3/28-3/31

Mango truck

3/28-3/30

My final days in Lima were filled mostly with eating and running errands around town. The day I returned from Cusco I got very sick and ended up bed ridden for 24 hours. I must say that I am very surprised that I didn’t get TERRIBLY sick at all over the past 9 months of traveling. I guess I just have some good luck! I also visited various friends that I have made in Lima to say my farewells to them. And, of course, I packed. It took me a little while to figure out how to get all my frames from Cusco into a proper bag! I accomplished most everything I wanted to do in these final few days before my FINAL DAY IN PERU!

Beetle wing earrings I ran across while running my final errands at Las Pallas

Beautiful!

3/31/10 LAST DAY OF GELMAN

Last morning! This is what I have seen every morning waking up in Lima! I will miss this!

Last day in Peru!

Today was very hectic (obviously). Tonight I catch a red eye flight from Lima to Newark. I will arrive at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning!
This morning I got my hair done (I have to look nice for my return to the USA!). Then I met Karina for our last lunch! Awww! After eating pesto pasta together at Karina’s house (just the two of us) I was able say goodbye to the rest of the family and visit Fina in her office. It was great to see Karina, Fina, and the rest of the family one last time. I was so appreciative of ALL OF THEIR HELP AND HOSPITALITY!!  After this I met Renee for a final farewell. I will miss Renee! She has been a great friend! After all that visiting I got back to packing and then around 6 I went with Anita to get some final groceries (snacks for the plane ride!) and sandwiches for dinner.
At 7 I finally finished packing and Gloria finished cleaning my room (there are new guests here to fill my room already! Although I guess I can’t call it my room anymore…). Everything was ready and all we had to do was sit and wait for the cab. The cab was 20 minutes late but I had a nice time sitting and chatting with Anita and Gloria. I will miss Gloria and it was so nice to meet Anita! Goodbye Casa Retablo!! I will miss you! On the way to the airport there was a lot of traffic and we arrived at 9:10… which I thought was cutting it a little close. But it allll worked out. I got on the plane and everything was fine. No hang ups. AND it only cost $25 for my extra bag (as opposed to the $170 I paid when I left Russia)!! Excellent!!!
As I flew away from Lima I reflected on the three months I spent there. In the end I feel it was very successful but also a lot of fun. I am looking forward to coalescing my Gelman experience when I get back to the USA. GOODBYE PERU!!! GOODBYE GELMAN!!!
The plane ride back to the USA was largely uneventful and I landed safely. My Aunt met me at Newark Airport and we drove to my grandparents house where I was reunited with my family and my plump cat, Phoebe. Now, it is time for a nap. I have had quite a journey…!!!

Last Sunset!

Santiago hanging out on the patio with me with all the luggage (only some of that is mine.. the rest belongs to the new tenants!)

THAT is my load... Not TOO bad for 3 months... right?

Goodbye room! (this is my tea corner)

Goodbye Room!

Goodbye Lima!

Hello America (we are over North Carolina I think?)

Here I come!

Almost there!

About to touch down: ending my Gelman!

Right before my post-Gelman nap: A welcome back to the USA card from my mom (who is in California.. I am in Connecticut) and my very happy cat..