Chile

It's been over a month since I left home... and in this short period of time I feel like I've already experienced some life changing experiences, not to mention that I'm currently witnessing one of the biggest historical events in this country.

I decided not to overflow this blog with information about my study abroad experience, and just leave it as a mission that has been accomplished (thanks to you). You may still check out my personal blog about my study abroad experience at [ http://aztecabroad.tumblr.com ]

Now I need to pay back what I owe you, some kick ass pictures of an aztec in Machu Picchu!. Unfortunately Tonatiuh got lost on its way before my flight to S. America, so I ended up taking his replacement "Soroche".

"Soroche" is the name that Peruvians give to "altitude sickness" and as some of you may know, Cusco and Machu Picchu are at least 3K above sea level. Since altitude sickness was definitely something that marked our experience, I decided to baptize my plush with this lovely Quechua name.

I hope you enjoy these few pictures, I'm sure there are more to come.

Aztec in Peru!!

Dear followers, I know haven't taken as much care of this blog as I would have wanted to, but the planning process for this trip has been extremely time consuming and exhausting. I, for the first time, have found some time to tell you a little about my initial days in Peru.

Today is officially my second full day in Lima. After 12 hours of flying and changing flights, I arrived to the city of Lima, Peru on Monday at 12:30 pm (local time). I was lucky enough to have a nice flight, with enough time to reflect on many aspects about this trip, my goals and overall, about life.

My best friend's aunt (now my adoptive aunt) received me at the airport with a colorful sign. It took me awhile to recognize who she was, since there were at least 40 people holding signs at the exit door of the terminal.  We drove to her house, and I had a good night sleep.

So far my experience has been a blessed one. I was finally able to find my two partners in crime, and we have been walking A LOT more than expected. I have seen suprisingly nice areas in this city, I always thought most of this city was certainly undeveloped. They proved me wrong.

The beaches are beautiful, there is nice people as well as a lot of insecurity, but I've been blessed enough to find people who have shown me how to move around.

My new adoptive aunt has two kids, one of them a Psychology student from Mexico, who brought a friend over for the holidays, Juan. Since this is Juan's first time in Peru, and he also wants to visit Machu Picchu, he will be joining us for this trip. The more, the merrier.

It is cold, and my friend is making flour tortillas. I'm enjoying a nice peruvian beer and touching base with the world. I don't know who might be reading, but if you are reading this I need to let you know that I'm still excited about this adventure, and I am certainly enjoying each and every second of it. I have opened my mind to new flavors, sounds, colors and traditions, and I am loving them.

Now I need to prepare for my 5 day trip to CUSCO! , which will begin tomorrow, ending on Monday. I'll probably get back to you as soon as I return from my Inca adventure. I'll be posting pictures of my Aztec pet in Latin America soon!

Ladies and Gentleman..

Today is a lovely warm day outside, and it's also my last day of work. I am finishing all my last minute items on the agenda, and will be leaving in 4 days. Today is my boyfriends birthday, and I am fully enjoying my stressful last days in SD/Tijuana.

To top it all off, I just found out that my goal has already been met! Thank you so much to all donors, believe me, I have you in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Thank you for letting this happen, and helping me make my dream come true. I will soon be posting lots of pictures from Lima and Machu Picchu.

(I cannot thank you all enough!!)

THANK YOU DONORS

Thanks to your help I am a step closer to my dream :)
It is an amazing blessing to have all of your support. And thank you to those who have shared the link with friends.

I only have $166 more to go!

If you know about someone who needs help with their study abroad process or would like to receive more information about SDSU, send them over my way, I am more than happy to help.

Lots of love and blessings to all of you!

Almost gone!

My departure date is quickly approaching and, as expected, I’ve been frequently asked the same old question “are you ready?”

To be honest with myself, I am far from being ready, and even further from being excited.

I have been experiencing many changes recently, most of them in emotional aspects of my life since I’ve been growing closer to my friends and family. I see this process as something that should happen regardless of my departure, but in the back of my head I know this is all developing as a consequence of this trip. I have also been reflecting a lot on many things, a lot of them have to do with my academic plan, and other things are related to my overall experience at my university. I now find myself walking around campus, breathing deeply and smiling for no reason other the memories of this past amazing year. It has become hard for me to realize how fast time moves, and that soon I’ll be graduating (and paying back my loans).

On another note, I have been searching for a couch for the past days (through couchsurfing.org), and I have not found anyone just yet. I am hoping I can work something with one of my friend’s relative, or find an honest host soon.

Anyways, even when excitement has not fully kicked in yet, I am feeling more and more blessed by the minute. I am sure the idea will hit me as soon as I step on that plane to Peru.

Aztec bear in South America

Beginning on July 11th I'll start this new adventure. It was not until last night that I realized that I am actually leaving in about a month, and that it won't take long until the first symptom of culture shock hits me.

To better cope with this process I decided to blog about my experience. This is my way of thanking the donors, and inspiring others to take the initiative to follow their hearts and understand that we only have one life to live. Challenges need to be taken, and I've already accepted a couple.

During these five exciting months I'll bring a piece of my alma mater with me, to represent the expansion of cultures, and acquisition of diverse enriching experiences of a proud Aztec. I will take pictures of an SDSU inanimate ambassador at every new spot I visit.

I now introduce you to Tonatiuh.

In the Aztec mythology, Tonatiuh was the sun god, also known as the fifth sun.
On this trip, this aztec teddy will bring light and awareness to myself and my fellow students, about the importance of connecting with the world. I look forward to absorbing a new culture, ready to open my eyes to new realities.

I hope that once I come back, I will be able to share my experiences with my community, to plan for a better future with an open mind, and receptiveness to different cultures and ideas.

Eager to begin my Aztec adventure!

-Claudia S.