why Peru?

For my entire freshman year of college I wanted to study abroad in Spain, period. My plan was set and I was determined. After I transferred though, things changed. I know want to go to Peru. People that have known me since my freshman year are now asking me "Why Peru?" Sometimes it's with surprise and interest, other times it's with surprise and almost a tone of disgust. Well, let me tell you.
I discovered my interest in Peru a little over a year ago. I'm pretty sure it was after I had read the Celestine Prophecy. After that it's been haunting me. My friend went, my mom went, Indiana Jones came out, a new alpaca store opened up in Fairhaven (recent omen), one morning this summer I woke up earlier than my family and turned on the TV and it was on a program about the Incas. There have been many. I don't know if it's because my ears are now in turn for the words Peru and Inca or if I really am being shown some signs. Either way, I feel like it's something I need to do.

Another reason is that I have new priorities. I don't want to go abroad and be a tourist (yet) or be stuck in a classroom all day. I already do that. I want to go somewhere and play a deeper role in the culture. I want to become a part of a community or a project. Before, when I wanted to go to Spain, I just wanted to see things. There's nothing wrong with that, but I have my whole life to do that and also I can see things and help people at the same time. I'm not sure why this became a priority. I definitely don't want to go into the PeaceCorps or another similar organizations, but I know that I have the ability to do something for the greater good and I'd like to use it before I lose it, I guess.

Finally, why not Peru? I know many people hate having their question answered with a question but seriously Peru has just as much, if not more, to offer than any other country. The only negative I can think of is malaria, but that's what DEET is for.