Llamas vs. Alpacas (and other fun family-friendly facts)
We know some of our favourite kids are reading this blog (or that their parents are sharing it with them). Which is just awesome.
Firstly, it’s amazing because we miss you all and knowing you’re reading our blog makes us feel like we’re all on a bit of an adventure together. And it makes us so happy to think that maybe one day we will be! Or, that you’ll have amazing travel adventures of your own and think of us.
My love of travel was definitely sparked as a kid. My great aunt Min brought me back a panda-shaped pin from her trip to China. I still have it, and every time I look at it, I think of my amazing aunt who had made it to far-flung places at a time when most people (particularly women) stayed very close to home. It made me want to see as much of the world as I could; I was so inspired by her sense of adventure.
I was also inspired by family and friends who used to send me postcards from their trips. To this day, I write myself postcards everywhere I visit, and send them to others too. I worry that it’s a lost art, and have been noticing that it’s much harder to find postcards than ever. (Don’t worry, I’m working on Jay to build an app for that!).
Whether my adventures have been solo, with friends, or with an amazing travel partner like J, every trip has been an adventure that I’ve loved and learned from. And I like to think that sharing stories about it has inspired others, the same way other peoples’ travel stories always inspire me.
So with that in mind, here are a few inspirational insights from our travels through Peru, to date.
Llamas and Alpacas are different. Who knew?!
We’ve learned a lot about Llamas and Alpacas on this trip.
There are Pumas and Snakes here! (sort of)
Flowers aren’t just for looking!
We have eaten some really tasty things on this trip: Lots of super fresh fish and seafood, the tastiest avocados (both large and tiny!), Innumerable varieties of Quinoa and potatoes, the list goes on. It’s all been delicious.
And we’ve also eaten a lot of something unexpected: flowers! 🌺
So many of the beautiful dishes we’ve been served have included these delightful edible garnishes. The valleys here grow so many fruits and vegetables and flowers – and they all go into the beautiful and delicious local dishes we’re eating.
Hola Amigas!
Our Spanish is improving. Muy rapido (quickly). it’s been fun to pick up so many Spanish words and increasingly get directions, shop and order in restaurants in another language. Jays Spanish is bueno (better) than mine, but I ordered this breakfast in Spanish this morning. Pretty proud of myself if I do say so!
(scrambled eggs with avocado – the toast was self-serve, so I still don’t know that word)
We’re making friends!
Meeting new people and learning about their lives and beliefs is fascinating. Our guide Amelia was such an awesome source of information. She told us all about her life and culture, and knew so much about Incan history.
Muchas gracias for following along. We can’t wait to hear about all your future travels too! ✈️
