It's Not So Much the Destination, As It Is the Butt-Kicking Journey

Dave and I had one amazing kick-off to summer vacation these past two weeks. Once that last school bell had rang, we packed our bags and headed to Peru where we played around Lima, explored Cusco, and backpacked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. That's right, I said backpacked.

Who would have believed that I, miss "I'd like to spend the whole day reading in a coffee shop", would strap on a 25 pound pack and climb some mountains over four days? And when I say climb some mountains, I'm not kidding around. We began the journey at 8,528 feet and reached our highest point at 13,776 feet at Abra de warmi wanusca, otherwise known as Dead Woman's Pass. We hiked ten hour days, two of which were during a rain storm and over one section known as The Gringo Killer, and visited beautiful Inca Ruins along the 26 mile trail that was built by the Inca civilization.

This is what is even more surprising...I loved every second of it. The journey was amazing, difficult and challenging, but truly amazing. The trek, not to mention seeing and walking through Machu Picchu, was the most incredible thing I have ever done. Words can't describe it and pictures definitely don't do it justice. I could try to recreate the journey from day one, but we all know that I can get pretty wordy, and I just don't think I can capture the true essence of the experience. The only way you can truly grasp how completely challenging, exhilarating, and incredible the Inca Trail is, would be to do it yourself. So what are you waiting for? Save up those pennies, book a guided trek, and find out for yourself. I promise, you won't regret it.

Final Destination-Machu Picchu, assembled gear, kilometer 82, and campsite.

Ancient Ruins, Dead Woman's Pass, Inca Terraces, D & D excited to have survived the rainy day!

The trek is only as much fun as the people you hike with. We were really lucky to spend the four days with funny, supportive, and wonderful people.

First Sight of Machu Picchu

The ruins of Machu Picchu City

Machu Picchu

I never thought I would be able to do anything like this before. Honestly, the first time I went camping was when Dave and I first got married. Looking at these pictures, and the five hundred I didn't post, I'm a little in amazement at this person I'm becoming and at the things I'm experiencing. Watch out world--you never know what I will do next.

Vivo en Guayaquil, Pero Mi Corazón Está en Quito

Oh Quito, how I love thee... Dave and I needed a break from the heat and honking of Guayaquil, so we hopped on a quick flight north. We spent a wonderful four days in beautiful Quito, Ecuador. Enjoying the many artisan markets, coffee shops, restaurants, mountains, and cool weather. I wore jeans and long-sleeved shirts, slept with three blankets on the bed, and never left without my jacket, hat, and gloves for the first time in months. It was pure heaven. Quito is a very tourist friendly destination, with people from all over the world walking through the streets. It is not uncommon to hear whispers of French, Dutch, German, English, and, of course, Spanish as you travel down its cobblestone avenues. The people are also so very friendly, pointing out points of interest that they have discovered to any other tourist they see. People often can be seen giving tips on which restaurants to try or where the nearest bookstore can be found to complete strangers they bump into. Many ar

Años Viejos, Pyromaniacs, and Fireworks...Oh My

I have to admit, it has been quite awhile since I have actually been awake to ring in the new year and say goodbye to the old. Dave and I have always been a bit more concerned about the eight hours of sleep necessary to enjoy life rather than seeing the ball drop. But this year...is different. It is 12:58 and the neighbor's hired band just started, there are rapid fire explosives (aka fireworks) going off in three minute intervals, and the car alarms throughout our block seem to be answering the loving call of said fireworks. There will be no eight hours to start off the year for the Richert's this time. Nothing about our experiences in Ecuador could be classified as typical, and New Year's Eve is proving to be no exception. The evening started out quite and low key, dinner at home with a movie. There were the occasional firework, but that isn't anything atypical. I was even contemplating continuing the tradition of snuggling into bed by 10:30. Before I called

I'm Feeling a Teacher Geek Out Comin' On!

There are four weeks left of school (28 days counting weekends), and usually this benchmark is characterized by complete and utter exhaustion. A little of the "I just need to make it through this day" attitude. Past April/Mays of my teaching life have been filled with days where I am just trying to keep my head above water. I'm tired, the kids are tired, we are all a little bit irritable, and patience doesn't seem to be a virtue that makes it on my list. By the end of the year, I am so thankful for the break to just physically and emotionally recoup. But, this year....this year is proving to be different. Thanks to some of my rockstar co-workers, I have been energized in an unaccountable way. I'm talking a full-fledge teacher geek out, usually only experienced in the first few months of the school year. Technology people, best motivator ever. Here's the top five technology wonders currently making appearances in the Richert classroom: 1. Voicethreads:

Living The Good Life

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