To kick off the week, my friend Anita and I experienced a chocolate cooking class! During a 2-hour instruction, we learned how to make chocolate from these mere little beans.
We learned how the process of making chocolate changed over time from the Aztecs tribes to the European explorers. Thankfully since, human blood has been deleted from the chocolate recipe. This picture demonstrates the process of making chocolate.
To break the bean down into a paste form, we had to grind our cocoa beans three different times by hand. My favorite part was sampling different kinds of chocolate and being able to make our own chocolate creations. I made chocolate with almonds, sea salt, and even quinoa!
Next, it was off to the lagoon and salt mines. This has been my favorite traveling trip so far! We were able to drive ATV’s through Peruvian countryside to visit these two locations. Our first stop was the lagoon. Unfortunately, we weren’t given any historical facts or background of the site, but the view certainly made up for it.
After leaving the lagoon, we were able to visit the salt mines of Maras. These Salt mines are made up of more than 2000 little pools of water. The water comes from a small stream that flows from within a nearby mountain. Because the mountain is made totally of rock, there is no way to tell exactly where the water comes from or how much longer it will flow. However, the salt mines have existed since before the Aztecs, so the water has been flowing for almost 500 years!
After water fills each pool, the channel is blocked so water can begin to evaporate. When all the water evaporates, nearly 12 centimeters of salt is left behind. There are 3 different layers to this salt: pink salt, medicinal salt, and flour salt. After nearly 2 weeks of drying the salt is harvested and then put in to use. Each year, the mines produce over 10,000 pounds of salt!
The next journey I took was horseback riding to the moon temple. To be completely honest, I am not sure why it is called a temple. It was a giant stone structure that tourists could climb, but nothing like the “temple” I had in mind.
In addition to the moon temple, we stopped at a few other structures, including one that resembled Machu Picchu!
This picture was my favorite from horseback riding, but it took incredible guts because I have a fear of heights. I wish I knew how high the peak of this structure was, but “don’t look down”, was the only thought running through my mind!
Most tour guides here do not speak any English, so in addition to cultural immersion, these adventures allowed me to practice my Spanish skills. When I first arrived in Cusco, speaking the language felt quite uncomfortable. I knew I had the ability to converse but lacked the confidence to speak freely. Taking advantage of every single opportunity I have had in class, at meals, or even on tours has been the most helpful way to improve both my confidence and speaking skills. Now, after 3 weeks in Cusco, my confidence is much higher! Every day presents new challenges that I tackle with everything I have. Quitting is not an option. All these experiences are shaping me into an independent Spanish speaker who takes risks. Even though I have made many mistakes, I am learning and growing in the best way possible. I cannot wait to see what 4 more weeks in Peru have in store for me!