Post Peru: Back home but my heart is somewhere else!

Hi all,

This is Cheyenne and Pat. We want to share with you some reflections from Peru.

Cheyenne:
Traveling internationally was an incredible experience.  I will admit that the final day with all the chaotic travel issues pushed me close to the edge of saying I will never travel internationally again. But once I was on my flight home I was able to appreciate how full and amazing the trip was and I realized that the delay was insignificant. I appreciated the baffling flight delays more because it added to the overall experience. Yes, it was a low point, but it made the high points that much higher. It made me appreciate even more the trip to Machu Picchu, the ceviche I had on three different occasions, seeing the Inca ruins, and sleeping in a strange place surrounded by people I now consider family. This trip was a stepping stone for me because now I want to see it all. I will be that annoying Instagram girl that will post Peru pictures with the caption “Take me back” every Throwback Thursday. But I want to see more, I want to see it all. I’m okay with living a modest life if it means I can travel the globe and gain experience. I’m okay with not eating out as much in the states if it means I can try different food internationally. I'm so fine with sleeping in a studio the rest of my life if that means I can wake up somedays surrounded by unfamiliar deserts, rainforests, and mountains. And I am more than okay with making these “sacrifices” because what I gain is exponentially more valuable than all those things combined. So yeah, my first international trip was incredible and I can’t wait for the next one.

Patterson:
When you leave your heart on the plane, you will always travel to find it. Peru was nothing short of amazing. The food, the people, also the new family I acquired during the trip. I love and appreciate every single one of them. When a trip like this ends you miss both the country and the people you traveled with, you honor all the memories that you won't forget. In some way, part of me had to let go in order to embrace the new possibilities that I would experience while being out of the states. Some folks cried, all of us laugh, many hugs and a lot of us were surprised in many different ways. Even though we all went on the same trip, we all left with something different. I couldn't begin to tell you what I left with. I can only encourage that you travel and find a souvenir that stays in your heart forever. Seeing the Incan Ruins was mind blowing and revealed to me that I haven't even scratched my hidden potential as a human being. Traveling is the best education you can get when you will friends it's like a pop education experience. Can't help but show up as your full self. If I were you, I'd buy a ticket, like right now.

Postcards

It's wasn't until I sent postcards to my friends from Peru that I truly understood the value of our relationships and how they helped propelled me throughout my young adulthood. 

Relationships are imperative for development. Relationship, with their unique ability to transcend time and space, and are the basis of this experience we call LIFE. It is the medium in which all of our experiences take place, and is has the potential to either enrich or harm our lives.
I remember a time in my life where relationships were not something that I cherished or paid as much attention to. Because of the instability I experienced throughout my life (pre and post foster care), I never had anyone in my life long enough to really cherish them.
But as I address each new postcard, I can't help but feel grateful for my new outlook on relationships. I'm here in Peru because people really believed in Foster Youth Cultural Exchange and wanted to support me in this life changing adventure.

Cheers to good relationships with those who matter most!

  

Traveling, Time Zones and Memories of Plenty from Peru by Jamie Lee Evans

It's day two after my trip and I've got jet drag or travel whiplash, or something like that.  I spent over 30 hours in transit back from Peru.  I practiced a lot of mind over matter about the tiny ass seats and unchosen closeness with strangers.  As I age, I become more and more sound sensitive and so enduring lots of unsettling noise and too little quiet was tough.  Also, what's up with the fact that I have perfected the art of sleeping on a one hour flight but can barely get an hour in when I have a 13 hour flight?  Traveling long distances is not an easy thing for me to do, despite the fact that I keep doing it.

It actually seems a bit morally corrupt to complain about the challenges of travel when I have, well, the privilege, to travel.  So perhaps I can just report a bit and stop whining about it.  I sat next to some Aussies on my 13 hour flight and they shared with me that they had gone on a 9 hour hike in Peru that was amazing. I asked them if they had yet come to their neighboring country New Zealand (because the beautiful nature and hiking options in New Zealand are unprecedented in my mind)...they said they hadn't.  They were both in the range of 60 and said that they had decided that for as long as they were able to tolerate traveling long flights they would continue to do that and when they could no longer do that, they would take the five hour flight to NZ.  I observed them while they slept and I watched countless movies and tv programs trying to manage the torturous feelings of being constricted in a tiny seat for so many hours - and I knew they had something I needed... the ability to chill out my mind and body and accept the close quarter circumstances and relax and sleep. Yeah, I will need to keep working on that or decide to stop these long distance trips...

I sang a song last night when my very even keeled and travel savvy partner let me know it was an acceptable time to go to bed.  I sang really loud, danced my way to the bed and felt euphoric as I put my head down and was out before he reached the bed.  I was energized in a different way when I woke up at 5:30 am, my body screaming at me, hey hey hey - wake up, it's time to be awake, get up get up get up!  My partner has suggested I stop saying things like, "In my time zone it is 2 pm and not 7 am."  He reasonably suggests that I should indeed accept the time zone I am currently living in, as my time zone.  He is so rational.  Me?  Not so much.  It may be that I can't believe that I get to travel and still want to think of myself over there to feel like I was really over there!

I only started traveling in my mid 40's.  And though I feel very privileged to have traveled so many places, many with FYCE, I still can't believe it entirely.

Here are some of my top memorable moments from the trip...

