Hello to anyone and everyone who reads this blog. Jessica has asked me to do a guest blog entry after recently traveling to Peru. After our nine-day rendezvous around Northern Peru it goes without saying how much respect I have for not only Jessica but all Peace Corps volunteers.
Having traveled around parts of Peru before, through a high school program back in 2006, I thought I had a pretty good idea on what the trip would be like -- I was wrong. Before I had traveled around the "ritzy Peru," going to cities like Cuzco, Arequipa and Macchu Pichu, staying in tourist friendly homes and hotels, believing I was becoming more worldly, when really I was still situated perfectly in my comfort zone. This time around was different. Jessica was able to show me the real Peru. A filthy yet gorgeous country blessed with so much history but poisoned by visible poverty everywhere.
Our trip started out like any other trip, I got in late and we quickly got to catching up and hanging out like it had only been a few days since we had last seen each other, not 14 months. We toured Lima, had an embarrassing night at one of Lima's more glamorous restaurants and wound up eating at good ole' Chili's, talking about the latest American gossip. After scheming our way into buying some knock-off DVDs and checking out the catacombs, we were off to Mancora, a small surfing town located on the Northern coast close to the Ecuadoran border.
Being in Mancora was awesome! The beach was right there, the mountains were right behind you, everyone had such a laid back attitude, and I was lucky enough to have been able to spend some time with one of Jessica's best friends, Steph. One night, after hanging out with some of the other backpackers at the local surf bar, Jessica quickly became famous after performing her original take on the Michael Jackson's classic "Thriller" dance. The next day, we all three had one last trip to the Mexican restaurant and then Steph went home. From there, Jessica and I were off for our romantic date. But before our romantic date at the natural hot springs, we had to get in our workout. We were led by two teenage Peruvian boys up the side of a dry rustic mountain with an 75 degree incline. We strapped on our helmets and harnesses and ziplined our way down the mountain only to be welcomed by goats! And lots of them. Once I get all of my pictures developed I'll be sure and include some of our hiking pictures to the blog, that is if Jessica allows them. Once we made friends with the goats it was off to the natural hot springs where we watched the moon rise and enjoyed a nice bottle of red wine and chicken and mayo sandwiches (mmm). Another overnight bus and boom! we were almost to Jessica's site. I was so nervous about going to meet Jessica's 'new' family. However, they were so welcoming and kind about another gringa staying with them. We enjoyed our first, and my last, meal together -- a chicken that Jessica and I supplied and a house salad. Now, I'll spare everyone the details, but after that meal I was down for the count until my flight left 2 days later.
Not too many "oh my gosh" memories stand out about my trip to Peru, yet I still had the best time of my life! Being able to finally see where my sister lives, what she does, who her friends are and how she is living was what I hoped to gain from my trip. The last day before I left, as Jessica and I were sitting and enjoying our Snack Wraps from KFC at the mall, Jessica told me what she thought she had learned about Peru and Peruvians after being there for over a year. While my time there doesn't even begin to compare to her, I did fall in love with the contradictions that seem to make up Peru. For example, in Jessica's site running water turns on at 11:00 am and shuts off at 3:00 pm yet satellite TVs and cell phone reception were always available. I could continue to share more of the things that I love about Peru, but I don't want to spoil the excitement of Peru. I strongly encourage that everyone pay Jessica and Peru a visit. Jessica is a FANTASTIC guide and really does show you the real Peru, whether you are ready for it or not!
I hope you all enjoyed my take on Peru and my visit. Visit Jessica! I know she would love the distraction!
Emily
Editor's Note: Everything you read above is Emily's original post. For once, this editor resisted the call of the red pen -- not that Em needed it, great job! Emily was a great guest; a real trooper. Being exposed to "my" Peru is not the easiest or most relaxing vacation, but we definitely made the most of our time together. Oh, and she's right, I would love visitors. In the immortal words of Rod Roddy: "Come on down!"
