Looking Back Looking Forward

Been awhile, here´s my update.

Peru is great. Cuzco is a great city. Food has been great, and there are Incan and pre-Incan ruins throughout the city and countryside. I made it to Machu Picchu recently, and it was really quite amazing. My little point and click camera really can´t do it any justice. Also climbed Putucusi, one of the hills neighboring Machu Picchu, for a look over the ruins from above. A steep but rewarding hike--something I will always remember. I am determined to read up more on the history of the Incas when I get back from the road.

The idea of Paradise Found was not so much about the destination as it was about finding freedom in doing something you always wanted to do. Now that I am heading back, should I rename the page Paradise Lost? Perhaps.... I don´t feel free to do what I want--i.e. stay and teach English--due to the hospital warrant hanging on the wall. But I have chosen to return for employment that hopefully will allow me to pay it down, and I have a large degree of acceptance for that, because that is what I have chosen to do.

People in Peru survive on very little money. Even less than in Costa Rica. Spending time here with the Peruvian people has been humbling at times. I realize how much I take for granted the comforts of the Northern lifestyle that are unreachable in Latin America. Have also been able to learn from the Peruvian example of acceptance and perseverance in spite of poverty; there are nonetheless many smiling faces here. I think they know something about Paradise that maybe I could learn from. I miss you already Peru....