We're home!

Well, we made it to Ayacucho safe and sound! Having splurged for luxury bus tickets (Cruz del Sur) as a result of the numerous reports of the grueling 10 hour journey through the mountain passes, we thought we were in for the ride of our lives. Much to our surprise and confusion the bus ride was completely uneventful, so much so that we probably didn't even need the Dramamine we took as we left Lima. Oh well...maybe when we trek to Huancavelica (notoriously challenging to get to from Ayacucho) we'll bust out the Dramamine again. Our guesthouse is just a few blocks away from the main plaza and has a wonderful little courtyard, as well as stunning views of the city and mountains that surround us.

The view just outside our door

Our breakfast spot

 After resting and refreshing, we headed to the Plaza de Armas (the main square) to find some lunch and see the city a little. Ayacucho is definitely like nowhere I (Sara) have been before. It's dusty, gritty and surrounded by gorgeous mountains. There are little old women wearing traditional indigenous clothes walking around with their children dressed in jeans and t-shirts. It's obviously a poorer city but it's not depressing. The people here are as nice as ever! After a short tour we retreated to our room to relax.

As we were hanging out in the room, I was feeling a little apprehensive about this grand move I had just made. Chile and Lima were new and different but not too far out of my comfort zone where as Ayacucho just feels really different. The reality of making a home here and beginning our "work" was starting to sink in. I was worrying about finding a place to live, not really speaking the language and wondering how all of this was going to work out. Apparently all I had to do to quell my fears was look out the window where I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen in quite a while.

There was even a glowing cross!

We scrambled out to the balcony, got hollered at by some guys in a neighboring building and then one of the employees here let us up on the roof where we reveled in the beauty of our new home! It sounds cheesy but something about that sunset pretty much erased all my worries.

Tomorrow we're off to explore our new city and find FINCA Peru! 

Hugs and kisses from our new home!