This is it.

I just sat here staring at the keyboard for a good 10 minutes, trying to think of how to start this entry (I figured once I got going it would snowball. That may not be the case.)
It's my last full night in Peru (I leave tomorrow at 11:10pm) and I'm attempting to put some kind of order to what I feel, or what I feel like I should be feeling, or something like that. I can tell already this is all going to be incredibly articulate ;)
I guess, firstly, I can say that I feel so, so, SO lucky. This has been such an amazing experience, and not only do I feel lucky that I was able to do something like this, but I also feel lucky that I am returning to so many people who love and support me and it kind of feels like have been with me all the way. There's one thing I can say about traveling: you meet lots of people, but it's really hard to get to KNOW them. It's a lot of instant friendships, and while that can be invigorating and exciting, it's also kind of sad-- you're always saying goodbye. It's going to be nice to say HELLO to everyone, and know that you all at home (or wherever in the world you are when you read this!) will be in my life for a while.
I feel as though this may be in danger of succumbing to corniness. So before we let ourselves go that route, let's do a list!
TOP FIVE BEST EXPERIENCES OF THE PAST THREE MONTHS (in no particular order):
- My host family. Never could I have asked for a better introduction to Peruvian culture or for a more generous, kind, and open group of people to take me into their home so gracefully.
- Making it to the top of that 15,000 foot pass: left me physically feeling like death but mentally like a super hero.
- Macchu Picchu. It may be an obvious choice, but I have never been so moved by a large pile of expertly cut rocks... ha. But really, what a spectacular and spiritual place.
- Annie Hughes having the perseverance (and of course, thanks to all of our supporters!) to make it to Buenos Aires. And of course, as a footnote to that, the gorgeous city itself.
- Being able to say that I have now eaten two frogs, a piraha, and a live worm.
(ok, after writing these I realize they kind of are in chronological order... so sue me).
Granted, these are all physical events. There were a lot of other things that went on that I'm not sure I can articulate. All of that good stuff like 'learning things about yourself' and 'the world' and 'other people' (Ew, I know. Who knew I would LEARN things?! What is this, school?!)
I really, really am excited to come home. But I have to be completely honest and say that I'm also sad. I think it might be a little hard to go back to 'real life' after having three months to travel, play, and, yes, learn. I'm even feeling a little sentimental towards Lima right now, a city which most people can't wait to get out of. At least there are pisco sours! One of which I am going to go have, right now.
Thanks to everyone for accompanying me on this grand adventure. See you soon.