8 days and counting until I leave for Peru!! I'm so excited for this trip, but not so excited for packing. I hate trying to decide what I do/don't need, because no matter what I know I'm going to forget something useful. I faced this same problem when packing for college, only I solved that issue by bringing everything (moving out was not fun). Unfortunately, the airline is limiting me to 50lbs this time, so hoarding isn't an option. Oh well, I'll worry about it later and probably end up buying some stuff down there.
I was explaining to a co-worker the other day that I was going to Peru, and about how excited I was for this opportunity, and she asked me some questions:
"Where are you staying?"- in a town not accessible by roads
"What are the rooms like?" - ....no idea
"What language do they speak?" - spanish....but I don't
"Do you know anyone going?" - nope...
"What about food?" - umm? good question? I know we can't drink the water
"Is there plumbing" - I think so?
"Isn't it really hot and humid" - yea, and there are bugs too
By this point she was looking at me like I was crazy for agreeing to do this, and for a second, I agreed with her. I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. Traveling with people I've never met, to a remote corner of the earth, to learn a new language and culture all without my cell phone... But you know what? I wouldn't miss this chance for the world. Yes there are going to be some serious adjustments to be made, but what better place to make them that in the middle of the rain forest with a group of people who are all going through the same thing? Not to mention the chance to be exposed to a different culture's perspective on life. I guess I'll just have to forget about the practical concerns for a while, take a leap of faith, and brace myself for the culture shock.
