Musings and stuff.

We’re growing up! Most people I know are in their early 20’s, so the subject of “omg, we’re becoming REAL adults” has been a recent hot topic of conversation.  Life goals, Jobs, Marriage, Family – HOLD UP, man!!! “Is this what real adults talk about?” because I’m not even close to ready to think about those words. Yea, big things do happen in our 20’s. And though mine may pale in comparison, it’s still pretty big for me:

I’m going to med school!

I’m moving out!

I’m moving across the country!

“Do you know how  to cook?” “Do you enjoy cleaning?” “Do you own Mace?”

Yea… to those, I plead the fifth.  I know I should be worried, but I have faith I’ll figure it all out in time. As Cameron says, “You can never be lost if you don’t know where you’re going.” For that reason, I am 100% sure I will not get lost, haha.  Plus, Anik has given me a stellar lentil soup recipe – so how could I?

As I pack for the big move, I realize I’m becoming disproportionately emotional, considering I’ll be home for Christmas.  Can one person have this many FeElLinGs?! And all at once?! But I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving something behind. And in reflecting on the summer, my university experience, heck – the whole 21, there are definitely some lessons I will take with me:

1. Parents are the bomb-diggity. APPRECIATE.

2. Try to see the big picture.

3. Say what you mean, mean what you say.

4. Life is hard, sometimes.

5. Priorities are necessary. So are decisions.

6. Don’t waste energy worrying about things you can’t change.

7. Pick the positive route – it’s easier! :)

8. Let people underestimate you. Then prove them wrong.

9. “What does your heart tell you?” Just do that.

10. “Stupid”, “reckless”, “spontaneous”, “impressive” and “amazing” are somewhat synonymous. Tread carefully.

11. Karma is real.

12. Change is okay.

13. Shit makes you grow (like manure!) Take the good with the bad.  

14. All you need is love. And food.

15.***Expect the best in people and they will show it to you.***

It’s crazy, but I really feel like everyone I’ve met, known, or love is BRILLIANT.  They are the people with the big dreams, big minds and big hearts to match. They aren’t going to change the world- they are already doing it. Science, Philanthropy, Technology, Health, Business, Art, Travel – they conquer it all with their unique talents, innovation, guts, and drive to succeed.  And though they’re all different, they all share a common thread: the desire to help and connect people. With what they’re accomplishing, it would honestly be understandable if they were all egomaniacs.   The crazy part is they’re not. Despite all their greatness, they have always been and continue to be so humble, so caring, and so kind. They will give even when they shouldn't and are pee-in-pants-HILARIOUS with their interesting stories.  They are the reason I have a lopsided view of humanity and always trust first, ask later.  They  are INCREDIBLE and they INSPIRE me.  These beautifully KICK-ASS people?  These are my friends. And when their names are all lit-up in billboard lights, I’m going to love saying “I told you so”, ‘cause that’s what I did ;)

 I like 'em because...

They are the cure to cancer. 

They are kind to froshies.

They spend Christmas with me. 

They also spend Valentines with me.

Only real friends can sit comfortably in a photobooth together.  

They "Take Me the Way I Am."

They will pick-me-up.

They are warm and squishy.

They are bright.

They don't leave.

They challenge me.

They are family.

They take me to the club.

They are skilled at cookie smuggling. 

They like to explore.  

They are crafty.

They are giving.

They are silly.

They are so awkward <3.

They are leaders. 

They are pretty.

They are derps.

They are waterproof.

They are seldom blue.

They help me study. 

They don't mind being "those people".

They are creative.

They keep my secrets ;););) *jk*

They see through darkness. 

Ils sont formidables!

They don't let you give up. 

They love to celebrate!

They do good things.

They see beauty in the small things.

They have great ideas.

They make time.

They are crazy.

They are globe-trotters.

They like to listen to my "feelings".

They are best.

They say “People are opportunities.” I used to think this saying was awful until I realized how true it is – I would not be here without my people.

