Cusco and Machu Picchu--Our One Year Anniversary Trip

Jess and I hopped on a plane to Cusco/Machu Picchu right after the end of school. Since I was going to be in Madrid taking Masters courses and he was headed to the States for summer we wanted to take a trip to celebrate our ONE year anniversary.  It's always been a dream of both of ours to go to Machu Picchu, so we figured why not?!

The colorful city of Cusco

We spent the first two nights acclimating to the altitude in the charming town of Cusco.  It's a small little town where people are proud of their culture and color is in no shortage.  We absolutely loved Cusco, it was easy to get around, there was lots to do, and the people were wonderful.  But the elevation was no joke. Jess assumed that the city was only about 5,000 ft above sea level, but after one glass of wine and walking up a hill we truly felt the 10,000 plus ft elevation.

The Sun Parade lasted all day and night 

We happened to be there during the Sun Festival, their biggest holiday. There were lots of parades, parties, and colors everywhere.  It also meant the moon was the closest it would be all year, it looked like you could reach out and grab it.

Dancing in the streets 

 Every corner we turned on there were groups of people getting ready for their part in the parade.  They were all smiling and enjoying the beautiful day with their family and friends. I felt like if we would have asked to join in their group for the parade we would have been met with a resounding Si!

Helping each other get ready

 We saw women that could barely walk and children that were fumbling around learning to take their first steps participate in the parade. It didn't matter your age or ability, the more the merrier!

Everyone, both young and old, participates in the Sun Festival 

Anytime we travel I love to just people watch and go where the locals go. We were never bored in Cusco because of all the colors and different walks of life that joined together.

Teenagers in Cusco

 Later in the afternoon we sat in a plaza full of finished parade walkers and enjoyed a Cusquena while basking in the sun. Jess wanted to join this particular circle of locals, but was not able to so. Instead, we sat on a little stool and drank their local beer (it wasn't very good) while watching everyone. 

What's a party without beer? 

 The clear blue skies will forever be in my mind when I think of Cusco. The air was clean and fresh, as well as crisp and a bit chilly. The first day we bought some alpaca items to keep us warm-Jess a hat and a sweater for me.

Sun Warriors 

Holding a lamb...I was in heaven

 I kept thinking the women were actually carrying things in their blankets, but it was just part of the costume.  Although, sometimes they really did use it purposefully. 

A group of women waiting for their turn in the parade

Cute baby lamb and her owner

It's never too cold for a popsicle

Little guy was part of the festivities too

We enjoyed a picturesque train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu. When we arrived someone from our wonderful hotel (Sumaq) met us to take our bags and guide us to Machu Picchu. The way up to Machu Picchu was steep switchbacks that were barely big enough for a bus to fit on.  It wasn't very comforting when your bus had to pass another one, but after a couple times we figured these men had been driving all day every day for countless years.

Waiting for the train in the freezing weather

We arrived and were so excited, we decided to get a guide to show us around and explain things in better detail.  We spent about four hours walking around taking in the sites and learning about their culture.

After touring every part of Machu Picchu Jess wanted to hike to the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu (about an hour), I was tired and hangry so I headed back to the hotel.  Jess said it was an amazing trek and he got some great pictures, while I enjoyed a hot bath and a snack at the hotel.  Hey, you gotta love a man that knows a happy wife is a happy life.

It was such a peaceful place I wish they kept it open at night, because I would have loved to camp underneath the night sky. I'm sure the stars and moon would be close enough to touch!

Us on the backside of Machu Picchu...the mountain to the left of us is what we climbed the next day.

 We had a two day pass, so the next day we went back and climbed Huayuna Picchu, the highest mountain next to Machu Picchu.  They only let 400 people on it per day, and only at certain times. We picked the early slot and headed up for the hike. It was pretty tough, mainly because it was steep and the "stairs" were simply narrow rocks along the side of the mountain.

