Youth guest columns: Reflections on Peru trip

Devan Murillo

There’s isn’t something I could say about the trip that was my favorite. Every part of the trip was new and exciting. Anytime I looked at the mountains I would wish I could stay there and admire them forever. Trying new foods and experiencing a different culture was amazing. The closer we came to our return flights the more I would reminisce and wish I could stay. No matter how much I look at photos and videos from the experience, it doesn’t feel complete. It doesn’t have the feeling of the stones beneath my feet, the smells, or the vibe. But it still captures the beauty and life in my eyes. I was probably the happiest I’ve ever been in my life during the trip.

I met new people and it surprised me that I got along with all of them, even though they complained about everything, I still enjoyed learning about their life. I even shared socials with a few of them and I feel that my good bye to others was very fulfilling and I wouldn’t change a thing. If I had one word to describe the trip, it would be magnificent. Almost everything was new to me. Laying in a hammock, plane rides, train rides, bus rides, the tricycle ride, touching llamas and alpacas, eating alpaca and guinea pig, amazing bread, I loved all of it. Even when the food was weird or parts of the cities stunk, there’s nothing I would take out of the trip. I do feel like I was different from everyone, like I felt things on a more spiritual level.

Instead of just seeing things with my eyes, I felt things that I could never describe. I felt the importance, passion, and love for culture all around me. I helped people, people helped me, and I still think back and wonder if they found their way somewhere, or if they thought of me as well. Even though it sounds bad I genuinely believe I got the best experience compared to everyone else. When someone tried to sell something and I said ‘no gracias’ they wouldn’t ask again. When I would bargain, they were polite, sometimes they would bargain down for me. No one shoved a product at me. Maybe its because I was nonchalant and appeared confident, or maybe its because I’m brown and looked like I belonged there. Maybe both, who knows right? I love every object I bought and I tried my best to buy things that have symbolism, or an importance in their culture. Not something like a Machu Picchu fridge magnet, but like a symbol for their gods, stones they love spiritually, music instruments, home made things. Not things that are made to be souvenirs. I feel complete with the souvenirs I bought, and the actions I did. Like giving to Patcha Mama. Even though I might have looked like just another tourist in a giant pancho copying their culture.

I felt their culture in my bones and I tried my best to put myself in their shoes, even in areas I didn’t go. I wondered things I didn’t ask about. I didn’t just want to know about the well known parts of their country or culture, I wanted to know the sad stuff too. Local life, rich and poor, the outcasts. That’s how much I loved it, I didn’t just want to see Machu Picchu or the Reed Islands, I wanted to see the people. I did at the Reed Islands, my heart was warmed but also ached for them. They are people, not a tourist attraction. I didn’t look at them like I was in a museum, I never did. I don’t know how to finish this, I could talk about the trip forever, I’ll think about it forever that for sure. If I were to go on a vacation somewhere, I’d go again.

Zahra Sahyoun

Our trip began with a smooth flight to Texas, but we missed our connection to Miami due to a delay. We waited in the airport for four hours, passing time with card games and walking around. When we finally landed in Miami late at night, American Airlines paid for our hotel and expenses—which was an awesome surprise.

The next day, we braved a packed hotel breakfast and headed to the beach. The waves were wild and the water was perfect. We grabbed delicious milkshakes, then had dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant where I learned about Maradona and the “Hand of God.” That night, we flew to Lima and landed at 4 a.m., exhausted. After resting in a café, we flew to Cusco and met our amazing tour guide. He showed us Inca ruins and took us to a buffet, then a pottery studio where we met a famous artist and made our own clay tiles.

The next day, we took a train to Machu Picchu. There was a beautiful performance about forbidden love on the way. After a coffee and an incredible massage, we visited the ruins—absolutely breathtaking. It felt unreal.

On Day 5, we shopped in a small town where I bought earrings and art for my parents. We explored more ruins, then joined a festival in Cuzco Plaza. I danced salsa, wore a poncho, and ate a BBQ chicken sandwich. It was magical.

Day 6 began early again with a long drive to see more ruins. The views were stunning, and the history made me feel small in the best way.

The rest of the trip were long driving days. But don’t think they were uneventful. We got to see a bunch more ruins, learn more history, and meet new people. My favorite part of this second stretch was going to Lake Titicaca. It was the biggest lake I have ever seen. It had islands and even floating ones made out of this very hard plant. They were manmade and people even lived on them.

On the last day we headed back to Lima and went to the plaza. It was absolutely huge. We went to China town there too. It was the busiest place I’ve ever been to. They had some great Asian food there and huge proportions. Sadly, we had to leave that day. We said goodbye to our awesome tour guide. We made our way to the airport and then home.

This trip was more than just sightseeing, it was a whirlwind of culture, nature, and unforgettable memories.