1. The many delicious meals of Peruvian quinoa, ceviche, lomo saltado, etc.
2. Seeing the Inca laboratories, which were gigantic, multi-layered steps where they experimented with what climate in which to grow potatoes, kale, etc.
3. Drinking fresh squeezed orange juice made before my eyes by a senior vendor, with my other ailing (with a cold) co-travelers, on the side of an ancient ruin
4. Hiking down five miles from MachuPicchu with Patterson and Miguel - who were hella supportive.
5. Touring multiple museums w Kate and being in awe at how she read every single card and considered every single installment...for hours.
6. Finding Paddington Bear!
7. Stumbling upon a community photo exhibit by kids with Down's Syndrome and beholding their perspectives, and catching the uniqueness of how each of them had their own eye.
8. Drinking pisco sours all over the country, and especially enjoying maracuya piscos whenever I could (maracuya is Peruvian Passion Fruit!)
9. Seeing a for real sand dune AND an oasis.  Whoa.  That was cool.
10. Being part of a dream come true when Kate got to fly over the Nazca Lines.
11. Feeling cool breezes on me while walking alone through Ollantaytamba.
12. Happening upon amazing restaurants when in Urabamba.
13. Knowing that we were all safe and making it place to place, because we were together and fierce as a group.  Also knowing the profundity of what it means to travel in a group and be safe when so many of us in this group have endured an overwhelmingly intense amount of unsafety in our lives.
14. Feeling the joy of a hot shower when we could get it.
15. Seeing the stars and the snow topped Andes on an unexpected shuttle drive over night to a town we were not scheduled to be in...feeling the cold of the air like I have never known - when peeing outdoors on same trip in the darkness of night.
16. Feeling proud with our organizers and youth travelers as we experienced new things, met new people, saw ancient structures together.  What a miracle.
17. Overcoming challenges together at airports.  That wasn't fun but it was powerful.
18. Laughing.  So many smiles and so much laughter and joy together.  
19. Accepting support with my backpack straps, my need for a shoulder down some stairs, help with my suitcase.
20. The moments alone with individual travelers, grabbing a conversation on the way to a salt mine, eating choclos for the first time, haggling for a deal from a street vendor.

Teamwork Abroad by Marisa Rodriguez

When the FYCE team got stranded in a small airport in Peru because our flight was cancelled --see previous post on this-- everyone put their thinking caps and sprung into action.


Half the team waited for our luggage, while others ran to get in line to speak to a representative. Our Spanish and negotiating skills were put to the test. They gave us the option of flying out of another nearby airport in the morning which involved taking an 8hr drive at night, or waiting two days to get another flight to the international airport in Lima.


While a few of us stayed at the desk speaking to the rep, others went to get transportation details. Also, others stayed behind looking out for our luggage and went back and forth with our passports.


We went with the option of going to the other small airport. We spent the entire night traveling in a mini van and arrived to the airport at 5am (15 hrs later). After all this work we found our 6:30 am flight to be cancelled. Again our team sprang into action to figure things out. Some went in line at check in, others went to the ticket station, others looked out after our laggage and we went back and forth sharing information as it was provided to us.


After being persistent and speaking to four representatives we were able to get on a flight to Lima at 9am. Our flight was delayed an hour after we boarded but in the end, together, we were able to figure out a way to make it to Lima. Although many of us were nervous and wanted to cry at the thought of being away from our loved ones longer and being late to our responsibilities back home, we put our best foot forward and were again resilient in this situation.

Protest in a Foreign Country by Marisa Rodriguez

Protest in a Foreign Country


We arrived at the Cusco airport 2 hrs before our domestic flight to return back to Lima to catch our return flight to the U.S. only to learn that our flight was canceled. Initially the airline said it was due to weather conditions. They scheduled us on another flight and this one was also cancelled this time they said because of operational issues. After 3 hrs of waiting in line to figure out our next steps and speaking to a representative we rescheduled our flight from another airport 8 hrs away to hopefully make our connection back home. During this exchange we learned that the reason our flight was delayed was because of a protest. Throughout our time in Cusco we learned about a protest that the local people were holding because of transportation issues in that area. When we heard about this we were happy about the community organizing but never imagined we would be affected by it. This is definitely an experience to remember.

Hell Yes You Can! Foster Youth Healing Trauma Through Travel by organizer, Jamie Lee Evans

Each year that FYCE travels we purposefully recruit for youth who have never traveled internationally before.  And we bring youth who have ongoing and current challenges related to their trauma from before, during and after foster care.  I mean, really, I would argue that nearly all former foster youth are dealing with trauma issues from being fosters.

FYCE doesn't advertise as a treatment for trauma, but I feel comfortable saying that teaching youth to travel is a method of combatting the symptoms of trauma.  In order to successfully travel, you have to build resilience.  And building resiliency helps not only manage post trauma symptoms but also builds strengths to handle future challenges.  Where a foster youth may have been told literally or figuratively that they would never amount to anything-- so they shouldn't event try-- FYCE says ah hell naw, TRY and try and try and wow, look at all the beautiful things in the world, and the ways your community of travelers master a challenge together, and how you can taste and view and smell and feel gorgeous things that you never knew existed.

We are a community of foster youth and allies, age/race/sexual orientation/gender diverse, that say, hell yes you can do this!

Yes you can walk through Soweto and make community with students in Africa.  Hell yes you can learn from feminist organizers in the Philippines who are saying no to domestic slavery.  Hell yes yu can be amazed by mothers in Guatemala supporting their families and claiming more education! Hell yes you can watch how men are teaching men to change nappies (diapers) as a way to reduce domestic violence in South Africa, and how indigenous farmers are teaching the world how to farm with little external resources and use natural practices to produce the most delicious coffee ever.  And by the way, you can taste that coffee each morning when you wake up to learn from these beautiful farmers who have welcomed you to their land.

We are saying, hell yes you can learn a new language and focus long enough to understand ancient Inca agricultural experimentation and resistance to colonization.  We are saying, yes you can make friends with people internationally.  You can talk to someone from another part of the world with a story totally unlike yours, or surprise, maybe a lot like yours.

We are saying, you can ask your community for money to support a project that you will benefit from and they will be happy to do it.  Be happy you asked. Give again and again.  We say, asking is not begging, you are not a poor foster with a hand out, you are a community organizer giving opportunities for others to participate. You are giving an invitation to join.

And fosters need joining.  We need safe joining.  We need endless examples of yes, I can count on you.  And through travel you do.  You count on tickets being purchased on time.  You count on research happening.  You count on weather and seasons and wellness and travel safety being examined.  And you may need a hand to get up a hill, or someone to hold your shoulder while you walk atop a stone fence, or someone knowing you are allergic and to keep the hostel cat away from you.

