By Tina Lin – Guest blogger traveling in Peru.
The day for Machu Pichu has finally arrived. Given all the hype there is, I am crossing my fingers that it is as impressive as all the stories I have heard. We got onto a bus to Ollantaytambo around 7:30am. That is where we get on the train to Machu Pichu. Right outside the train, you can see all these vendors selling breakfast (hot corn with big kernels, sandwich with cheese and egg, and soup). Even though most of us are somewhat weary of getting stomach problems, I could not resist buying a hot corn off of a vendor for 2 sols.
On the way to Machu Pichu in the train, some of us read books while others sat close to the window to marvel at the beautiful scenery. The scenery goes from majestic mountains with few trees to luscious green jungle. One girl even made the remark that it looked like we were in Jurassic Park. The train route courses by the Urubamba River, it follows the course that Bingham took in 1911. The water in Urubamba River is very rapid. Our guide told us that water rafting is not allowed in this section because it is too dangerous. The water reflected a beautiful jade green and it became white whenever it clashed on big rocks. The river and the surrounding mountains are amazing combination of natural beauty that I cannot describe in words.
When we arrived to Machu Pichu, we had 30 minutes to check into our hotel and grab whatever we need for our hike up Putukusi Mountain. The hotel we stayed in is called Apu Majestico. It is very close to both the train station and the thermal baths. Let me tell you some background about Putukusi. It is a mountain across from Machu Pichu. From there, you can get amazing view of the surrounding mountains/valleys and priceless view of Machu Pichu that is better than the postcards.
However, it is a killer hike. It consisted of constant incline with stones steps of various sizes. On top of that, there are about 4 sets of wooden ladres that are 90 degrees against the rocks that we had to climb up. It is a little scary because some of these stone steps are so close to the edge of the cliff. You have to be very focused on where your next step is. While we were struggling to climb this crazy hill, some other tourist that were coming down would tell us that there are only a few minutes to go and the view is worth it. Strangely enough, one cannot see Machu Pichu unless you reach the very top of Putukusi.
Once I got there, I just lied down on a big rock and breathed deeply. The Cusco flag, the Putukusi sign and most important of all, the view of Machu Pichu were like trophies for all that hard work. We took group photos with Machu Pichu in the background. The top of the mountain is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and feel peaceful inside and out. After about 45 minutes of marveling at the scenery, we headed back down the mountain. The hike down was much more dangerous than the hike up. We had to be careful not to slip when there were only dirt and gravel. The ladders are a lot scarier when you are looking down. I tried not to look down and focused on one step at a time. My arm soared and my thighs were becoming numb. It seemed like a very long descend.
When we finally walked back to the hotel, most of us want to soak ourselves in the hot thermal baths nearby. Agua Caliente is known for its restorative baths for people that just finished their long 4 day hike on the Inca trail. It has been known also for the poor hygene…just imagine all these dirty hikers soaking in a pool of hot water. I was glad I tried it, the soak made my muscles much happier. It was nice to be in the pool with 8 of my classmates and just relax in the pool. We had a traditional Peruvian dinner afterwards. Then it was bedtime because tomorrow we had to get up at 4:30am to get to Machu Pichu before the sunrise.

By Alexa Boyce
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, and therefore is what the Lonely Planet China Travel Guide calls, "the center of the Chinese universe." While it's shiny skyscrapers and creature comforts belie the true economic situation of the country, those who have braved China's rough interior will appreciate what Beijing has to offer. The already rapid development of the city has doubled down in order to prepare for the 2008 Olympics.
Beijing seems hectic upon arrival, but it is actually laid out geographically in an orderly, grid pattern. The Forbidden city is the center of the grid, and the major roads are generally named for where they are located or where they go. For example, Chongwenmenwai Daije literally means "the avenue outside Chongwen Gate", and Xi Daije ("West Avenue") heads west from the Forbidden City. Once you know these tips, the city is easily navigable. Bikes are the easiest and most efficient way to get around, and if you get a flat there are many roadside repairmen willing to help.
Forbidden City:
Of course, the best place to start a tour of Beijing is the Forbidden city, the famed Ming and Qing dynasty palace that was off-limits to everyone but the royal court, and some places off-limits to everyone but the emperor and his harem. Tours all day.
Tiananmen Square:
Chairman Mao's creation, this massive square is now the heart of Beijing. Once used for reviewing parades of troops, this square was also the site of the 1989 massacre of protesting students. Be careful to walk (not ride) your bike across the square.

