Day 1: Cusco

JOURNAL ENTRY BY ROBERT MATHERNE
Our first day started with a pretty active sequence of events. For most of us, having landed from our first flight late the other night, we prepared to board our flight to Cusco with little more than 5:30 hours of sleep. After landing, we were greeted by David and Hollman, along with a group of Belmont’s staff, to collect us for the drive to the hotel. From personal experience, the ride there through the city reminded me of a blend of Guatemala and Israel. After arriving and receiving a warm welcome, we unloaded and sat down for lunch. By lunch, I don’t mean a sack lunch by any means. It was a three course meal, with Fillet Mignon and a delicious dessert. We were amazed by that alone, and it was only the beginning. From there, we walked the city, exploring mind blowing ruins of the Sun Temple and old city walls that seemed beyond even current construction limits. When we sat down for dinner, our hopes were sky high after the five star lunch, and those hopes weren’t disappointed. We were served another delicious three course meal, while enjoying flute music and Opera songs. With our bellies full, some sat out by the fire, enjoying story time. Others chose to retire to bed. All anxiously waited for day two.