First impressions!

So much has happened in the last week, it's mad. So I managed to get on the train and say goodbye to my fam, it was bloody difficult but I know (hope) it'll get easier over time! I was so lucky at the airport and managed to get away with 2 bags which weighed like 40 kilos when I was meant to have one weighing 23 kilos woo! Anyway yeah, the flight was better than expected, I watched the Lego movie then slept the rest of the way, despite the horrendous turbulence leading up to Brazil. 

The hostel we stayed in for the first few nights in Lima is lovely, and it meant all 8 girls got to spend some time together before going to our projects. We got a minibus there and the roads are crazyyyyyyy- I mean I've seen worse but they are far from the civilised roads back in the UK! 

I had a bit of a blonde moment and tried to pay 108 soles for chips and a drink, that being around £25, but thankfully they laughed and explained it was 10.08 soles, not the best way to start the year I must say... 

Our morning flight to Trujillo was cancelled so we had to get one that night instead, because of this the airport paid for our taxi transfers, a room in the Sheraton and meals that day, plus $150 on flights anywhere with that airline, what madness. It was such a luxurious day which would be the total opposite of the next day!! 

Arriving in Trujillo was the complete opposite of arriving in Lima, there was so much free land around and the runway was literally just on the sea front! Anyway we arrived in the Aldea and slept in casa ocho (house eight) with the children there. We thought this was just for a night however the next morning they moved us to casa dos, this being when we found out we don't have a house...

We were told there was a house just for volunteers, however they are building new houses which will be ready at some point at the start of September, due to this we have to live in a house with the tias and children till then. This involves sharing a room with a girl called Alhondra who is lovely. 

However it also means living out of our suitcases and I have to stay on the top bunk which I must say is a bit of a challenge. In addition to this fact there is no privacy whatsoever... But I can't complain as these people have welcomed us into their home with open arms, something which I am truly grateful for. 

I've only slept in the Aldea for two nights but it already feels like weeks. The children are so loving and happy, I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye when it comes to leaving. It'll be like saying goodbye to my family again, except this time knowing it'll be the last goodbye. 

There is a one year old baby called Jandy who is the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen. 

The language barrier is more funny than anything, the Tia's and children laugh at us A LOT, but we will get there eventually I'm sure :) 

On a negative note I was sick on day two at the Aldea, but thankfully it didn't stop me from doing anything. Sometimes it feels like I'm causing more trouble with the kids by laughing too much instead of helping, but other days  it's different. I spent yesterday morning helping an older boy with his English, however I didn't know a lot of the words in Spanish Hahaa, but still I felt useful. 

I have had bouts of homesickness throughout the week, on the odd occasion I have had time to think, but that's to be expected. I just didn't think I would struggle as much, but I guess this year is all about growing as a person, and this will most certainly help me grow in the long run. 

So yeah, I've spent today in the city and it's beautiful, like I think it's one of the most picturesque places I've ever seen. We had a local lunch and there was so much food for £4 Hahaa, and a local man came and eat with us- everyone is just crazy friendly. It just wouldn't happen back in the UK. I've managed to get internet and call home which was amazing. I just can't believe I'm here and this is real life. 

I don't really know what to say, I realise I've blabbed loads but I think my family will appreciate the stories haha! Missing everyone but having the most amazing time! 

The night before departure...

So the night has come when I have to accept the reality of one night left in my own bed, what a crazy thought... 

The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, and for someone who isn't a fan of tears it's been one hell of a rollercoaster. I got home from a holiday in Prague with my friends to have a leaving party two days later, this being the last time I would see my friends and a lot of my family for the year; my mum had got masks printed of my face which everyone wore. Now this I wasn't expecting, especially going into town that night and seeing my face everywhere, including the bathroom floor aha! It was such a lovely gesture along with many others and it's made me realise how blessed I've been with all the support my friends and family have provided- and the banta banta over the past however many years! There were some tears shed, especially with the influence of alochol (it was a leaving party after all), but goodbyes aren't meant to be easy are they??

The next night was a meal with all my extended family, now this had to be the hardest part, not only did I say goodbye to my grandparents, but to my nephews who mean the absolute world to me, how I'm going to cope not seeing them for a year is un-comprehendable and something I do not wish to dwell on. 

But then again it's only 365 days I guess........

My last day was spent packing, something which I hadn't even considered until 24 hours before my departure. Alongside with saying goodbye to a few more family members including my cousin. I'm going to miss my little pumpkin loads, just looking forward to come home and meeting the new pet pug hahaa, love you petal 

Now anyone who knows me well would be aware I don't pack light, this being quite an issue when attempting to cram a years worth of stuff into a rucksack. This was a mission impossible task considering I'm taking away a keyboard and a years worth of medication, hence the extra baggage which I will have to pay for, oops 

Either way I am almost completely packed apart from a few last minute things, advice for anyone going away in the future, pack in advance, it would be so much less stressful hahaa 

Then tonight's goodbye was with my sister after a meal out with my immediate family, I'm not too sure how I'm going to cope living so far away from her as this isn't something I'm used to, but it was a lovely and happy goodbye, most likely as it hadn't sunk in yet. Either way, It's going to take a lot of getting used too...

This was also meant to be the goodbye to my brother, however I was surprised with him taking the day off work and staying home for the night so he could wave me off tomorrow: what a radgie. 

Now that's three final farewells tomorrow rather than two, on the plus side I managed to convince him to take a selfie for my wall next year which was as close to a miracle one could get :) 

I'm not too sure how tomorrow is going to go, it's all been so surreal and hasn't quiet sunk in yet, hence the rambling which I do apologise for! 

My family have been the best one could ask for, it's going to be such a challenge without them by my side but I know it'll be worth it in the long run. I'm going to miss you guys incredible amounts, your kindness is something which has shaped me into who I am today and I am eternally grateful for that: as corny as it may sound! I don't know how I'm going to manage without them, love you all stupid amounts!

So yes, I guess this is it until the next time I get internet in Peru, which I hopefully will at some point aha! A massive thank you for all the support and I'll miss everyone loads, see you all in a year!!! 

What am I doing???

Right so 12 days till I leave for Peru and the feeling is so surreal, especially seeing as though I'll only be spending 6 of them in my own sweet, sweet bed.

I'm starting to have the 'what the bloody hell am I doing' feeling and I'm not too sure how to condense what my year ahead has to hold. After seeing the Honduras group leave and say their goodbyes it's becoming real how difficult the concept of saying goodbye is going to be, especially to my nephews who will grow so much whilst I'm away! However I know that this is something I've always dreamed of and it's definitely the right path to take. 

So yeah, I'm starting to get nervous, but thankfully that hasn't killed my vibe of excitement- wish me luck with packing a years worth of stuff into a suitcase.