Powderfin in Peru

Hey Pfin, recently my mom and I went to Peru to do some sightseeing and medical work and we took the opportunity to spread the word about Powderfin. Machu Picchu was an obvious choice for sights to see, so we packed our Powderfin Gear, drank coca tea to help with the altitude, hopped on the train, and toured the ancient Incan ruins. The weather was perfect, clear enough for a beautiful view of the ruins, but just enough clouds to keep the heat at a tolerable level. So we posed and spread the word about Pfin on top of the mountain, and as we finished the Inca Trail. After a day of exploring the ruins we settled down to a interesting and almost good meal of llama steak, heart skewers and cuy (guinea pig). It turns out we hit quite the window of opportunity, as the day before there was heavy downpour, and the day after, it was hailing! It must of been the shirts. After Machu Picchu we went to the rainforest where we danced with the indigenous, shot blow guns, drank jungle beer (for the first and last time ever....), held pet monkeys and anacondas, and watched the river dolphins. Not to mention getting stuck in a torrential down pour in our open Amazonian boat! After one week of fun we returned to Lima where we met up with the rest of the medical team. The prime focus was to repair cleft palates and lips, but we also operated on a lot of burn victims with compromising scars. All in all the trip was a fantastic experience that neither of us would trade for anything. The most valuable of which we both believe to be our work at the hospital in Lima. It was great to be able to really see the difference that we were making, especially in all of the kids.So for anyone who is thinking about making the trek to Peru, Machu Picchu is a must see, but I recommend hiking the Inca Trail, which can take as little or as much time as possible, something we did not have the chance to do. As for the Amazon, it is cool but can get expensive depending on your budget. If you want to stay in the Amazon, the most popular and accesible way is a nice Resort. Regardless of where you go or what you do, it is important to remember that the Peruvians are a beautiful race of people, very punctual, and eager to please. Keep in mind, however, that farting, swearing, prostitution, illicit drugs, public urination, and obscene gestures, are a part of every day life. BURPING, however, is not. We read this in a guide book, that said the cardinal sin of Peru is burping in public. DO NOT! You know how when you aren't supposed to do something, and it slips out subconsciously, and it is the loudest noise that has ever vacated "the temple" that is your body... well in Peru, if its a burp, its 100x more embarrassing and loud. Good Luck