, and incredible soups and salads. Even the vegetarians were  in love with the cooking! Our last night we enjoyed the opportunity to hear Reuben sing some traditional Rumba tunes from Spain. Again, we were all very sad to leave this special place!  But more adventures and memories lay ahead as tomorrow early we head to Macchu Picchu!