Impressions from the First Few Days

The bus ride from Lima to Huaraz was out of this world. First of all I have never seen a bus so large in my entire life, or have attendants that Ive only seen on airlines. The bus ride through the mountains was pretty shocking at times, especially when it seemed as though the bus driver was trying to qualify for the Formula One Circuit rather than keep the bus on all fours. We arrived safely in Huaraz, which is surrounded by extremely large and overwhelming mountains of the Cordillera Blanca with its jagged peaks jutting into ever higher into the atmosphere. Today we visited a large public market, my favorite part of which was the meat section where nothing was left to the imagination and I thought erin might lose her lunch(she´s a vegan). This afternoons hike definitely made us realize that we werent at sea level anymore, but provided great shots of the mountains. I look forward to getting into the field and seeing them up close.
-Nick

So far one of the most interesting, and eventful, parts of the trip was the bus ride from Lima to Huaraz.  Driving along the coast staring up at steep cliffs to one side and the ocean on the other.  Then suddenly turning east and finding myself in deep valleys, driving along switchbacks looking straight down steep cliffs.  I was somewhat afraid the bus was going to go flying off at anytime.  I happened to be sitting next to Erin the whole way and at one point she was complaining about motion sickness.  I told her to just stare off into the distance, and she did, and I did not here about it again...for a while.  Then suddenly i was called in to rescue her hair from you know what.  It wasn´t the best way to start off, but we both laughed it off (and she replayed me today by saving me from sliding down the side of a mountain).
 -Eric

So far this trip has been very interesting. The most noteworthy moment for me was on the bus ride from Lima to Huaraz. On this ride we witnessed tremendous geologic changes and a whopping ten thousand foot vertical change. Passing farmers with their spread of drying peppers and corn of so many assorted colors was an amazing site. To top all of this off were the twenty thousand foot plus snow capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanco. This place is truly amazing!!!
Joe

the bus ride up to the mountains was spectacular, and provided great views of columnar jointing in a volcanic flow
-Prof. R.



Few things are as nerve racking as losing your luggage in a foreign country. Unfortunately, this is the predicament i find myself in here in the Peruvian highlands. Luckily we have not started intensive field work, as i am without boots, a sleeping bag or pad, warm clothes, socks, contacts... the list goes on. I have done surprising well though. Everyone on the trip has been more than willing to let me use their sneakers or whatever else i need that was left at Newark. I have kept an up-beat attitude, and honestly I dont think i could be angry at all. The drive from Lima to Huaraz took us thorugh one of the worlds driest deserts and up through curvy mountain roads. Upon reaching Huaraz, the sight of the snowy capped Cordillera Blanca is enough to erase any memory of personal belongings, and i wouldnt have it any other way.
-Tim Palmer

Today we went to the Archaeological Museum of Ancash, and were given a full tour by Milton, one of the guides. His tour was quite detailed but mostly in Spanish, leaving Professor Rodbell to translate for most of us. Milton was really intent on us listening and got a little twitchy when we inevitably lost focus (we were hungry). His tour was good though and we got to see a lot of original artifacts including mummies and stone monoliths.
-Sarah Conner







So, our trip has started off great! We landed safely in Lima and traveled with little problem to Huaraz. Today we spent the afternoon hiking, eventully making it to a peak overlooking Huaraz. Although it has beena tough adjustment to the altitude, it was defnitely worth it. It has been so eye opening to be around the locals, seeing how they live and work, it has really made me appreciate the amenities available at home! I cannot wait to get out into the field tomorrow, we have a lot of things in store for the next six days! I hope you enjoy our blog and cant wai to keep you posted when we return!
-Kaitlin

Well, I have loved our trip so far (although we are only on day 2). But, as usual with me, I have already hit some rocky spots. After being motion sick for 4 hours on the bus to Huaraz, I finally threw up... all over the floor! I had been joking with Eric that I would puke on him, so I guess it was karma. However, the rest of the trip rocks (pun not intended). I know now how to identify andesite, and Huaraz was beautiful from the peak we walked to. I love the locals and I am constantly working on my espanol. I will keep everyone updated!
-Erin

Some random things worth commenting on:

Flight: was just wonderful... I really enjoy small children kicking me in the back for several hours. Luckily that has been the only negative about the trip so far.

Food: Everything has been delicious. Peruvians are apparently even really good at making pizzas. Generally I hate fruit, but it has been so good that I have actually had cravings for it.

Coca Té: is awesome

Drivers: Everyone is seemingly a professional at taking sharp turns and weaving through the streets. Maybe I´m just easily impressed because I´m a horrendous driver. Regardless, at least taking sharp turns in a double decker bus on the edges of cliffs manages to make an 8 hour drive pretty entertaining... even when movies like ¨"somethings gotta give" and "my big fat greek wedding" are playing.

Landscape, geology, etc.: Peru definitely has the most interesting natural features that I have ever seen. The mountains are obviously incredible, and what makes them even more interesting is how the environment shifts so dramatically so many times in such a short distance.
-Damon

We've had two great meals in Huaraz since arriving yesterday. Last night we ate wood-fired pizzas at BB Pizza. Today for lunch we had burritos and fajitas and some great guacamole and hot sauce at Chilli Heaven. I'm enjoying being back in Huaraz and getting to know the students. We've got a great group!
-Prof. S.



Today was our first real day in Huaraz after two long days of traveling. We all went to the market this morning and had our first experience with dead, skinned guinea pigs. We travel in a pack every where we go and hear shouts of gringo as we pass. The children are very friendly and cute though and love to wave!
Sarah Tonry


We had a good first hike today-- up to about 10,300', and the students did really well! Both professors are very pleased with how the group is performing.