Day 8, Thursday 12/10

I was supposed to leave for my trip today but wanted to get a few more things in order first, washing clothes and planning my itinerary.  I realized I'm much more comfortable having an agenda, even if I decide not to stick to it, rather than just leaving and playing it by ear.  This is especially true when it comes to things like this trip where I'll be taking, multiple buses, taxis, trains, planes, and staying at different hotels.  It just helps me to feel like I have a better grasp on things.

R&D took me to buy my bus ticket then we went to this yummy middle eastern place for lunch called Tierra Santa.

Reada and I went to a little cafe for a chat, then came back home.

Later that evening, Dave and I met up with Spencer for dinner at Edo while Reada went to a wedding shower.

I've been planning my itenary and blogging the rest of the night.  I discovered that my snazzy new computer does indeed have an SD card reader so I've been uploading photos onto Facebook so people can see what I've been up to.  I'm such a dork for not knowing I had the ability to put my pictures up this whole time!

Day 7, Wednesday 12/9

Felt better today.

Walked around the neighborhood, had lunch at a Chinese restaurant and read in the park.  Watched this guy and his dogs and missed Sophers.

Both R&D were out so I chilled at home.  Dinner was an empanada and gelato at 4D.  Coconut and Mint Chip make a yummy and refreshing combo.

Day 6, Tuesday 12/8

Stayed in PJs all day with really bad stomach cramping.  Dave and Reada took great care of me, buying me gatorade and medicine and feeding me soup.  Thanks guys!

Day 5, Monday 12/7

Monday Reada had a planning session to attend to so Dave took me to this awesome little seafood restaurant called Sonia's.  It's family run and the owners take their boat out every day to catch the day's fish.

I decided to make R&D a thank you dinner/belated birthday dinner and Reada requested flautas.  Dinner was yummy but I ended up getting sick that night with the Dreaded Peru Belly.

Day 4, Sunday 12/6

The day started with lunch at Taca, one of R&D's favorite restaurants for authentic Peruvian food.  Pictures to come.
Dave was going to go to a bullfight with his friends Anne and Spencer, but Spencer got sick with the flu.  While this was unfortunate for him (feel better Spencer!) this meant that there was an available ticket for me.  R&D and I had talked about the concept of bullfighting and at first I was really against it.  After some thought and discussion, I realized that these bulls were treated better than most cattle that we eat so I got over it.  When the chance to see this unique cultural spectacle arose, I jumped on it.

We took a taxi up to Plaza Del Toro Acho and it was a mad house.  We had "good" seats in the shade so our area was packed with upper class Peruvians all dressed up.  Acho is the second oldest bullfighting plaza still in use in the world and it was like a trip back in time to be there.  Our "concession" area had nice wine, tons of different food and cigars.  You buy a cushion to make the concrete seat more comfy.

Once we finally got home we had dinner at Papa John's, and R&D tradition and called it a night.

Day 3, Saturday 12/5

We woke up early today so that Reada could take me to shoe heaven, otherwise known as Moore's. This boutique was chock full of gorgeous custom-made leather shoes of all types. I made a few investments (good shoes are an investment, shut up) that I'm really excited about. Being that I'm such a shoe fanatic, this took us a good 2 hours and Reada was patient and very helpful in reigning me in. R&D had a wedding luncheon to go to, so I got dropped off for a pedicure, then wandered around Miraflores, the fun and fashionable district in Lima.

There's a nice shopping center built into the side of the cliff that opens into the Pacific ocean. It was nice to wander about and see all the people enjoying the weekend. I'm really not a mall person so I had lunch and left.

Tonight Reada is taking me along to a bachelorette party for a friend of hers. Dave baked a cake for the occasion and I bet you can imagine just what kind of cake fits the theme. If you guessed penis cake, you are correct!

Peru

Why Peru?
I booked this trip on the fly when I found out that Reada is pregnant and coming home for five months in December, then moving from Peru. I'd been meaning to take this trip for three years but since I'd never been able to use my flyer miles for a convenient trip, I'd postponded it. On Sunday I talked to Reada on the phone and heard her news and thought, it's now or never! I have the time, I have the FF miles and I have a place to stay in Lima. Three days later I'd booked a three week trip leaving seven days from then.

Trip down - Wednesday, 12/2
Juan was a rockstar and dropped me off at the airport. I had to book first class in order to use my miles and oh man, what a difference. No waiting in lines, you get to board right away, there is loads of space in the cabin, free liquor the whole flight, hot towels, lobster, dinner, cheesecake, wine, full reclining seats, 40 movies and games to play. It was great and I hope I'll get to fly that way again, but I'd never pay for it cause it's way too expensive. The flight was six and a half hours long. Dave was awesome and met me at the airport.

