Lessons for the day

We are currently in the Sacred Valley in a town called Urubamba, making our way to Machu Picchu. Last night we stayed in another nearby town called Pisaq, and explored the ruins overlooking the city during the day. Views of the mountains and valley from the Pisaq ruins are so far the most breath-taking and beautiful sights I have seen on this trip, and perhaps ever. They say the ruins at Pisaq are second only to Machu Picchu, and if so I can´t wait to see what Machu Picchu is like (tomorrow!). If anyone is ever heading to the area, I would highly recomend spending some quality time in Pisaq. I wish I could post some pictures, but we`re travelling light these three days in the valley, so I don´t have my USB cord.

We stayed in a nice hostel last night in Pisaq, with my own private room for only $3! It is a new place and was very beautiful, though, once it started raining last night I discovered a leak in the ceiling as water dripped down directly onto my face! I still liked the place though, I guess you just get used to a different level of comfort. For example, an expression I have used often, and just used in a cafe today is, "Hey guys, the bathroom here has SOAP!". One bathroom I found in Huancayo even had paper towels too : )

Its a bit harder to practice my Spanish now that we´re out of Huancayo, since there I spoke everyday to the host family, and kids at the school and orphanage. Now, I could literally get away without speaking Spanish for the rest of the trip, if I wanted to....which I don´t. I am learning, however, that Spanish is in fact a very simple language. They don´t have countless meanings for the same things. For example:

Esta bien = It is good
Esta bien = OK
Esta bien = Fine
Esta bien = Sure
Esta bien = No problem

Claro = I understand
Claro = Of course
Claro = OK

Everything just seems more simpified here. It makes sense to me, and makes learning the language much easier!

Well, just wanted to post while I could. Pisaq definitely deserves a post of its own, and I´ll be posting more about Machu Picchu after we visit tomorrow as well!

Take care,
Joan