Dec 30, 2007

We are finally here.

Hello friends, family, and anyone who has stumbled upon Hablog Ingles!

I am very excited to tell everyone that this is our first post from abroad. After a grueling 26 hours of travel for Amanda, and a less grueling 14 hours for me, we arrived in Lima, Peru on Dec. 29. While we were ready to venture off into the great unknown, Amanda’s luggage was still clinging to its familiar American life. It never made it on the plane in Los Angeles.

We were met at the airport by Susy. Susy has just finished converting her home into a guesthouse – two days ago. I am proud to say that we Americans were the first to eat her breakfast, sleep in her bed, and stink up the brand spankin’ new bathroom. Always conquering new territory, we are! We met via email through her father, who runs a guesthouse in Huancayo – our next destination.

Susy is the nicest Peruvian. She has been so helpful with everything we ask of her. I truly hope her guesthouse is successful.

We spent the day walking – I’m guessing about 10 miles – around Lima. We soaked up the sights, sounds, Christmas lights. Most Peruvians are on Holiday right now so the streets are teeming with life.

Today I counted 5,789,789 Taxis, 987,890 adorable little kids, 43,765 people selling chiclet, and 3 crosswalk break dancers. It’s a huge city and although it has so much to offer, we are happy to be leaving its chaotic streets tomorrow for the Ano Nuevo festival in the mountain town of Huancayo.

At this point we are both dumbfounded by the fact that we have completely jettisoned all responsibilities we faced in the United States. As tedious and monotonous as our working lives can become. They fill our waking lives with activity producing a certain level of comfort. This first day of roughly 225 has been one of disbelief. We have both given up so much to be here. We have both gone against the advice of so many that are close to us. We have both spent the last year preparing for today.

And now as I sit here at the close of our first full day, all I can say is: we are finally here.

Yes, Amanda´s pack finally arrived.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lima? Really Leighton? Lima? Naw. Just kidding. Well, sounds like things are going well and you're enjoying yourself. I was going to ask if they have New Year there, but then I realized I wasn't retarded and already knew the answers. By the way, if you get a chance, try some Cambodian Breast Milk. It's all the rage. Not the yellowish kind but the stringy off white stuff. Taste great and cleans you right out. :-)

Good luck and have fun buddy.

Brian

Anonymous said...

Breakdancers? Sweet! I got some skills, you know, left over from the 80's... I notice your count totals have a lot of 7, 8 & 9's.
Have fun guys. Post pics.
-AS

Anonymous said...

Happy New Years!

-Kyle

Anonymous said...

We will be following your journey, adventure and travels. I'm happy you are both safe and happy to be in Sud America!

Of course we miss you both a lot, but we are satisfied in knowing that you will both be enriched both personally and professionally on this voyage. You are both in our hearts and we love you.

Be safe and happy and know that we are following your blog!