Reada and Dave live in this beautiful red brick house right on the Pacific Ocean. They have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom and a space upstairs for tv and computers. They've been wonderful and I can't say enough how much I love being with them again. Reada is one of my favorite people and I have missed her dearly these past three years.

Day 1 - Thursday, 12/3
When I woke up I found out that Reada's school had potential cases of swine flu so they sent her cute pregnant butt home for two days which she was sad about but I was selfishly thrilled. :) I love that Reada cares so much about her students and her job as their teacher. I want to have that kind of passion and dedication for my work someday (soon I hope.)

Lunch - Punta Azul
Puffy corn - This was a little bowl of puffy corn kernals that tasted like corn nuts and popcorn
Calamare frito - Fried Calamari with fresh tartar sauce
Causa - Cold mashed potatoes with tumeric (or they were orange potatoes), layered with a chopped fish and shrimp mayo based salad, covered in grated hard boiled egg, all shaped like a fish. This was my favorite.
Ceviche Punta Azul con Salsa Rocotto - Fish, shrimp, calamari, octopus, lime, and red onion covered in this red pepper sauce. Not spicy at all but really fresh tasting.

Dave left to tutor and Reada and I walked around Miraflores and Parque Kenedy, then taxi'd home to walk Matza and have ice cream in the park. I emailed, read The Ruins, napped, then we went to dinner.

Dinner - El Pollon
Pollo A la Brasa - Rotisserie chicken with fries, salad and Inca Kola. The rub they put on the chicken here is delish, way better than Pollo Loco in San Antonio. I could live without Inca Kola, the golden bubblegum soda they love so much in Peru. Mayonaise is less goopy and more creamy and there's always some aji or chili condiment served with the meal. I'm staying away from salad and any fruit with skin on it in hopes of avoiding The Dreaded Peru Belly.

Back to the house for some reading and internet, then off to walk Matza and get some gelato. I got Panna and Frambose or something. Cream and raspberry in a cone.

Day 2 - Friday, 12/4
Woke up around 10:30, read some, walked Matza with Dave and grabbed some empanadas.

Lunch - Don Mario Panederia
Empanadas de lomo saltado - Flaky potpie-like pastery with strips of beef sauted with onion, garlic and tomato. Delish.
Calzone Mixto - Ham and something empanada

R&D had to sell their second car so they dropped me off at a Starbucks so I hung out using their wi-fi. I know, I know, going to Starbucks in a foreign country is stupid, but I wanted to start my blog and do some trip planning, and people watching at Starbucks for a few hours was a nice way to spend the time.

Dave made us some tasty Chinese food at home and we chilled at home for the rest of the night.

Completed Items: 100 Things To Do Before I Fall In Love Again

2. Visit Reada in Peru. Visting Peru for 3 weeks from 12/2/09 thru 12/24/09

3. Go to an Amigos site this summer as a visitor. I traveled to Honduras my first year as a trainer with Amigos de las Americas.  Met fantastic kids and really got to know our objective as an organization.  We flew in to the capitol, then went to Lempira for training, then off to individual site visits.  We then bused to Copan to see the Mayan ruins.  - June 2006

National Amigos Trainers Trip to Honduras

4. Watch someone I love commit themselves to a wonderful relationship. The epitome of this would be when I got to be an usher in my college roommate Tara's wedding to Chris.  They were surrounded by over 200 family members and friends who were so thrilled to see them join their lives.  December, 2008

6.  Kiss a stranger at a wedding.  Done.  Details will be omitted to protect the guilty. :)

8.  Fly First Class  I had to fly first class to Peru to use my miles.  It was heaven.  December 2, 2009

10. Win a game of Texas Hold 'Em.  I won a round at my co-worker Nora's home one bbq.  That game lasted until 2 AM, but I took the pot!  Wait, we didn't have a pot.  Still counts though.  2007

12. Get a dog.  October 2007.

Sophers, the dog love of my life.

13. Dance at least one great salsa dance.   Costa Rica, El Tobogan, with Doug.  March, 2004

15.  Tell the people you love how important they are to you.  I try to do this as often as possible.

21.  Make tamales with your family.  My dad and I have done this for the past 2 years.  December 2007 & 2008

23.  Volunteer at something.  Amigos de las Americas, Trainer and local board member for 3 years.  2006 - 2008.

26.  Take a Vacation Alone.  Peru counts, even though I am visiting Dave and Reada.  December 2009

27.  Make individual pizzas with fun toppings. CWF, at Leslie's house with Amanda and Caroline, shortly after Olivia was born.  February 2009

28.  Invite the girls over for a marathon of something super girlie.  This has evolved into Chicks  Watching Flicks.  What started as some ladies getting together at a restaurant for dinner and a movie, has turned into a monthly ritual of friendship, wine, and good times.   Summer 2008

32.  Cook something French.  I made Coq au Vin for Bren one night.  It's definitely fun to cook for/with someone who shares your passion.  Early 2009.

35. Have a girly sleepover.  The CWF girls and I had a fantastic sleepover at the Alden for Leslie's birthday.  We drank wine, did makeovers, went to Mia Bella for dinner, then went dancing downtown.  The next day we watched movies and had someone come in and give us massages.   You're never too old for a sleepover.  April 2009

Me and Amanda at the club.

36.  Go on a “date” with an amazing friend (female) to a really nice restaurant and do the whole appetizer, entrée, wine, AND dessert with no pressure. - Lui  Now that I am a working adult, this happens more often, but it's always a good time.
 
38.  Make Mexican Mole from scratch.  I got it into my head that this would be a fun way to spend an afternoon.  26 ingredients, a roomful of dirty dishes, and six hours later, I had my mole and it was totally worth it.  I felt really accomplished and connected to my mexican hertigage. The whole time I was cooking I was thinkig of my abuelita Esperanza and my Tia Lupita, both who are gone now but I loved dearly.  Now that I've made mole once, I could do it again.  I could, but I think I'll stick to Dona Maria from the jar which can be doctored up and ready in 45 minutes.  December 2007

40.  Join a flag football team.  At my old job at GT I played softball and flag football.  I'm awful at both, but it was always a blast to but on the team shirt (Go Chupacabras!) and play with people outside of the office.  2007
 
41.  Have a spa day with a girlfriend.   Lui and I went to the Houstonian for massages and lazed about in the whirlpools, sauna and relaxation room for an entire afternoon.  That is what you call spoiling yourself.  2009

43.Spend a night dancing and singing in your room to your favorite mix of songs.  I come from a long line of singers.  No, not professional singers, sing-in-the-shower/sing-in-the-car/sing-at-weddings singers so I often crank the music up and sing away when I clean my house or get dressed.  I've even found myself singing at the grocery store. 

44.  Do something with co-workers not work or lunch related. Connect with people.  I became great friends with a lot of folks at GT and we did everything from happy hours to bbqs, to movie nights.

45.Take Salsa Lessons

46.Get a Promotion

47.Shamelessly flirt with a stranger.

48.Take Country Dancing Lessons

49.Go Hang Gliding

50.Make a new girlfriend and go out to drinks with her.

51.Be happy for an ex-boyfriend's new relationship.

Observations on the Mexicanos...

Lui and I were chatting and we came up with a list of Things Mexican People Like and it turned it to Observations on the Mexicanos in general.

• Vero: Mexicans like giving their loved ones ridiculous nick names (see: "gordo", "morena", "flaca", "blanca" "mona") Lui: yeah, my aunt's name is Celina and we call her "mona" Vero: I have aunts named Rosario, Leticia, Carmen, Margaret, and Dolores but it's "Negra", "Leta", "Caya", "Mague", and "Pilinga" and our Uncle Jesus was "Cuco"
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like excuses for parties. Vero: Word. Graduation, confirmation, baby shower, wedding shower, quinceniera, Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, tupperware party...
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like putting the Virgin on everything from candles, to clocks to nightlights to tattoos. http://www.pbase.com/ohquepretty/virgin_mary_and_los_angeles
  And we believe she shows up everywhere from our tortillas to trees.
  http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/RootWeb/VirginMaryCheese.htm
  According to that site her food of choice is a grilled cheese sandwich, but everyone knows she's all about the tortilla.
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like the old english letters on back of pick-ups (Lui: although that's a mexican-american thing)
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like naming their daughters Maria. Lui: My mom's name is Maria de Lourdes Monica. Vero: All my aunts are names Maria de "whatever"
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like naming their children after virgins and saints
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like naming their children after themselves. My dad is Roland, my brother is Roland Jr. My grandfather was Jesus, his son was Jesus and one of my aunts sons was Jesus. My uncle's father was Ray, he is Ray and his son is Ray. My dad's friend was Adrian, his daughter was Adriana and his son was Adrian Jr. And the best example yet: Lui is named after her father Luis, and her sister is named after her mother Lourdes.
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like being late to everything
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like: BBQs. Vero: and like taking leftovers home on styrofoam plates "for mijo" after the cook out, even if they didn't pitch in.
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like pinatas.
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like birthday parties. We went to Dallas and we went to get something to eat at some hotel and it was midnight and on the door of one of the ballrooms was "Alexis 1st birthday!" and of course latiin music coming from the room. Vero: You have to celebrate mijo's birthday with carne asada and beer and tres leches cake. Lui: and dancing.
  