You need an experienced traveler to ask a question you might be too uncertain to ask.  You need that role modeling of how to do it.  You need to watch it be done.  You might do it the next time.  You need to witness a fellow traveler moving through emotions and handling themselves.

Last night and this morning a few of us witnessed a couple having a meltdown and going bonkers at the staff of the hostel.  We involved ourselves as much as could be helpful and we backed away when we realized our sense of outrage at the angry/rude couple made us want to punch something (or someone).  Look at that... affect regulation in practice.  What d'ya know?

Before, during and after our travels, we learn mastery through sharing responsibilities, sharing appreciations, taking turns as leaders, speaking transparently about travel struggles (occasional snaffoos about transportation, hostel bookings, events, etc.)  We face discomforts together and wonder aloud how we got to be in such a cool and powerful project.

Six of our group wanted to wander through Ollantaytamba today.  We had lunch together and then decided that one person should be the leader and that we would follow them!  We ended up walking on a beautiful  hillside, on cobblestone fences, above modern farms, amidst Eucalyptus, in glorious cool wind and peacefulness.  I am not sure that any of us would have taken that adventure alone, but as a group, we did.  We took a random walk in Peru and laughed and talked and clapped and danced and smiled and took pictures and one of us even saved a wild cow from starvation by removing a cactus that had become lodged in its mouth!  The cow was so grateful, that before diving in to eat grass that it previously could not do because of the cactus, it licked her affectionately in some form of thank you.

Let that sink in for a minute.  An urban youth who had never traveled outside of the U.S. before, took a random walk in Ollantaytambo, came upon an injured cow, built trust with that cow and saved it from future injury and received gratitude through affection.  Now let it also sink in that four other youth watched this happen with wonder.

After that adventure we met up at a chocolate museum and learned how to make chocolate like the Mayans.  No shit.  That all just happened in a few hours of one day of our travel.  Later at dinner we heard stories of the three travelers who challenged themselves to walk up an ancient Incan ruins and forts and how they marveled at profound engineering and architecture.

Through adventure, we are healing together.  We show up for each other's weak moments, we talk about our amazement, we mirror and honor and appreciate each other for strengths and empowered moments.  We try new things, we walk a little farther, we learn that we can overcome fears.  We trust.  We build our social bonds.  We believe more deeply in ourselves and others.

If you are reading this blog and have never traveled far, we hope you will follow our stories and see in each one, that hell yes you can!

Lima

Big cities around the world share a lot of similarities; easy to get around, people from all over the globe, and lots of lights and TRAFFIC. To me and Patterson's surprise, one of our taxi drivers spoke of his delivery job in Monterey, California years ago. Instant connection! 

One of my favorite parts of our short time in Lima was checking out the Afro Peruvian Museum. Though it was a bit dry in terms of current information about the Afro Peruvian population, it provided good background information about the story of the slaves in Peru.  

Although the north atlantic slave trade was the greatest crime to ever be committed to a population of people, the flip side is that it spread black beauty all around the world. Black can be found everywhere on the globe, and the fact that I can go to whatever country on this side of the globe and find people with melatonin makes me proud of the great leaps and progression Africans have made throughout the history of the world.

Another interesting chapter of our Lima story was walking through one of the public libraries in the heart of downtown. I read a few passages of a book about communism and capitalism and wish I could have brought it home with me. People hear the word "communism" and are instantly turned off by the idea because of the examples that Russia and other countries have provided for us. These were not instances of actual communism, but rather of authoritarian governments that oppressed and tortured people. I'm not advocating for communism, but I think there is a lot to learn from that system of government. What's wrong with everyone getting what they need to survive? 

  

Packing for That Hostel Life by Organizer Kate Teague

We spent our first night together in Peru, at the amazing and newly opened Miraflores Home Hostel. The hosts, brothers Andrés and Ernesto, welcomed us warmly with beautiful, homemade cupcakes and took us up to our rooms. This hostel is beautiful (and if you're in Lima, I highly recommend it) and it's a hostel...9 of us sharing 2 toilets and 2 showers in a fairly small space. Good thing I like my fellow travelers!

All of us did a really good job of packing lightly for our 10 day trip. But what I did find fascinating was what everyone prioritized bringing. I don't usually have difficulty packing but for some reason, this time around I really didn't know what I should bring so I had been asking around.

Even so I was surprised that first night as people opened their bags.

Patterson brought his CPAP machine, which I am grateful for because he'll get sleep, not be grouchy and not snore - essentially a gift for everyone.

Jen brought 20 pairs of hoop earrings, hope she has time to wear them all!

Cheyenne made sure to being a dress (in case we go somewhere fancy?!) but she also came through with the 8 sided plug - key in the hostel life.

Marcy brought a bag of medication. Need After Bite? What about Pepto? Headache stuff? How about toilet seat covers? Marcy's got it! And a sleep cocoon (google it, the camping kind).

Flo went old school with the big Polaroid insta-camera.

Jamie brought a card game called The Game (I hope we get to play it)... and some pineapple lumps and New Zealand chocolate to share. The snacks made her a bit popular.

Marisa brought the basics but she did NOT bring her engagement ring - because she didn't want to lose it. That's a smart travel tip - sometimes you leave back the most important stuff. Oh, she also brought a TSA lock and then lost the key and we had to get hella foster smart and took turns sorting out how to pick her lock. (Ultimately we ended up taking off the zipper pull and not the lock at all - it was a funny group moment.)

But Miguel really blew me away with the power strip and the box of dominoes!

Ironically, I may have brought the least amount of stuff, (tho I did include my very cool handmade million dollar scarf --the one I knitted from llama wool but never have a reason to wear because it is really heavy and warm --not needed for my new location in Los Angeles!)

Everyone has a reason for why they brought what they brought...to be more comfortable, to be prepared, to bond with their fellow travelers. Over the next few days, as we keep traveling together and have those conversations, I get the opportunity to learn more about what helps to make people empowered and feel good. And I will benefit from borrowing their stuff too!

Lima, Peru: Eating my way through South America by Jen Trujillo

On my way to Peru yesterday, I had a long day ahead of me. 

