Peru in April 2024

Note 1: My website provider has made a mess of my uploaded photos from past posts. Any posts prior to 2022 have photos that do not necessarily pertain to the specific blog post. 
Note 2: I will likely close down this website in 2025. It has served its purpose in a wonderful phase of my life. As I move forward, I may create a new site with new adventures! Stay tuned...

​Before my dad passed away, he told us he wanted to have his ashes returned to Peru and spread in the village where he grew up, atop a small mountain that had a large cross. Once he passed, we knew that we had to take him home. We planned a trip to Peru and organized everything to make sure we would have no issue transporting his ashes internationally. 
We went to Peru in April: my mom, my brother Erick, sister-in-law Rachelle, and myself. The flight was smooth since it was during the day, and non-stop. We arrived to Lima at about 10pm and crossed the street to our hotel. We met with Maylin (No, not me. Our cousin). She came to our hotel and met us for a night cap (pisco sour) and had a short visit to welcome us. We toasted, then promptly went to our rooms to sleep. 
The next day began a 3 days journey to reach 13,500 feet in altitude, so the first day we made it to 6,000 feet. Our plan was to take a bit each day and acclimate to the altitude so that we would be well once we arrived to Vista Alegre, my dad's village. Along the way, we enjoyed some beautiful scenery through hikes, waterfalls, and rivers. It was a nice leisure trip to get to our destination. 
We arrived on a Tuesday and had the day to spend with family and even enjoy some Extreme adventure. Carolina lives in the village and runs an Adventure Company called Ninamachay. We ziplined and walked through a high bridge; it was so much fun! 
The next day, we had a mass at the hilltop for my dad, then celebrated his life with live music, and pachamanca. It was quite the celebration in his honor! I know he was happy with how everything turned out. 
On Thursday the 25th, we began our descent back to Lima where we were going to stay in the Miraflores district near the ocean. On Thursday evening, we had dinner at Central, which was named the number 1 restaurant in the world for 2023. It was a memorable evening with my mom, my brother, and sister for my 45th birthday. 
On Friday the 26th, my actual birthday, we spent the day touring Lima, and then met up with my cousin Maylin, her boyfriend and her mom. We met up at the Magical Water Circuit. We had fun walking around and getting wet! 
Saturday we spent time shopping in the morning and afternoon, then in the evening we had a food tour of Lima. It was amazing to try so many different foods. We are familiar with Peruvian food, but going to the top restaurants was a lot of fun. My mom and I returned home after 1 week; my brother and Rachelle stayed another week to explore more sights since it was Rachelle's first time to Peru. 
​Overall, we had a memorable trip, and feel grateful to fulfill my dad's wishes.