I’m not sure what Vancouver has in store for me, but PLEASE don’t run out on me now, Lady Luck!! LOVE LOVE LOVE <3 

Estoy aqui!! Estoy en Cuzco, Peru! :D

I broke a mirror while packing for this trip. Although I wouldn't admit it, I knew this did not bode well for the days to come... so when it took me two full days to get to Cuzco because my airlinethatshallnotbenamed (cough, United) had two connection cancellations, it was sorta funny in a really sad way. But! I ended up flying Ottawa-Toronto-Dallas-Lima-Cuzco and learned some cool things along the way:
1. Airport staff work really hard to help you get where you need to go. It's not their fault a flight has been cancelled, so stay calm and redirect your frustration into a nasty online review rather than the stink-eye :p
2. People staying overnight at the airport are awesome! Co-scoping out ace sleeping spots, trading travel tips, sharing adapters over life chats - it's the real deal.
3. People in the Dallas airport "honey" and "baby" every sentence, it's really sweet.
4. Most non-Canadians haven't really heard of Ottawa, surprisingly! Just stick with "I'm from Canada, Brr!"

... and FINALLY, I'M HERE! :D

Cuzco is UNREAL. Flying in from Lima over the Andes was truly ethereal.  The snow peaks break over the clouds and it's just AHHHMAGAWD! If the altitude isn't taking your breath away, they are. (I'll have to snap my own pic on the way back!)

The city: The city itself is so lively, bustling, and surrounded by mountains. Aka. beautiful. The native language is Quechua, though most speak Spanish. I am so thankful my parents encouraged me to learn Spanish when I was in high school, else I'd still be out wandering without help from the locals, who will actually watch/walk you for awhile to make sure you're going in the right direction.

Plaza de Armas

 

You can see houses all up the mountain in the background. At night, the mountains are all lit up!

Lost, but izokay.

The project: I'm volunteering at a shelter for girls who have been sexually abused in the past. They stay there for a few months - 1 year to be in a positive safe space, learn trade skills (ex. cosmotology&sewing), and slowly reintegrate into their families. I had been expecting to teach English in a formal classroom, so this was a bit of a game changer, as it's much more laid-back. But! I'm really excited since we are encouraged to help them learn crafts and skills that could benefit them in real life. During the mornings, I will lead workshops with a few other volunteers. Some ideas:
- FIRST-AID!  ...blood, guts, gore, aka. SICK. (heh.)
- Let's make PANCAKES and bad things that taste ohsogood. ie. Melted chocolate and caramel on mashmallows and graham crackers, mmm... maybe I'll throw in nuts for protein.
- Basic self-defense
- Yoga/zumba/latin dance
- Friendship bracelets
- Health/Safety/Beauty - collages
Do you have any ideas? I bet you do. And I bet they're awesome. Please send them my way!! :D

In the afternoon, I teach English. My previous roommate told me to play games games and more games to nail down concepts. I tried it today with months and numbers and it was such a hoot. Thanks Sarah!

You can see Cristo Blanco (the figure of Christ in the background!) - the white dot.

Walking towards San Pedro.

Lost again. It's dark and less okay this time :p

 The Saskatoon influence:
I loved my roommates in Saskatoon and they taught me some things for a good away from home routine.

• Day 1: Run/walk the city to get your bearings --> I drank 3 cups of coca tea then walked from home to town (1.5 hrs). The altitude hasn't hit me too hard (yet?) but I was definitely out of breath walking uphill.
• General anti-lard rule: Rooms are dark and lonely and depressing, so go outside and mingle --> Cuzco has so much to see, that won't be a problem :p
• Party rule: PARTY. If it weren't for my roommates, I wouldn't have gone out to the country bars and learned to two-step with cowboys, which would have really been a shame. Clubbing IS the way to a city's heart <3 --> I plan to salsa my way through all  most some discotheques. (lezbereal) 

  

  Sarah, Jasdeep, Michelle! :) I miss y'all heaps.

  Things to note:

• Cuzco is so cheap, it's crazy! $1 CDN = 2.5 Nuevo soles. Going for coffee is about 3 soles, a good meal is 10-15 soles, a taxi is 3 soles to anywhere in the city, and the bus is 0.7 soles. The bus also resembles a van (Volkswagen transporter) with a guy that herds you in as it moves. Awesome.
•  It is winter here and SO COLD at night. Think Ottawa Autumn, with no heating in any houses.
•  All showers have water with heating that is pressure-based. Which means, on a scale of freezing to scolding hot, I shower in a trickle of water. 
• The cars don't really use mirrors or signals. They honk to tell you they're "around" you and WILL kill you if you walk in their way. Commit and walk fast.
• **I ate a churro cause it's the closest thing to a beavertail on July 1. I AM CANADIAN. JE SUIS CANADIENNE. Brr. <3**

Till next time!