I woke up at 11 to start heading to the Amtrak to take to Bakersfield and another bus to Los Angeles, after that I still had to take a fly away shuttle to the airport. After all the bus rides I finally got the airport on time for my flight after 1 layover we had arrived to Costa Rica and still had to wait about 6 hours for our next flight to Lima, Perù. 

So, we all decided to go eat outside the airport while we had quiet some time here and the taxi driver was great people so we thought we should ask for a highly recommended place to eat nearby and we all ordered food we haven’t ate before like I had a got a Burrito Desayuno con platanos (Breakfast Burrito with Fried Bananas) and to be completely honest I have never liked stinky cheese because of the smell of the cheese but it turned out it was on my Burrito and it was very delicious!  I also tried horchata that tasted completely different than other ones I’ve tried! Then, after the great food we headed back to the airport to get to Perù.

Once we landed on the drive to the hostel we passed by the beach where it smelled so different than beaches back home -  so raw so natural.. The next morning we all went to eat at El pan del la chola which turned out to have some different kind of breads they used for their sandwiches and now that I had tried to play it safe to get a ham sandwich which didn’t end up being the best kind of sandwich but I tried this caprese sandwich that was really good and after that we went to the Cata Combas where they had real life human bones displayed from the 17th century! Also, this silver processional altar that weighted 2 tons!!! That 24 people volunteered to carry that during the processionals. 

After all the visits we got to do today we went to eat dinner at a Peruvian chinese food and I really dislike Chinese food but it was actually not bad! I had tried some shrimp with fried rice, a traditional noodle dish called Tallarina, and beef with vegetables. I definitely feel it has already been my first day here and I have been eating food I never would normally try and talked more Spanish then I do back home and already feel I’m getting my Spanish back! I did realize as well when I get back home I do want to pick up more on my Spanish.

Got Baggage? by Cheyenne Rogers

As former and current fosters I think it is safe to say that we are not a trusting group. Our foster parents, social workers, and the system as a whole, have let us down and betrayed our trust.

So how do you explain the fact that 5 former and current fosters left all of our luggage with a complete stranger?

Utter exhaustion.

Some background: our flight from LAX to San Salvador was 6 with a 2 hour layover in San Salvador. We hopped one a place from San Salvador to Costa Rica that lasted an hour. After that we had a 5 hour layover in Costa Rica before our flight to Lima. We did not want to stay in the airport, so we decided to venture out as we were all pretty antsy. We proceeded to go through customs (I got my first country stamp in my passport!) and off we went. We struggled getting an Uber and had to carry all of our baggage around as we figured out transportation, not to mention we had been carrying this luggage through the entire airport. We didn't have reception and had to remain close to the airport to still use their wifi. Only problem was Uber’s in Costa Rica can’t pull up like normal taxis do, so we went and waited at an agreed location. After waiting 20 minutes, our ride was cancelled (we only discovered this when one of our group members went back to connect to WiFi) We finally gave up on the Uber and went with an official taxi service. We had been hesitant because we didn’t want to be overcharged, but at this point it was getting late and we wouldn’t have much time. We met our driver Alonso and told him we had 2 hours to go grab some food and we wanted to eat local Costa Rican food. He took us about 15 minutes away from the airport to a small restaurant where he said had amazing caldo (too bad they only make it on Saturdays). As we were getting out of the taxi it dawned on us that we didn’t have a phone to call him. We asked that he return in one hour to a centro parke about a block away where we intended to visit. He agreed and asked if we would leave our bags with him. I don’t think we had even considered that an option, but when he said it there was no hesitation. We all agreed to leave our bags— everything. I hesitated, but felt that it would be rude of me to take my stuff while all my fellow travelers left theirs.

I think it was a combination of being super tired and hungry that led to our poor decision. I think it’s pretty much self explanatory to not leave your belongings with a stranger, especially if your stuff is worth more than the ride itself.

But we were hangry, exhausted, and to be honest took a chance and trusted someone and it felt right in our guts.

We sat down and didn’t think about our luggage after that. We ordered our food and started chatting. The food itself took longer than I was use to. I checked myself when I realized that I was feeling annoyed with the slow service. We weren’t in the US and this wasn’t a fast food joint. All of us ordered different dishes and fresh meals took time.

The wait was definitely worth it because our meal was amazing! We all ordered Aguas Frescas and different platos. I ordered pollo con salsa which was not what I had expected. I thought it would be a more spicy chicken, but had a sweet tangy sauce instead. Surprisingly, not bad at at all— actually really good!

As we were finishing our meal, who do we look up to see? Our driver Alonso! Without noticing our hour had flowne by and we were still at the restaurant. He told us he went to the parke and didn’t find us so he came back here. A sense of relief washed over us collectively since 1. He didn’t ditch us (which would have been understandable since we were not at the agreed upon spot) 2. He was back with our stuff! and 3. As fosters when you're put in a system you can't trust to hand over your baggage both physically and metaphorically and be respected and safe. It felt good to have given our trust during this experience and it not be violated. It makes me believe if we could trust, other fosters who travel (or life in general) can potentially too.

All in all it was definitely a learning moment. We took a leap of faith and it didn’t backfire. We got to try some amazing Costa Rican food and got back in time for our next flight. Thanks Alonso!

From Salinas to Lima

Starbucks in Lima Airport (They had empanadas)

I thought I was ready to go but I wasn't. I had to turn in some final paperwork for my job, send in final emails to set up some public speaking gigs, and I needed to go to the pharmacy. Did I mention that I missed the first Monterey Airbus (which would have gotten me there 3 hours early). Talk about about being stressed out.

So what happened next. I drove to the pharmacy, which I almost went off on the clerk but I kept my cool. I finalized all my paperwork and responded to all necessary parties. I called my uber and learned that Uber and Lyft drivers give out their contact in order to keep the money coming in. I made it on to the airbus that would have gotten me to the airport 2 hours early, however there was traffic (OMG) and I forget to send in two monthy report (OMG again).

I get to the airport with an hour and a half to spare and I make it on my plane. I couldn't access the laptop I had because I forgot the password. I don't like sleeping on plans, when I landed in Panama I felt like crashing out, which I did. I slet on the floor i front of my gate and set an alarm so I wouldn't miss my flight (i missed my flight back in september when I left New York because I over slept).

I landed in Peru at 12:40pm and the next person in our party didn't show up for 3 hours. So how did I spend that time, I finished my reports, sent in some other emails that needed to get attended to and finished all my tasks. Now I can begin my Peruvian adventure.

Bloopers: On the plane they asked me if I spoke Spanish and I had this mini dialogue stating "me no hablo espanol, mi espanol es muy mal. Yo se poquito palabras", the stewartess said "because you're in the emergency exit and I need to know you can understand the captain when he gives the instructions during an emergency". I proceed to say "si" many times, nodded and finally when she finished I said "trust, I will be the first one out of that emergency exit". We made it okay but I was so ready.

Getting My Passport: First Step of My Trip to Peru by Jennifer Trujillo

It's my first time traveling outside of the United States. I have taken a train and a bus and will jump on a shuttle to get from my home in the central valley to LAX - it's already been a journey to get to Peru and I haven't even gotten to the airport yet!  Truth is, that it was only a couple of days ago that I got my passport. I had everything ready for the trip but I didn't have my passport. I expected to get it earlier but I had some personal issues going on that got in the way.

A week ago I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be able to attend this trip. And after I let people know the truth about the passport, FYCE organizers jumped in and taught me that it is okay to ask for help. It took until the last minute for me to realize this for reals.

I had to make an appointment at the San Francisco Passport Agency and travel there from Fresno to get an emergency passport. I had to bring my ID and birth certificate and passport photo and money and cross my fingers that I would be one of the people allowed to get a last minute passport. It was a long day, a lot of work and I couldn't have done it all without the support of Kate, Zahra and Patterson. I appreciate everything they did to help make this trip possible for me. I'm looking forward to my first travel outside of the U.S. and to go hiking for my very first time (in Machu Picchu)!

Travel Anxiety and Confidence Building

Each and every #FYCE trip brings with it some anxiety for me.  I physically feel like I need to pee, my brain becomes unfocused and I feel afraid.  I told my partner this morning that I bet a lot of people don't travel at all because they can't withstand or endure these feelings.  I worry that I have missed packing something important, that I will lose my hiking poles, that my computer will be destroyed on the trip, that I will not be able to sleep, that I forgot to tell someone that I love them or that I didn't make a deadline, etc.

The evolved part of me sees this as normal.  The now experienced traveler in me recognizes these feelings as part of the process.  The perfectionist in me is disappointed and even mad that I am having these feelings which leads to a spiral of more bad feelings.

Traveling is not an easy thing for people who come from few resources.  I grew up in Gardena, California and to me San Francisco was a different planet.  Now I travel every year and do so with vigor and power...and I still experience anxiety.  The reason I started Foster Youth Cultural Exchange was to support foster youth to dream big and take a bite of the apples that are in front of them that they can't even see.

Many former foster youth buy $500, $800, $1000 cell phones.  Some have designer purses or fancy ass tennis shoes that they re-purchase every year.  Once a youth insisted on taking me out to dinner and we went to Denny's and they ordered shrimp and their bill was $75 (at Denny's!)  While it is true that  many foster youth and former foster youth struggle to make ends meet, it is also true that many of us end up with money to spend on concerts, sports events, fancy jerseys, grills for our teeth, etc.  But we still don't think we can travel!  We don't know that the money spent on stuff could also be used for travel.

I was one of those young people.  I never believed I could travel because I didn't see myself like I saw travelers.  They seemed privileged.  Out of range.  And it wasn't until I started seeing friends take trips and asked how they managed the funds and watched them do it... it was then that I realized I could do it too!

Foster Youth Cultural Exchange partners with youth to dream big and we show them how it can be done.  We teach about purchasing tickets, researching deals, how to travel on a budget, how to share costs, etc.  And because we have now successfully done it 4 times other fosters believe it can be done.  They see their friends in photos from South Africa, or the Philippines or Guatemala and even in my new home country, New Zealand!

Off to Peru we go, one by one we will leave for airports, get buckled into seats, overcome any delays, find our meeting spots, check into hostels, jump on buses, trains, domestic flights, translate money and time zones and languages.  I'm proud to be part of something that helps build confidence in youth to do something they could never have dreamed of without us.  And when they return they are never the same.  They travel more.  They talk more.  They share more.  They have trinkets and clothing that launch stories of adventure and fearlessness.  Or maybe there was fear, but it was overcome.

Each time I travel I have to wade through anxiety, fear and uncertainty...then you get your sea legs.  Thank you to all the supporters of this awesome project that help all of us grow our power and strength in the world. #confidencerocks #buildconfidencethroughtravel

Dreaming of El Pan del la Chola... by Cheyenne Rogers

I’ve been thinking about Peru food a lot lately. It actually feels more like the idea of Peru and its food has been standing out to more and more as we get closer to our trip. I looked in my fridge earlier and an artichoke jar had “made in Peru” on the label which I found entertaining.

Also, last night at dinner I had some awesome bread from an Italian restaurant and it got me thinking where the best bread in the world is made (I intend for my future travels to be dictated by food more than sights or tourist attractions). One of the best bread places listed in an article I found was Lima, Peru. What a coinkidink as we are landing in Lima! The Bakery is called El Pan de la Chola which means the Bread of the Chola (chola can mean various things, but I have always known it be somewhat of a female gangster). The name alone is enough to peak my interest and make me want to visit. Putting this out there in hopes that our traveling group by happy chance runs across this bakery during our travels.

Anyways, food is something I look forward to more than anything on this trip because I have yet to try food from a Peruvian restaurant. I am a little worried that I will try authentic Peruvian food and be forever haunted by the delicious meal that no Peruvian restaurant in the states will be able to satisfy my cravings.

Just kidding. I am a lot worried by this.

A popular dish I must try is Aji de Gallina, which I think is a stew like chicken dish? From my understanding it is the spices and chilis that really make this dish what it is.

Next up is the Peruvian ceviche. As an avid eater and bit of a ceviche snob I am very nervous/excited for this dish. In my region of Mexico it is made with shrimp, limes, red onions, serrano chiles, and cucumber. The shrimp is cooked by the limes acid and salt is added after. Add a couple more serrano chilies and you get aguachilies. Anyways, everytime I try other variations of ceviche from other regions of mexico or other countries its really hit or miss for me. The simplicity of my ceviche is what I love and some ceviches are to overpowering with all their ingredients. From looking at Peruvian ceviche it reminds me a little like Poki. It uses fresh fish, red onions, and potatoes….WHAT! That in my opinion will not mesh, but we shall see!

Peruvian food I am coming for you!!!





#TravelingFoodie



UPDATE: We went to El Pan de La Chola!

Transportation

Peru is an interesting place to get around in, the main forms of transportation are taxi, buses and plane flights within the country. To give you an idea what that will look like:
Quito-Lima (bus): 25 hours
Lima-Cuzco (bus): 24 hours
Lima-Cuzco (plane): 1.5 hours

The locals use bus, taxi and their personal vehicles to get around the country. Taxis can also be motorcycles and that can be fun for tourist, though we won't be using this as a form of transportation. When it comes to grabbing a taxi in the country, the price is not fixed but negotiated with the taxi. The best advice as a tourist is to ask the hotel or hostel staff about what is a good/average fair price for the area so we don't get hustled out of our money.

With that being said, we will be landing in Lima and checking into a hostel. Later, we will be taking taxis to Urubamba (spending the night in a hostel), Ollantaytambo (spending the night in a hostel) and then Aguascalien (hostel again), all with the hope of meeting some local activist groups who are doing social justice work and doing systems change work for foster youth/orphans. This will all take place between July 31st to August 4th.

We should arrive at Machu Picchu on August 5th, and explore one of the wonders of the world. We all need to remember to bring our hiking shoes and smartphones for pictures (Peru has Llamas). On August 6th we will travel back to Cusco then Lima and fly out of Peru August 8th.

We have a couple members in our group who speak Spanish and this will be helpful navigating our way around in the country. We will be using a guide at Machu Picchu and potential the assistance of a peruvian friend (of one of the travels).

I'm super excited for this trip, and we will be blogging while we are in the country. I know everyone reading this would love to be there will us in the physical. Even though you will be at home reading this from a computer screen or from your phone, you can give to the cause by sending positive vibes through comments, tips about the country if you have been or being a philanthropist by clicking this, I am a Philanthropist.

Please consider financially supporting our experience! PAYPAL LINK HERE!

Our trip is around the corner, and I can almost taste the roasted guinea pigs! 😁

I sincerely hope the readers have been enjoying the blog posts as we get closer and closer to our trip!

We are a group of 15 former and current foster youth who are using our own funds to buy our way to Peru and are raising money via any sized donation to help subsidize our learning experience. Along with things like hostel accommodations, food, and transport within the country, we are raising money for donations to organizations that we are meeting with out there.

Please consider shooting us any sized donation to help us on our mission. A $1 contribution could help us with a bottle of water for one of our travelers, and a $10 donation could help us with a night at a hostel.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=eTASeq577TYW1ZYopyTlXbS8cf_WHuVUKinWdWKmXguuPlnAls5FEM3hyP5X90zK0E0vpm&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Stay tuned for more blog posts! We leave on July 29th! 😆

check out my taino2k17 blog!

Hey everyone!

Last summer, I made a solo trek throughout the Caribbean Islands. Starting in Puerto Rico, making a stop in the Dominican Republic, and ending with a 3 & 1/2 week backpacking journey through Cuba. Throughout the month long trip, I learned more about my family heritage, ran into fellow Californians, and almost ran out of money towards the end of the trip! 😮

If you like this blog, you might like what I wrote about my adventue! Please comment and engage other viewers in conversation (=

https://taino2k17.blogspot.com/

We made it out the group home!

Hey all! Thanks for your continued support with Foster Youth Cultural Exchange!

As we get closer and closer to the trip, it's finally starting to hit me that I'm going to a whole new country with people that I care very deeply about. Traveling with your foster brothers and sisters is a particularly amazing experience because we all share similar experiences of being institutionalized in a government system. Because of our similar life situations, this trip presents a unique opportunity for personal growth.

When I was 15 living in a high level group home, traveling out of the country was something that just didn't seem attainable. They keep you on a pretty tight leash at places like that. I couldn't go anywhere or do anything without the approval of an adult in my life.
When I got the opportunity to go to New Zealand with FYCE a couple years ago, some of my favorite moments I shared with my brothers and sisters were when we exchanged group home stories. Every exchange ended with a warm reminder that we had "made it out the group home". It will be exciting to see first timers' reaction as they step into the airport in Lima!

Hoo-ray for making moves and breaking barriers! Let's do this, fam!

Peru's Sacred Valley...

I have just learned of Peru's Sacred Valley from another traveler on the trip. I have learned that the Sacred Valley is in the neighborhood of Machu Picchu. This area includes the Andean mountains and the valley surrounding the Urabamba river. The scenery is supposed to be beautiful and there is hiking and guided tours that one could take. This place has a low altitude of 9,514 ft. compared to Cusco at 11,152 above sea level. This place has some of the most popular Inca Ruins in the world according to an article I read. There are many agricultural terrence and lots of steep mountains. This is a site that is a must see. Something that our group might get a chance to see after our Machu Picchu adventure.

Did you know of the different ways you can get sick in Peru from just the altitude?

Peru is a country in South America, situated on the western side of that continent, facing the South Pacific Ocean and straddling part of the Andes mountain range that runs the length of South America. Peru sits at a high elevation of over 3,000m (9842.52ft).  It is common for tourist to collapse when in Peru due to the lower amounts of oxygen available at the high altitudes. Your body can respond in a variety of ways; such as hyperventilation, increased urination, periodic breathing (the body forgetting to breathe for up to 15 seconds before breathing hard/rapidly), dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting/nausea, confusion, difficulty walking, feeling ill, failing mental function, and/or decompression sickness.


