I fell in love with Peru and I can’t wait to go back. I actually can’t wait to bring my whole family back and can’t wait until my boys are old enough to appreciate and remember such an epic family excursion. Who knew the place that would capture my heart more than any, would be Peru.

There’s something in the air high up in the Andes. Or more accurately, there isn’t something in the air and I’m not talking about just oxygen. The buzz, the electricity that you feel in a place like New York City is totally absent in Cusco, Peru. The absence of the buzz and hustle leaves you feeling…calm.

I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. I have traveled to other countries before and had a lovely time and was thankful for the experience but none have impacted me the way this country did.

Maybe I was won over by the abundant textiles woven from Alpaca or maybe it was the sweet weather-lined faces of the Quechua people I met. Sometimes the right place comes at the right time in your life.

The point of the trip to Calca, Peru was to meet the most darling couple that started the Apulaya Center for Andean Culture. In their abode tucked nestled in the Sacred Valley they teach weaving, pottery, music and history. Students come from all over the world to study there.

United Service Corps is partnering with the school to provide a cultural immersion experience coupled with community service. Half of the day will be spent taking classes in Andean culture and the other half will be spent volunteering in the local schools and working alongside the people in their fields.

I’m trying to figure out a way I could sneak off from my family from a month and do this trip. I am envious of the students that sign up for this one. It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime.