Maeve Travels to Peru!

Exploring Miraflores

And we meet again, Blog!

Today was my first full day in Lima, Peru, and what an incredible day it was! Along with four of my amazing peers, I spent the day exploring the beautiful district of Miraflores and getting my first real taste of Peruvian culture.

We started the morning with brunch, where I ordered French toast and fresh orange juice. The orange juice was especially delicious and tasted much fresher than what I am used to at home. It was a great introduction to what would become a day full of amazing food, experiences, and new discoveries.

After brunch, we visited Kennedy Park, also known as “Cat Park!” If you know me, you know I absolutely love animals, so this was easily one of my favorite stops of the day. The park is home to dozens of friendly cats that wander around freely, and there is just something special about seeing a tiny kitten curled up on a park bench, enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

Noticing the Details

As we continued exploring, we stopped at a local market to grab bottled water and a few essentials. One thing I quickly noticed was how different the shopping experience is compared to the United States. Store owners are very interactive and often try to convince customers to purchase additional items, sometimes even offering discounts on the spot. Despite being located in a major city, many items seemed very reasonably priced compared to home. I was surprised by how much I could purchase for just a few dollars.

Throughout the day, I paid close attention to the city itself. Lima feels busy and full of life. There are buses, taxis, motorcycles, and pedestrians everywhere. Public transportation appears to play a much larger role in daily life than it does in many places I have lived. I also noticed that jaywalking is very common, traffic lights can be quite long, and there are even people directing traffic late into the evening.

Another interesting observation was how many people carried backpacks rather than purses or bags. It gave me the impression that practicality is often prioritized over fashion, especially in such a busy city environment.

The Coastline and City Life

One of my favorite parts of the day was our walk to the coast. After what felt like countless stairs and a pretty solid workout, we reached the rocky shoreline and spent time taking in the view. The waves crashed against the shoreline, and every once in a while, the ocean spray misted us, which felt especially refreshing after the long walk. It was peaceful, beautiful, and totally worth the trek.

Along the way, we encountered many vendors selling everything from souvenirs to handmade jewelry. One of my classmates even purchased two beautiful bracelets. I also noticed that many restaurant employees stand outside and invite people inside, which is much less common where I live. Vendors here are very direct and eager to interact with tourists, which creates an energetic atmosphere throughout the city.

A Different Dining Experience

Later in the evening, we visited a fun café decorated with murals inspired by Disney movies, cartoons, and other animations. Dinner was delicious, and the restaurant even provided Sudoku sheets for customers to work on while they waited. I quickly learned that I am not nearly as good at Sudoku as I thought I was!

One thing that stood out to me throughout the day was the dining culture. Meals seem to be much slower and more focused on conversation, connection, and enjoying the experience. In the United States, dining out can often feel rushed, but here it feels like the meal itself is an event. People stay longer, talk more, and truly enjoy the time spent together.

Sustainability, Leadership, and Looking Ahead

As I explored the city, I began noticing details related to sustainability as well. One thing that stood out was the presence of recycling bins throughout the streets. It was refreshing to see recycling being incorporated so visibly into everyday life, rather than only seeing standard trash cans.

Over the next two weeks, I hope to learn more about how Peruvian businesses balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and community impact. I am excited for our upcoming corporate visits and look forward to seeing sustainability concepts applied in real-world settings.

My Goals for This Program

As I begin this journey, I have three personal goals:

1. Become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places independently, even when I do not fully understand the language or surroundings.
2. Improve my Spanish skills and gain confidence using the language in everyday situations.
3. Learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable by embracing new experiences and stepping outside my comfort zone.

So far, I am absolutely loving Peru. Today was filled with new experiences, wonderful people, beautiful scenery, and plenty of learning opportunities. If today is any indication of what the next two weeks will be like, I know this adventure is only just beginning, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

Till next time, blog!