Alpacas were grazing all over the fields.  They would come right up to you!

But once we got to the top, man was it worth it.  We actually thought we were at the top and took tons of pictures, but then Jess found a little cave you had to climb through to get to more steps and a wooden ladder up to the very top.  We I overcame my fear of falling to my death and made it up to the top.  I'm so glad Jess encouraged me to do it, I would've missed some great views.

We made it to the top of Huayuna Picchu!

Our view...the switchbacks on the left was the route the bus took, and Machu Picchu is behind us.

Taking it all in.

We did it! 

Pretty amazing view...

The trip was incredible and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to go. We are so blessed to be able to travel and see sights/places that most people only see in magazines or on Pinterest. 

Us at Machu Picchu (I wish we would have been a smidge to the right)

We took a night walk in Aguas Calientes

Happy Anniversary to Us! One year and on top of the world.

One Year Down...

Today marks a year since I've been Mrs. K.  It's kind of surreal that we have been married for a year, at times I feel like it has been way longer and other times I can't believe it has already been a year.  One thing is for sure, we have grown leaps and bounds in our first year of marriage.  Of course we still have a ways to go, and we both strive to always grow in our marriage, but we made it a year!  

I think it's so amazing because we have learned a lot about each other, ourselves, marriage, and God this year.  Lord knows we have had the opportunities for growth with moving and living in the same apartment for the first time in a foreign country and starting new jobs! Jess has taught me to be less selfish, desire growth in our relationship, to enjoy the rocky moments in our lives, and to be thankful for the lives we live.   

I know it sounds cliche, but I have fallen more in love with Jess this past year. I love him because he puts me first and takes care of me.  He cooks dinner every night and keeps track our our finances. He encourages me when I need it or comforts me when I want to feel sorry for myself. He plans fun ways to celebrate little events in our relationship.  He challenges me to get in shape and eat healthy (I don't always appreciate this).  He shares what he is learning in his quiet time. He communicates with me and makes sure I feel secure in our relationship.  He loves hard and puts his heart out there for me.  

Dear Jess, 

Although we aren't together to mark our year of marriage I still wanted to express my happiness to you.  Thank you for loving me even when I am not the easiest to love.  Thank you for making me laugh when all I want to do is cry.  Your ability to love me and others astounds me each and every day.  You walk the walk and I am so grateful to have you lead me.  We've had some great talks this year that solidified how important our relationship is to you.  Thank you for that, thank you for building up my confidence in us.  

When I look at you I am happy, that deep sense of happiness that doesn't come very often in life.  You are the man God intended for me to be with, for better or for worse.  I can't imagine doing life with anyone else.  I love traveling with you and exploring this beautiful world together.  You open my eyes to things I otherwise wouldn't have noticed. I love you because you and I together are incredible.  You bring out the best in me. This past year has been a year I will never forget.  We have worked through lots of issues, laughed for hours, encouraged one another, and have started to figure out this thing they call marriage.  We've experienced a lot of things this first year of marriage and I can't wait to do life together until til do us part.

While I can't be with you today, please know that I am thinking of you and missing you deeply.  I am so happy you get to spend time with your family and friends and can't wait until the end of the month when I get to hug and kiss you! Enjoy our day by going to Chick-Fil-A for me :)  

Olive Juice, 

Meggo

Some Memories From Our First Year 

(Top to Bottom and Left to Right): NYC for Brandon and Steph's wedding, heading to Brazil, Carnival in Rio, bus rides to school (not for too long), Charascurias at the Ancelet's, Hollywood Teacher party, monthly dates for our anniversary, Campos de Jordan, Bahia, Sao Paulo for dinner, making our house into a home, first Christmas as a married couple, Buenos Aires to present at AASSA, Katie and Jarrett's wedding in ATL, Salvador, Ilhabela, lunch at Antiqua, lots of dinner parties, NYE in Denver, surviving our first year at EAC, and samba at Tanico's.