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a deep dive into my insights, growth & adventures while traveling the world

Tara Terpstra 8/19/22 Tara Terpstra 8/19/22

Travel Reflections: Peru

How are my travels going so far?

PERU EDITION

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In two-words— Loved it!

Even 5-months in, it’s my favorite destination so far. I don’t know if it’s because it was my first country abroad for this journey or if its because it was so full of amazing activities, but this place still sticks out in my mind for the win!

Amazon Rainforest via Iquitos

It’s my first weekend abroad and my entire Lewis group said for them it was too soon for a trip having just arrived in Peru, but the rainforest is something I’ve dreamt of seeing since being a kid and even though I’d met no-one who would be going, I knew I must go. And this is where I first bonded with Umoja and Dom. The journey there itself required a flight, to a van, to a downhill trek, to a boat, to the lodge. We were greeted, settled into our cabins, and off to our first venture through the rainforest… in the rain mind you! So fitting and what a welcome. The next morning started off with a daytime river exploration, followed by a nighttime walking forest adventure.

The thing that stuck out the most were the sounds of the rainforest. Each time of day with its own distinct symphony.

The canoe ride on our first afternoon with a light drizzle. The ripple of the drops on the surface of the water looked like sparkling glitter dancing on the surface. A most mesmerizing view.

And the bonding time with my roommate Naja. She is to this day one of the best things that’s come from this trip, meeting her, getting to know her. She is a gem and I feel so grateful for the time spent together.

In Peru, I learned what I am capable of.

I was pushed beyond my limits and out of my comfort zone in such a range of life.

Rainbow Mountain

Hiking Rainbow Mountain in the Sacred Valley, I realized my own strength and endurance. That I can indeed achieve anything I put my mind to, by pacing and taking one step at a time and remembering to pause take in the views along the way.

Huacachina

At Huacachina Reloaded, an overnight curated event, was the moment that I realized I’d made it to the dream I’d set out for myself.

This was my life, the image I’d imagined for so long, I was living it in waking life. Middle of the desert, bonfire going, music playing, blankets and pillows surrounding, a group of friends dancing and having a blast taking in the moment as the sun sets over the horizon. This was what I came for—

I did this. I chose me.

And here I am in the middle of that dream that I now call my life.

xoxo

Tara Terpstra 3/23/22 Tara Terpstra 3/23/22

Peru: Wk.1 Travel Reflection

I’ve now been in Lima, Peru for a week and it feels like a month has gone by. It’s incredible to experience the passing of time in a whole new way going from Covid sameness to a world of newness— people, places and experiences. Here’s the highlights from the week:

meeting my TRAVEL FAM

I’m traveling with 15 other people in my immediate group. The first week, we only had 11 of us as a few were waiting on negative covid results after testing positive. They’ll be joining us in week-2. We will also be joined by another program who got re-routed since Asia is currently closed due to Covid. They’re a group of 22 so will add quite a few to our numbers. So far I’m so pleased with all of the people here. We gelled instantly and have had dinners and different bonding events every night of the week. Since this is a work and travel program, most spend the days working in the cowork space and then we meet up late afternoon/evening.

We’re super lucky this month to all be living in the same building, have a cowork space in the building and a restaurant & cafe downstairs. It’s super common to run into people in the elevator, grabbing a bite downstairs or at the workspace and connect. It’s lent well to impromptu walks, coffee/lunch/dinner dates and all around bonding! The other countries we visit, we’ll be spread across the city in different apartment buildings, so we’re really taking advantage of the time here to get to know each other.