Hi Kelin,

Peru is magical. Peru is painful.

The capital of Lima, where we stayed with my uncle (Tio)
and his family is very different from where I come from,
the Los Angeles area, in so many ways.

Family is so close there, even when you have a
close family by U.S. standards.

Yet so many people seem to value life LESS, their own
life and the lives of others LESS than in the U.S.
(But that is just my perspective.)

Traffic is ruthless and by American standards
wreckless. People make lines, run signs, and honk
to make lanes, pass, warn, and curse.

Gas has bad octane ratings, so black smoke comes out
of 75% of the cars, and is outrageously expensive.
(We spent like $200 US to drive 10 hours.)

Most other things, like food and clothing, are very
very cheap. Other things that are imported like cars
and computers are much more expensive than in the U.S.

Medicine is expensive. Natural remedies are prevalent
if you have an Aunt (Tia) like we do in the family.

Socioeconomically, from what my cousin told me,
Peru breaks down like 80% people living in poverty,
15% super wealthy, and 5% who are considered wealthy.
The government does very little if anything for the
majority of the people.

Luckily, our Tio and family which we stayed with
are in the wealthy bracket, although many cousins
of ours are naturally living in poverty.

Any money, even the Peruvian sole, is not accepted
if it has the slightest tear, imperfection, or age
to it. Also, watch out for counterfeit money, common
theives, and dangerous thugs in more places than
you're likely used to. My Tio had to continually
warn me of this.

Spanish is the main language everywhere. Only the highly
educated speak english. It was very difficult for me,
someone who really only speaks English, to create a
breakthrough in communication. At various times, I felt
very isolated. Luckily, I had my wife, mother in law,
Tio, and family to translate and continually teach me.
It gave me new insight into what it is like to come
from say Spanish to English, and how intimidating and
difficult it is and can be.

There is also a desperation in the poverty, but also
an authenticity, and a humility.

There is an extreme rush to serve and do something,
anything, at anytime to help anyone who has a little
money in hopes of some soles.

Little things which are not considered jobs become jobs
in Peru, like counting buses and the times they pass is
an actual job. Also, men stand outside of every
restaurant calling, whistling, doing anything to get you
to come to their restaurant.

Also, I got my fortune read twice. Once, extensively for
like half an hour by a man with cards, and the other by
an old man with his monkey in the park.

Needless to say, really good things were in the cards
for my wife and I, and it was a lot more insightful than
one might expect.

So many little children everywhere are begging and working
to sell things, or do tricks for the smallest change.

The dollar is worth about 3.32 soles, so I felt
very very rich there even though I'm just an
elementary public school teacher in the U.S.

Also, obviously, the sites are magnificent.

Machu Picchu, the Nasca Lines, Cusco, the Incan
civilization, and Huacachina are all places
that will truly amaze and inspire travellers.

At least, you should check them out on the internet!

Anyway, I could go on and on, and I may continue to
later on. Still thanks for asking, thanks for your
love and support, and thanks for your soul that you
share through your poetry here with us all.

Libertad, paz, y mucha felicidades,
(Freedom, peace, and much happiness)

Seth



hey there,
so i gather you just went on a wonderful trip...from those beautiful pictures. if you have the time and the desire to tell me about it, i would absolutely *love* to hear from someone whose been there...i always read about peru and different aspects and the culture...but if you can, can you tell me about it?? please dont feel obligated, i just thought i'd ask. i hope you had a great time, as i am sure you must have.
peace, kelin