Our group will need to stay hydrated and carry extra fluids with us on the trip. This could definitely impact the trip if one or more people get sick. If this sounds like something you would like to help us mitigate, please give. The money can be used for us to use local remedies thank you.

Give/Help: Click Here Right Now

Thriving Asian community in Peru

I think it’s a trip that there is such a strong Asian presence in Peru. I saw maybe a few Asians in my travels to Latin America up until now, but I feel like Peru is going to stick out from everywhere else. Peruvians had a Japanese president for several years before stepping down due to a corruption scandal. His daughter ended up running for President as well.

In the early 19^th century, big numbers of Japanese emigrated to Peru because of deteriorating economic conditions in Japan after the first Sino-Japanese war with China. When they got to Peru, they struggled as a minority and experience discrimination and racism, but now live alongside fellow Peruvians as business owners and contributors to Peruvian society. Below I've linked some information about this amazing minority of humans whose work ethic has reached across oceans. 

http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2007/5/24/japanese-person-in-peru/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Peruvians/ 

One of my favorite parts about trips like this is the research going into the trip. I'm learning so much about Peru. My political science class from last fall, "Political Systems of Latin America", has provided me with enough background knowledge of Latin American history so that navigating through research and contextualizing what I'm reading has been a little easier.  Woot Woot for learning!

Voy a Peru!

Peru is going to be an adventure for the books. After spending a month and a half of last summer traveling the Caribbean and 2 breaks from school in Puerto Rico with my family just this year, I am more than ready to jump back into Spanish-speaking Latin America and indulge in my Latino heritage for a third time this year. 

I have invested a lot of time and mental space into Latin American politics this past year. Since I began my studies at Cal State East Bay, I have really dived into this political science thing, often finding 25+ tabs of Wikipedia articles open on my internet browser at a time about Latin American history and their political issues. Peruvian politics and their unique demographics are so interesting. I can’t wait to share some of this information that I’ve gathered through my studies and research with the rest of the group. I’m sure a lot of them have already been doing their own research as well! I shared a working powerpoint with everyone with some basic info and youtube videos about Peru's recent politics and the history of Maccu Piccu. 

I am seriously considering going to live in Latin America sometime after graduation. Hopefully this trip inspires me to finally make the jump!

Meet our last #18FYCE Organizer - Marcy Valenzuela!

Hey ya’ll! My name is Marcy Valenzuela.  I'm from Los Angeles and this is my 3rd trip with Foster Youth Cultural Exchange. I’m a former foster youth, social justice advocate and world traveler! I started traveling in the states at 18 and internationally at 24. I absolutely love exploring, tasting new foods and getting immersed in different cultures. I am so honored  to be one of the community organizers this year! I am so stoked to visit the beautiful country Peru! This has always been a dream destination !! I am so lucky to be able to celebrate my 30th birthday with amazing people and community in Cusco this year. 

International Travel... What to pack?

I recently made a big move in my life and the packing of 51 years of life has done me in.  The photo below is the last bit that accompanied me a week ago when I flew off to NZ.  Now I am faced with packing all over again for Peru!  My backpack that I used in NZ (FYCE 4) and Guatemala (FYCE 3) is waiting to load a shipping container in California, so one of the bags below is gonna have to do.  How many pairs of underwear?  How many socks?  Will I need a raincoat?  How will I fit in my hiking poles? 

I know from experience that if I am doing a lot of walking I will need more than one pair of shoes... I could wear my hiking boots on the plane and that will help, but then I should bring two pairs of tennis shoes so that I can change up and that helps my feet.  I have a couple pairs of that wicking and easy to wash underwear... I remember washing those in hostels and hanging on the sides of beds, but how many more should I bring so that I can always have a fresh pair of undies regardless of my time to hand wash?  These are traveler questions...oh, and from past experience, I need to bring an extra bag or come with a bag that is not quite smashed full so that I can bring back a few treasures.  I just sampled some Peruvian chocolate that was quite interesting... might need to bring home a few bars of this to share!  One of the many great things about FYCE is that we learn together how to travel.  Young people who have never been out of the country learn how to dream, plan, pack and travel!  Our next call will surely include a suggested packing list.  We are about three weeks from departure and it's getting exciting! #fostertravel #fosteradventure #fosterconfidence #fostermoreforyouth

Organizer Eli Lopez

Hey, I'm Eli and I am excited to take another adventure with Foster Youth Culture Exchange, (FYCE). This will be my 4th international trip with the group and I have learned a lot about international travel. I'm most excited for the opportunities that come from the planning process and time in country. I can recall many lessons and growth coming from the members of the trip. I strongly believe in youth leadership development and this program gives an opportunity for youth to experience leadership opportunities. The research and planning for an international trip with a group is no easy task. Through the months leading up to the trip, there is a lot of work that goes into the trip and to see students learn throughout that process is incredible. I am looking forward to all the adventures that are ahead. Follow us on the journey and I know you'll be inspired. 

Meet Return Youth Traveler: Miguel Almodovar

Miguel is a junior at California State University East Bay studying political science and currently sits on the Board of Directors of California Youth Connection. He bartends in Oakland on the weekends, while maintaining a strong passion for youth advocacy. When he's not advocating, studying, or bartending, you will probably find Miguel playing his guitar or at a skatepark in a different country on his rollerblades.

Foster Youth Cultural Exchange: Organizer Patterson

Foster Youth Cultural Exchange: Organizer

Hi everyone my name is Patterson Emesibe and I am an adult organizer with this group. I am a former foster youth, who aspires to be a social entrepreneur. My role in this trip is to be a guide for various young people as they experience Peru and as well as help them understand the stories of local Peruvian activist. This is my 4th time out of the country but first time in an intentional way to bring back what we learn in order to impact change in the states (specifically California). I can't do this alone, A lot of you know my heart and know I am all about helping. With this group, I am helping in fundraising. I have put up a lot of my own money and I invite you to also do the same. Please click below and donate $500, $100, $50, $20 or $10. Everything helps and all of it goes towards supporting the young people in (paying for tickets to go and travel around the country, lodging, activities, donation to local grassroot organization, and more. Click below and help.

