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March Break Peru Trip

Mr. Dunnink & Adrian Wong
During March Break this year, a group of three students, led by Mr. Dunnink, went on a nine-day trip of a lifetime to Peru with EF Tours.
They spent four days in Lima, a beautiful city on the Pacific Coast, and five days in the Andes Mountains, visiting the city of Cuzco, the Sacred Valley region, and, of course, Machu Picchu. This trip highlighted Peru's amazing geography, culture, history, and food and helped the group learn more about the world and how wonderfully diverse it is.

Mr. Dunnink's Reflection

What was your favourite part of the trip?

My favourite part of the trip was visiting Machu Picchu, as the views were absolutely breathtaking and it is amazing to think that a civilization 500 years ago could build something like that on the top of a mountain. I also loved trying all the different Peruvian foods. 

Did you try anything that pushed you outside of your comfort zone?
I ate guinea pig, which was quite delicious. Also, in Cusco, the elevation is 11,500 ft, which was quite uncomfortable for the first half a day. I've never felt so out of shape!

What did the trip contribute to your understanding of yourself and others?
I learned that no matter where you go, you have to take time to understand the culture and context of the place you are visiting. It puts your own ideologies and ways of seeing things into perspective and gives a greater appreciation for the diversity we have in this world. 

Anything else you would like to share?
Go travel the world! You'll learn more about the world, yourself, and how you fit in it. You learn more by traveling than by being in any classroom!

Adrian Wong's Reflection
What was your favourite part of the trip?
My favourite part of the trip was getting a chance to pet the llamas (and alpacas). They all have really, really soft fur and it is the most comfortable creature I’ve ever felt. I even bought some plushies that tried to replicate their fluff! In addition, I find Peruvian cuisine very unique and tasty as well, and it is full of flavour and variety.

Did you try anything that pushed you outside of your comfort zone?
Hiking a part of Machu Picchu was a bit tiring, but it was genuinely well worth it, especially after the rain. Some of my tour group members even circled around chanting “Sun!” as if it was a ritual to chase the rain away! The rain really made me want to go back to my room and play video games. Regardless, the natural shower eventually dissipated, and the fog that formed from the rain surrounds the enormous historical Manchu Picchu stays afloat. It then undeniably became one of the most gorgeous landscapes I’ve laid my eyes upon.

What did the trip contribute to your understanding of yourself and others? 
I thoroughly enjoyed my fellow tourmates’ hospitality! To be honest, I was quite moved from their genuine kindness and their eagerness to help despite the fact that we obviously don’t know each other before this trip. This selfless dedication is something I admire a lot and I am willing to continue learning this from others after this trip as well.

Anything else you would like to share?
Inka Cola (a soft drink in Peru) became my favourite soft beverage, surpassing Sprite!
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