One of my new Sunday afternoon habits is to help myself to the Sunday paper while waiting for Alvaros family. We do a lot of waiting on Sundays. Waiting for lunch. Waiting for company. Waiting for de...
Monday morning its back to my 5:30am alarm, long commute, private classes and adorable kids. Today I am sad for the loss of my vacation, but a beautiful day can easily make up for...
Even within mototaxis, the different styles are endlessThe different types of transportation available in Lima and the surrounding areas, are endless.There are big buses, medium buses and teeny tiny ...
Our 1st graders wear birthday crowns, so why cant I?I wore my crown with pride the whole day. My recent birthday showed me just how much I love Peru.Last year on my birthday, I was four weeks re...
I have a love hate relationship with Peruvian public transportation. I love it because its convenient. If you miss a bus, no worries, another one will be there in 30 seconds. Its incredibly convenien...
Early one morning on my way to school, I grabbed a familiar bus on a major road in Lima. There are a handful of buses that go the direction I need, so I generally just hop on one of them. When I firs...
There are a few events that make me really, really miss the States. Obviously, holidays are at the top of the list. But surprisingly at a close second are midnight movie premieres. I miss the culture...
After an emotionally draining two months, everything has finally settled.In February, after I came back from my extended trip to the States, life in Peru was a whirlwind of emotions. Shortly after ar...
On Saturday, I called a taxi to take me to one of my English classes. I was waiting in the lobby of my building when two taxis arrived at the same time. Confused, I walked outside and was greeted by ...
Last weekend, Alvaro, myself and Elizabeth (one of my very dear friends from high school) took a weekend trip to Ica, Peru. Elizabeth had been in Peru for about six weeks traveling to various cities ...
The joys of an American holiday season.I have no shame in saying that I have barely thought about Peru and my home in Lima over the past three weeks. I have been too busy enjoying winter weather, tim...
I am at that point where a vacation is so close that every day is a struggle to do anything but think about my vacation. Its made exponentially worse by three things:1. Im going to the States.2. Im g...
Its a weird feeling being outside of the US for Thanksgiving. Unlike other holidays, that are celebrated in the US and Peru, here no one knows much about Thanksgiving. If it werent for my Facebook ne...
To celebrate my first year in Peru, I am looking back at the past year. I am recalling the complicated journey that brought me here and seeing how things have changed over the last twelve months.&nbs...
November 5th officially marked my one year anniversary with Peru. For one whole year I have been living this crazy expat life and I did it. I survived. I didnt go home. Im even staying another year. ...
Finally, the last box is unpacked. Who knew one could acquire so many things in one year? I came here with three suitcases and a cat. I moved with four suitcases, seven boxes and a cat. Everything is...
In somewhat unrelated expat news, Happy 30th Anniversary to my wonderful parents!Really though, its not completely unrelated.A) Without my parents, I wouldnt be here (read: alive) and neither would L...
Several months ago, I found myself running errands with Alvaro´s mom and his three aunts. Four Peruvian sisters & me. Talk about being outnumbered. I crawled into the back seat of the SUV and ins...
I can now add something to my list of Lima firsts. Right after taking a Lima bus, eating cow hearts, arguing with taxi drivers and teaching children, I have looked for an apartment. Growing up, ...
Last week I was riding in a taxi when I heard the driver say, "Zoommbie, zoommbie."Confused, I began thinking about possible context. Is he starting a conversation with me about zombies? Is a...
Now that I have been living in Peru for almost one full year, I can say from personal experience that living somewhere is the best way to learn a language. Its not simply because you are surrounded b...
I grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. For most of my childhood, the ocean was no more then ten minutes away from my house. It became a constant fixture in my life and simply blended in with everythi...
After I decided to bring Emmaline with me to Peru, I began the tedious process of trying to figure out exactly how to bring her with me. I was coming from the United States and most likely ...
As if Peruvian food werent already good enough. Then take said Peruvian food and wrap it in delicious dough. Add a side of lime for some zing and this girl is in culinary heaven. Im noticing that mor...
I love my Kindle. Actually, I more than love my Kindle. I can´t believe I used to read books without one.Last July when I was visiting the States, my dad offered to buy me a Kindle because he thought...
Something I have learned about riding buses in Lima: it´s an active sport. If you choose to be a passive particpant you will never, ever get a bus to stop for you. In the race to get ahead of other b...
There are a few things about Peru that I am afraid I will never understand. Try as I might, I just get can´t there. Peruvians views on chilled drinks are one of them. At the start of winter...
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