Give: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KBQ54ZZG9FPZS

Meet our "seasoned" 3rd time youth traveler, Flo Valenzuela!

Hey guys, my name is Flo! I am currently a first year at UCLA studying Sociology. This will be my third time traveling with the Foster Youth Cultural Exchange and I can’t wait to take you on this journey with me.

As an 18 year old foster youth, I am blessed to say I have traveled internationally twice and have aspirations of becoming a life long world traveler. This trip will continue to fuel my passion for traveling and expand my skills on how to plan international travels. FYCE is teaching me that exploring the world is a gift that everyone deserves, including foster youth. Can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Foster Youth Cultural Exchange: An Experience of Firsts by Organizer, Kate Teague

When I think of think of the Foster Youth Cultural Exchange, I think of all the "firsts". For some travelers it's been the first time traveling outside the United States, for one traveler it was the first time on an airplane, for some it's the first time finding and coordinating a cultural exchange with a community group in the country we're visiting, the first time being a translator, the first time staying in a hostel and so many more. For me, FYCE has been the first time planning a trip beyond a flight and where to stay the first night.

Traveling with a group is such a different experience from traveling individually. Although you give up the autonomy of doing what you want, when you want, the fellowship of travelers and the access to a whole different experience of traveling is what you gain. I think of tour of Soweto given by a youth from the Kliptown Youth Program and learning about the leadership of youth in the anti-apartheid movement; the 3 days a guide from Gabriela spent with us, facilitating many meetings including one with women who worked together to establish childcare and economic empowerment services in an unsanctioned community; our stay on a farm in a Mayan community where we learned about the Guatemalan civil war in a country where people were afraid to talk about it; and a visit to Parliament to hear debate on legislation that would restructure foster care in New Zealand.

As we are planning our trip to Peru, I wonder what the "firsts" will be on this trip and I look forward to the community building and learning we will do as a group of travelers.

Meet our first time international youth traveler: Jennifer Trujillo!

Heey Everyone!

My name is Jennifer Trujillo, I'm 18 years old and have been a member with California Youth Connection for almost 2 years now. I was inspired to change and better the system not only for my younger sisters who are in the system but for younger generations to come. I have a voice in CYC and I am definitely being heard.

I'm currently attending College of the Sequoias for my first time this year, I've wanted to help people growing up emotionally, physically and etc. I always make an impact in their lives, it always makes me feel better doing something good for others than for myself.

I've also wanted to be a professional dancer, silly I know, but Dancing has always been a form of art to me and it something that made me extremely happy when I was going through a hard time in Foster Care dealing with my own demons and going from home to home. I wasn't the best kid growing up, I made a lot of mistakes but it helped strengthen me. I'd be lying to you if I said I'm ok, I believe after everything that happened to my siblings and myself I'll never be ok but I recently found peace and happiness within myself knowing I'm ok with not being ok!

Traveling has been something I was afraid of and it felt way out of my comfort zone and with this trip to Peru I'm stepping out to do something I would have never imagined doing! I'm always going to be eternally grateful for having this precious opportunity to travel outside of the U.S to Peru with FYCE for my very first time! I'm definitely nervous but excited. I give all my appreciation to all the people who have supported me throughout this journey.

Meet our next Youth Traveler: Marisa Rodriguez

I'm from SoCal and have Mexican roots. My "Abuelitos" (grandparents) are my inspiration- they were farm workers and the hardest working people I know. I'm a foodie, obsessed with reality t.v and engaged to my boyfriend of nine years. Growing up and transitioning out of foster care, my focus was on survival. I began traveling through study abroad programs in college and it quickly became a passion of mine. It is my dream to travel all of Latin America and continue to educate myself about the history and culture of other Latino countries. Joining FYCE this year in Peru will bring me closer to making this dream a reality, and for some of my peers it may be the start of a similar dream. I've received my Bachelor's in Social Work from CSULB. I want to broaden my understanding of community building, and learn from and grow with this experience, so it can inform my advocacy within the U.S.’ foster care system. Often times the U.S. is seen as the “model” country but other countries also make meaningful programs and interventions for youth that are disenfranchised/vulnerable and I am excited to learn more about them!

Meet our next youth traveler: Cheyenne Rogers

Cheyenne Rogers, whose foster care case originated in Los Angeles, is currently a student at UC Riverside in her final year. She is studying Political Science and Public Policy while raising her 6 year old daughter, Layla. She is passionate about foster youth rights and advocacy. Her ultimate goal is to work for foster youth in some way to give back to her community as well as to change the outcomes for foster youth.

Meet Extraordinary Organizer: Rebecca Louve

Rebecca Louve is a Social Worker for Solano County and enjoys working with foster youth. She graduated with her Master in Social Welfare from the University of California Berkeley in May 2016 and is currently working on becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Previously she worked for California Youth Connection as a Regional Coordinator from 2008 to 2014. Rebecca sat on the California Redesign Taskforce in 2002, was a Congressional Intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in 2006. Rebecca volunteers as a mentor for young women in her community and travels with current and former foster youth with Foster Youth Cultural Exchange annually. She is passionate about advocacy, youth leadership development, cultural and travel experiences. Rebecca is a former foster youth from San Diego, California and has dedicated her career to empowering foster youth to create change in their communities.

Meet the 2018 Organizers... Starting with founder, Jamie Lee Evans

My name is Jamie Lee Evans.  This is my 5th trip with FYCE and in July we will travel to Peru.

 I am the daughter of Gloria Evans and Guey Wong Lee.  

My father was an immigrant from China, My mother is of Welsh heritage.  My father died young and my mother had issues, so I spent some of my childhood in foster care.  I grew up in Gardena, California and never believed people like me would have the chance to travel.  At 43 something burst open inside and the world changed.  I started traveling. First to Thailand.  And as soon as I experienced the air, the people, the difference... I wanted to bring that experience to other former foster youth.  That is how Foster Youth Cultural Exchange began. I made a little story about it.