Step 2: get to cusco

(Technically) day 2:
0200 Well I am in Peru and unfortunately my body still hates me and I am probably more tense than I was before so that's fun. I get to baggage claim and the place is hopping and filled with people even though it's 0100. Oh yeah and no one speaks a lick of English. So when the lady at the money exchange rattles off her recited interaction (in Spanish obviously) and I respond with "umm mas despacio, por favor?" She laughs and speaks even faster with her teller friend and proceeds to give me my money and tell me to move along. So again, that was fun. But, on a positive note, my checked luggage is in the country of Peru!! How exciting and a huge relief.
I'm not sure why but the airline had us line up at the expected time to board our flight, however, we stood in line with nothing happening for quite some time while a staff member came through and made sure we were all in the right line. Seemed weird to me, but I didn't ask questions. While I was in line, I met a group of teachers coming back to cusco, one of which was so excited to practice his English yet I was wanting to practice my Spanish so I'm sure it was a funny conversation to any outsider. They proceeded to ask me if they could take a picture with me, again I thought it was strange, but maybe one last moment to capture on the plane for them? Who knows.
On the plane I was seated next to two young Peruvian girls who were very friendly. It was their first plane ride and they were video-ing and taking pictures of everything. When I offered to take a picture of the two of them, they were so flattered and they struck up conversation which was nice to finally talk to some younger people. Moments later, they were asking for me to be included in their pictures.  I'm wondering if these people are just interested in my blonde hair/blue eyed combo or if everyone just loves to capture the moment with people they meet/come across. As the plane ride went on, one of the girls ended up getting proposed to, it was very cute and unexpected. I, of course, was the photographer to capture the moment.
The moment of truth. Would I be able to find the project's abroad member to take me to my home stay? Well, turned out to be extremely easy and my rep was very nice and had loads of information which was helpful. We took a quick tour around the plaza and main square area and then headed to Maria's (my host mama's house). It is better than I expected! I have my own room with a bed and dresser and whatnot, but the luxury here is that they have WIFI!! I think my parents are taking a sigh of relief right now. But there is running water here as well so showering shouldn't be too tricky but very cold. The family has two cats and a dog, so I'm very happy that I brought my allergy medication and am able to keep my room off limits to them.
As my host mama leaves for work, I decide to give the deck of Minnesotan playing cards to the girls (one 10 and one 17) early so that we can play. They teach me a game that is very similar to phase 10 with some additions, interestingly enough I was extremely good at the game and ended up winning (steph and tanner are shocked right now as I was never a good sport when I was losing to them at phase 10). The family plays the game with the entire family every Sunday, so I had to start practicing!
I can't figure out how to post my pictures on here, so I will attempt at posting on Facebook!

Megan