  
• Lui: Mexican people like the song "El Rey." Vero: Any song by Vicente Fernandez is a classic. I don't know a Mexican who doesn't know the words to "Llorar" and "Volver"
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like calling everyone mijo or mija, regardless of whether they are related or not. Lui: and everyone is Tio or Tia
  
  
• Lui: Mexican American people are Mexican OR American when convenient
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like tacos out of trucks
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans have padrinos for everything
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans ask you to be their sponsor for everything. For their weddings, quincenieras, for school trips...
  
  
• Vero: Mexican women always have makeup on
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love chanclas *flip flops* and often use them to kill bugs and try to kill their children(many a mexican child has been threatened by "chanclasos") Vero: Chancla, the trabesura stopper. We feared a chanclaso
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans will willingly paint their house hot pink or neon green
  
  
• Lui: Mexican people love gossip. Vero: Chisme! Lui: all kinds of it
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans believe if someone looks to hard at something, it will get the Ojo. Lui: Superstition! Vero: My mom used to tell me that if my feet got wet and my hair didn't I'd get sick
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans love home remedies. I've been blessed with a chancla before and had an egg in a bowl under the bed to cure me of the Ojo. Lui: I was made to drink tequila as a child to help me go to sleep! Vero: I don't think that was a remedy so much as your parents were alcoholic. Lui: It was just a sip. Vero: Ri-ight.
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans like saying that the gringos are trying to keep us down.
  
  
• Vero: Mexican people will eat chile with anything. Lui: and mayonnaise!
  
  
• Lui: We like complaining that people think all mexican women are hot and spicy but secretly we love that we're hot and spicy.
  
  
• Vero: Mexican men know how to romance their ladies, but don't know how to respect them
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans will brag to no end when one of their kids or grandkids accomplishes anything but everyone esle will complain that that person thinks they are better than them or "se cree mucho"
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love white skinned babies
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans like pronouncing an "e" before any "s" word like "estudy" or "especial"
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans love watching shows where girls are scantily dressed and jump around. Lui: it's like every show on spanish tv. Vero: It could be a kids game show and there are the chichonas in their thigh high boots. Lui: there is this sports show on saturday mornings with men in suits and sports highlights and girls on the side in skimpy clothing who do NOTHING. They don't contribute to the show other than to dance in and out of commericals
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans love watching adults dress up stupid things in their television shows like that guy who dressed like a grasshopper or adults acting like little kids. Our shows are second only to Japan in their stupidity. Lui: El Chapulin Colorado! They love him!
  
• Vero: Mexican men love boots, cowboy hats and a big belt buckle.
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love cheating the system. I just went with my dad to Jason's Deli and I wanted to just get the salad bar and instead of us getting the salad bar and an entree for him, he got the entree and a "side salad" so that it would not be as expensive but I could still go back as often as I wanted!
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans love Chinese buffets. Maybe it's the fact that you can eat 3 lbs of food for $6.oo
  
  
• Lui: Mexican men love "las gueras". Vero: True, the lighter skinned the better.
  
  
• Vero: Mexicans love mariachis
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love flea markets. Vero: La Pulga! The only place where you can buy a mattress, a Frito Pie, a hammer, gold hoop earrings, and a cell phone, all for under $200 bucks.
  
  
• Lui: Mexican men: love mustaches Vero: Mexican women: have mustaches
  
  
• Lui: Mexican people love meddling in everyone's business
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans apparently love Obama http://www.amigosdeobama.com/
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love saying "Viva (insert anything here)!"
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans LOVE novelas! Vero: No one does overdramatic like a Mexican actress.
• Lui: Mexicans love trying to squeeze the whole gang into one car (just sit on their lap)
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love nalgas- pinching them, slapping them, taking and looking at pictures of them
  
  
• Lui: Mexicans love a nice long siesta after a 2 hour meal
  
  
• Vero: Mexican men want to marry someone who will baby them like their mother. Lui: oh my god yes and their moms tell them no woman will be as good as them!
  
  
• Vero: Mexican men like scaring the hell out of their daughter's boyfriends
  
  
• Vero: Even after we're dead, the fiesta continues.

Things to remember:

• You can't wait for motivation, you have to get started.
• Don't let things you can't change ruin your day. Sometimes you just have to let it go.
• Try to surround yourself with good thoughts, people, and environments. It makes a difference.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Be persistent if needed.
• Put yourself first.

In other news, I just helped my best friend book herself a wedding venue. Hopefully this will be the last city, date, location change. I feel great that I was able to be of help, and it made me feel like I was still an active part of her life, which I admit I'd been lacking.
I'm feeling a little low lately, for some reasons I uderstand, others I don't. I'm requesting some good vibes and thoughts please.