Hi everyone!

My name is Liza and I’m from Pleasantville, NY. I’m so stoked for our adventure to Bolivia and Peru! Every day I get more excited as I slowly gather my things and my thoughts. It’s blowing my mind how soon we leave! I can’t wait!

I’m not totally sure if we’re supposed to give an introduction or not, but it can’t hurt, so here’s a little bit about myself! I just graduated from high school this past spring and will be heading to Colorado College after my gap year. I spent the summer working at a rustic and off the grid family camp/lodge in the Adirondacks with some of my friends, which was very very fun! A few quick facts about myself: I love hiking, waterskiing, snow skiing, ultimate frisbee, listening to music, cooking, and writing (sorry if this is long), I’m super interested in photography, film, and farming, I play the alto saxophone, my favorite color is orange, and I really enjoy dancing to fun and loud music with friends 🙂

Now for the assignment: I’ve never been to Bolivia or Peru but I am incredibly excited to learn more about them! I was drawn to this program because of the language, culture, and adventure components, so basically the whole program seemed like an absolute dream to me. Like Wes, I decided to go to a restaurant to get to know a little more about the Peruvian culture. I ventured to a semi-authentic (not very authentic at all) Peruvian restaurant nearby called Inkas Seafood and Grill. I enjoyed some grilled red snapper, potatoes, salad, and then flan for dessert, while sitting at a table next to a BEAUTIFUL picture of Machu Picchu. The food was delicious and the view was amazing!! I love food, so I’m very excited to learn about the traditional Peruvian and Bolivian cuisines! I also recently learned that my favorite pair of earrings are actually from Peru! My sister went to Peru over the summer a few years ago and later passed the earrings on to me. Who would’ve thought??

Lastly: Home. I like to think that I have a lot of places I can call home and generally it’s because of the people rather than the place. I think that wherever I feel like I can be 100% myself, I’m at home. Also my mom’s hugs make me feel at home. She gives really good hugs, so whenever I’m with her, I feel like I’m at home.

I’m so excited to meet you all and get to know you better in person!
See you in a few days!

Liza