Mao Zedong Mausoleum:
Westerners may have been raised to hate Chairman Mao and his deeds, but his impact on Chinese and World history in the 20th century cannot be denied. Throngs of sightseers flock here to pay their respects and view the body of this influential leader.
Summer Palace:
Described in Lonely Planet as "one of the finest sights in Beijing", this lakeside retreat was designed for royalty, enlarged in the 18th century, abandoned and rebuilt in the 19th, destroyed by foreign troops in the 1900 Boxer Rebellion, and renovated again in 1949.

By Emily Hogge – Guest blogger traveling in Mexico.
I can hardly believe that 3 weeks have come and gone, and that I am entering my last week of my stay here in Mexico. The first week I was here seemed slightly interminable, but since then the time has flown by, and I will be sad to leave on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and roommates at home, but I will miss improving my Spanish, trying all sorts of tasty food, and seeing the many amazing things that are here.
This weekend, although I didn't do much other than rest, my few activities were, I think, very "Morelia." On Saturday night, in the rain (it's really becoming apparent that this is the rainy season), I went to la Catedral with a few friends, and saw the fuegos artificiales (fireworks) blazing in the sky nighttime sky. It was very dramatic, with tons of locals and tourists gathered on the street in front of it, and choral music setting the stage as well. They actually shut down the street in front for the duration of the fireworks, which I thought was a little crazy, considering this is something that takes place every Saturday evening. It was worth getting soaked (even with umbrella) to see it, especially since the cathedral itself is so beautiful at night.
Sunday afternoon, I wandered with Patricio, Natalie, and Margaret, to el Mercado de Independencia (Independence Market), which simply explodes with people and vendors on the weekends. This was my third visit, but definitely a memorable one. We saw the usual cow heads and large pieces of meat in the open air, but this was the first time I had noticed chicken with the feet still attached.
It was also the first time I've explored the large group of booths that overflow outside the market itself. My favorites were the delicious mini pancake biscuits, straight off the griddle of a street vendor, and the booth with assorted blender parts where you could assemble your own. I had also wanted to purchase a tortilla press, so I can make corn tortillas in the States, and although I didn't buy one, I now know where they're located in the market (right by the saddles and machetes, naturally), so I can hopefully return this week.

By Tina Lin – Guest blogger traveling in Peru.
Today is the last day of hospital visits. I have mix sentiments about going to Hospital Seguro Social. It is the most modern in all of Cusco because patients pay for their treatments. The majority of patients are middle-upper class. In comparison to Hospital Lorena, it is like day and night. The equipments at Seguro Social are much better. I worked in Pediatrics outpatient unit today. The doctors patiently explained everything to me.
They often ask me about medical school system in the United States and how many years it takes to become a specialist in the United States. Here, people take a test that places them into medical schools. Then, it takes 7 years of school and about 3 years to specialize. It is a relief to know it is a pain to be medical students in other countries too.
At lunch time, I went to Qoricancha (temple of the Sun) to visit the museum. This is because my Boleto Turistico is expiring on 7/24. This tourist ticket allows you to see about 10 different historical sites in Cusco. However, you have only one week to complete it. Given our busy schedule this week, it is hard to cram all the visits in. This museum is located on Avenida del Sol. I have passed by it several times. The museum itself is small, but it contained the artifacts excavated on-site around 1993. It allows you to imagine just how much more things are yet buried underground in Cusco. There were head jewelries, potteries, weapons, and skull remains. A note on these skull remains…the ones on exhibit have holes of various sizes drilled into them. This is because Incans used to perform brain surgeries! There are also elongated skulls signifying the status of the high priests.
Aside from these artifacts, I also read a passage about their perception of the world. It is believed that the world is divided into three dimensions. Hanan-Pacha is similar to heaven. It is where the Gods live. Kay Pacha is our world in the present. Uqhu Pacha is the underworld. It is where ancestors and the deceased live. The Incan kings were the bridge between Hanan Pacha and Kay Pacha. They can communicate with Gods and rule earth.
Tonight, I promised a classmate I will go dancing Salsa with her at Mama America. I have been there three times and I am not too impressed with the dance floor. However, I do like the view of Plaza de Armas from its windows. I will not be out too late. We have to leave for Machu Pichu at 7am.

