Well, it is our last day in Peru. It isn't actually our last day as we are flying out of Lima, Peru on February 18, but we are heading to Ecuador tonight. Our bus leaves at the delightful hour of 23:45 and I believe it is a 16 hour busride to Guayaquil. We have absolutely no plans beyond safely arriving in Guayaquil. This provides me with the usual terrified excitement. Having no plans is wonderful, but having plans is wonderful too. I wouldn't mind having at least an idea of how to proceed, but things don't seem to work out when we have them well planned anyway so we have been living by the seat of our pants (did I use that expression correctly?).
Erik and I have been talking a lot (imagine that). We've been talking a bit about the trip and how things are going and have decided that backpacking is not entirely what we expected. We are both thoroughly enjoying ourselves and don't regret a thing, but we feel we'd be more inclined to move somewhere for six months and volunteer or work rather than travel the way we are.
I don't like being a tourist. Every city we go to is overrun with tourists and we are just one of the same. I feel we aren't getting a real picture of the culture. In Ghana I really enjoyed meeting people and having the time to get to know them. We were invited to people's villages and into their homes. We, as travelers, were the odd man out, but South America is full full full of tourists.
I feel like a bit of a complainy-pants so I want to reiterate that we are loving our trip! It is awesome and fabulous and wonderful! I don't know if Erik feels the same, but I love spending every moment with him. I really enjoy his company and couldn't pick a better travel companion.
Peru is beautiful. I especially love the Andes. There was a moment, or rather there were a few moments, while sitting on a rock at Machu Picchu that I felt transported back to the beautiful coast of British Columbia. There was a thick fog clinging to the mountain, rain threatened to fall and the air smelled so sweet and wet and fresh. It was lovely.
I love how colourful Peru is. Clothing, cloth, buildings, flowers, paintings... everything is colourful. I love the cobblestone streets and the heavy colonial influence. I love the historical buildings. I love the hidden nooks and crannies. I love the hustle and the bustle of the streets. I love the markets. I love the landscape (desert, forest, beachfront, mountain). I love that the sun is there to greet me when I wake up at 5:00am. I love Peru.
And tonight we head to Ecuador. Anyone been there? Have any advice?
1 comment:
Have a safe bus trip!! And, you are not a complainy pants at all. I totally agree that I would rather live somewhere for a few months and be immersed in the culture.
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