Stories from the field
- From Danielle WeissJournal Entry #1: coo coo for cuzco
In February 2000, I was living in Ecuador when I saw a sign posted at Super Papa, which was the best place in Quito for monster sized fresh fruit salads. The poster said "Do you love to travel? Are you a Great Adventure Person?" A Canadian adventure travel company, Gap Adventures, was "Now Hiring Tour Leaders!" Eeek!
Being a great adventure person and Canadian, I ripped down the poster knowing that job was mine! I got to work on my resume and within a month I had my interview, quit my English teaching job, broke up with my boyfriend, moved out of my apartment, sold my car and was ready to hit the road. Little did I know, almost ten years later I would have completed my tour leading contract guiding trips through Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia, moved back to Canada to work in the Operations department at Gap Adventures' head office & would then move into the role of Sustainable Tourism Coordinator where I was given the opportunity to develop what is now the Planeterra Foundation. It's been one helluva ride and though it all I've gained incredible experience, visited many amazing places and made lifelong friends around the world.
I always thought that I'd live out the rest of my days in Ecuador...until the day I arrived in Cuzco. It's cobblestone streets, mix of Inca & Spanish architecture, colourful markets, spectacular mountain scenery, plump indigenous women with big colourful skirts and top hats, exciting nightlife and eventually meeting the love of my life along with his wonderful family...all added up to being "home". So now over 9 years later, I am now based in my beloved Cuzco Peru in the role of Planeterra Project Manager and pretty much everything (minus the boyfriend) is the same. It's been nine months that I've been back here Livin' La Vida Loca. I have never been happier as I am now living in my dream city and doing my dream job.
Read More Stories from the Field
Happy Ho Ho Holidays from Peru
Loy Krathong - An Experience to Remember in Thailand
New Finished Stoves!
Special Report - An Intern's Experience in Ccaccaccollo, Peru
Being There: Director's Take on the Brazil Favelas
Stove-building Field Trip
An Experience Beyond Words
Fiestas of Cuzco and Inti Raymi
Speaking with the Spirits of the Mountains
Me & My 32 Closest Friends
Coo Coo for Cuzco