Scuba Diving – By Glenn Rigby
I have had the opportunity to scuba dive on a few occasions, mostly when I was younger. It is an activity I would love to do again, and probably will do when I decide to visit some fun and exciting locations. Because a great way to enhance the fun-factor of any trip is to strap on scuba gear and go diving.
Let us look at a few spots that may be of interest to the scuba enthusiast and beginner alike.
Puerto Rico-
Being exposed to northerly swells, the north coast has only a few dive sites, and divers staying along this coast are usually taken by road to the east coast for diving. East coast diving is easy as the sites are relatively shallow and the seas rarely rough. Fine white sand creates idyllic beaches but reduces visibility after ground swells. The diving terrain is typically gently sloping fringing reefs with both hard and soft corals, especially bushy gorgonians. This is a gregonian:
Costa Rica-
Most good diving is on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The Caribbean reefs were decimated some years ago due to pesticide runoff from the banana plantations although the last two or three years have seen a definite return of life to the region. Dive operations are not very sophisticated but if you happen to be on that side of the country a day of diving can be fun. The best months are in September-November.
There are three main areas for diving on the Pacific Ocean side. The first area is Isla del Caño, located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. The other two lie in the northern province of Guanacaste.
Chile-
Chilean beaches are easily accessible and generally have similar characteristics: a small sandy bay of approximately 1 kilometer (.6 mi) of extension limited at both ends by cliffs. This is important for your orientation when in the sea. The bottom of the sea alternates between sand and generally large, round stones.
Once in the water you will quickly notice a great difference from other coasts: the abundance of seaweed and the variety of sea life. The abundance of fauna is remarkable, even near the coast, which is due to the almost total absence of divers. This amount of fauna living in relatively shallow waters coupled with excellent visibility makes for ideal conditions for marine photography.

By Emily Hogge – Guest blogger traveling in Mexico.
This week I have been hanging out at an orphanage, la Casa del Buen Pastor, here in Morelia. I had heard about it from a friend who studied abroad here in college, and so when I came, I poked around and finally found it. I started going there this week, just a few days, and I'm glad that I have. I suppose it's really more a foster home than an orphanage, and right now houses about 20 kids. Jacky, a girl who is working there for the summer, says that during the school year there are about 40. I'm not really sure how that works, but 20 kids now anyway.
You would think that hanging out there would be depressing, and sometimes I have been sad, but in general it's not a sad place. The kids seem pretty happy, and they take care of each other. Of course, they're kids, so there's plenty of horsing around, and teasing, and even fighting, but from what I've seen in general they seem happy. When I go I don't really do much other than sit and play with a few kids, whoever wants to. Two kids came just a month ago, and I like to play with them the most. I think it would be a hard thing, leaving home, for whatever reason, to go to a new place.
Today as I left, it was just so peaceful, so tranquilo as my host mother would say. This afternoon I mostly just sat and played with one little girl's hair, and played ball with another kid. The clouds were so beautiful as I left, and though it does give me a lot to think about, being there, I still feel peaceful.
One thing that has been interesting, impressive, surprising, about going there is how other people from the language school want to go too. Just when I talk about it when people ask what I did the afternoon before, quite a few people have expressed interest in going. And today, my third day there, three people came along. One, a seminary student who will be here in Morelia for a while longer is going to go back again, I think. It just amazes me how people are so willing to help. I guess I don't always look for the best in people, but this has been very encouraging, just seeing how when I barely mention it, people jump at the opportunity.
It's kind of funny, because apparently the orphanage has had a longstanding informal relationship with the school. I feel like that's a good thing, though it would be great if it were more well-advertised. Maybe I'll suggest it on my closing evaluation next week.
Going to the orphanage is not really what I expected (I'm actually not sure what I was expecting), but it has been great, and really made me think about things, and I'm just glad to be there.

By Tina Lin – Guest blogger traveling in Peru.
I left the hospital earlier today with Marcy (another student in the Salud program) to visit Museo de Arte Contemporaneo and Museo Historico Regional. These museums are located across from each other, which makes them easy stops. I liked the artwork at the contemporary museum, they are not as contemporary as I had imagined. The paintings consisted of objects you can make out and the sculptures are of people. My favorite painting of all was a woman bathing in the rain. The painting where done in dark and light shades of green. It gave a sense of exhilaration and joy. Both Marcy and I wanted to see more after we finished all the exhibits. Museo Historico Regional consisted of Pre-Incan/Incan art on the first floor, then religious art on the second floor. Unlike the contemporary art museum, we were not allowed to take pictures there. My favorite piece was stonework of puma (puma is the animal that served as guardian of the land). I did not learn as much from this museum as Museo Inca because we did not have a guide.
After our visit to the museums, Marcy went home. I walked to the Central Market and visited a book fair. I was so excited to see cookbooks and anatomy books. They were 5 sols each. I cannot wait to show my friends these awesome books. Then, I went into Central Market to buy some fruits. My favorite fruit that I've only seen in Cusco is granadilla. It is this fruit with an orange colored shell on the outside and soft white meat enveloping seeds in the inside. How do you eat this thing you might ask…. you suck out the seeds. The juice left on the seeds is delicious. I bought half kilo for 1.5 sols.
In the afternoon, we had Spanish lessons as usual. A few of my friends decided to head over to El Molino together after class ended. El Molino is a market that sells cheap common electronics, clothing, shoes, sport gears…etc. A lot of students in my program bought cheap DVDs and brand name clothes there. I bought some CDs and films. I am getting ready for my weekend trip to Machu Pichu. I think I will use up at least four rolls of films. Around 8pm, I went home to eat dinner with my family. I have a Spanish quiz tomorrow.

By Alexa Boyce
The city that stands under the crest of the bear and the Madrone tree has been occupied since prehistoric times, but the earliest facts known about the city date back to the Moorish occupation in the 9th century. It was then that Umayyad Emir of Cordoba, Muhammad I built a small palace on the site where the Palacio Real stands today. A citadel was built around the palace, and this was named al-Mudaina. The nearby river Manzanares was called al-Majrit, meaning "source of water". This word is credited as being the origin of the name "Madrid". Interestingly enough, the word Madrid does not translate into most other languages and is therefore identified as Madrid throughout most of the world. In 1085 Alfonso VI of Castile then conquered the city on advance to Toledo and took it back from the Moors.
The Iberian Peninsula was divided into Crowns, and per the tradition of the time, each time a king died the kingdom was divided among his offspring. There was much clashing between the Crowns of Castile and Aragon. This strife was put to an end when King Ferdinand II of Aragon married Queen Isabella I of Castile, and they conquered Grenada and expelled the Moors. Then, to demonstrate the new 'unified Spain', Phillip II moved the capital to the centralized location of Madrid in 1561.
Madrid has remained the capital, seat of the Royal Family, and center of government since then. Therefore it has become one of the most influential and historically important cities in Spain. Today Madrid is an industrial center, second only to Barcelona. Madrid is made up of 21 districts that in turn are divided into barrios (neighborhoods). Like the rest of Spain, the city has really only blossomed since the death of dictator Francisco Franco.
There are so many exciting things to do in this city today. The Palacio Real, though it no longer functions as the home of the royal family, opens most parts of the castle for tours. Admission is 6€ ($6.90) for adults, 3€ ($3.45) for students and children. It is located on Calle Bailen, at the Opera/Plaza de Espana metro stop, and is open 9:00 am-6:00 pm Monday – Saturday and 9:00 am-3:00 pm Sunday.
The largest and most important bullring in the world is located in Madrid. It is called La Plaza de Toros de las Ventas and is located on the east side of the city and can hold 25,000 spectators. The best time to go see a corrida, or bullfight, is in May or June when the festival of San Isidrio is taking place. Seats are priced based on how close they are to the action and whether they are located in the sol (sun) or sombra (shade). Shady seats are more expensive.
The Parque del Buen Retiro was once a retreat outside the city, but now is completely surrounded by it. It was originally the site of a Royal Palace built by King Philip IV in 1632. Most of the palace was destroyed during the Napoleonic wars, and the park was opened to the public in 1868. Some parts of the original palace still stand today, such as the colonnade in honor of Alfonso XII located near the lake. Many festivals and activities take place in the park, though at night it is notorious for the sketchy characters hanging around. It is not advised for tourists to visit the park after dark.
Art lovers can be found frequenting the Golden Triangle of Art, housing the Museo del Prado, the Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo Thiyssen-Bornemisza. The Museo del Prado houses an impressive collection of European painters, sculptors and other artists. It can easily claim to have the world's best collections of Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez, as well as other painters such as El Greco, Hieronymus Bosch, Rembrant, Durer and other works from the 14th-19th centuries.
Nearby Museo Reina Sofia houses an impressive collection of modern (20th century and today) art. A large claim to fame for the Reina Sofia is that it is the current home to Pablo Picasso's famous work Guernica.
The Museo Thiyssen-Bornemisza was started as a private collection in 1920 and fills in the gaps in the other two museum's collections.
Madrid is also known for fabulous shopping. You can find specialty markets, major designer boutiques, and other shops for every price range. The Spanish department store El Corte Ingles has various outlets throughout the city, and sells everything from electronics to sporting equipment. El Rastro is a large flea market where one can go to practice the art of haggling. Calle Serrano, Calle Carmen and other places around the Puerto del Sol are also known for interesting shopping.