No, wait! Peru's been great!

I am writing this as a follow up to my last blog post, "The First Trip Home". I didn't mean to make anyone feel bad for me or to offend anyone either! If you've read my other blog posts or seen any of our pictures, you know that I've had an abundance of great times in Peru. I've enjoyed all the travel to a variety of beautiful, historic locales around the country and I've relaxed during weekends at beach houses and resorts. I've hiked, biked, ziplined, river rafted and catamaraned. I've danced at clubs until the wee hours of the morning, which we haven't done since we were young! I've karaoked, played cheap slot machines, listened to live music, and learned to drink whisky and ginger ale. I've enjoyed various food, wine and pisco festivals, even Oktoberfest! I've eaten fresh ceviche on the beach, and fresh cuy in the Andes! I survived crazy soccer games and crazy combis! I have great memories of all the delicious food, smooth pisco sours, restaurants and cafes open until late (or early, depending on how you view the middle of the night!), outings with our fun Meetup group, nice family get-togethers, and inexpensive movies in luxurious theaters with the best popcorn and a Cusqueña!


It hasn't been Spanish only! I've read about 25 books, watched the whole short season of "Homeland" and way too many CSI and Law & Order episodes. I got to watch the entire NFL season at home and at a sports bar, so I didn't miss my team on its way to another Super Bowl win. The Peruvians I've met through our Meetup group are bilingual, and a few of Kiko's family members speak English. And of course there's Kiko, expats, and  Rihanna! 


Anything having to do with service is less expensive here, so even though I'm not working, I've been able to keep my hair highlighted and my toenails pedicured. The dogs get a trip to the groomers every three weeks instead of every three months.


I've tried Pilates, different types of yoga, and after seeing a nutritionist, I'm now invested in walking for health AND transportation.


I've learned new skills. I can communicate in Spanish and carry on conversations. I can negotiate prices with taxi drivers and shopkeepers. I can take public transportation and keep most of my dignity while holding on for dear life! I can cross any street anywhere anytime!


I now have experience working in another country. I taught English, a typical job for a native English speaker, to business executives in an office, and had an editing assignment with an engineering company. I found the perfect volunteer position with an educational program helping kids at the cancer hospital, and I love it!


We haven't had medical insurance since we both lost our jobs and couldn't afford the outrageous Cobra premium. But we've been able to obtain affordable insurance here, and for a small co-pay I have taken care of the usual general health checkups and seen a few specialists. All is well, and it's a relief to know that!


Peru has given us hope for the future. With the economic crisis at home, we feel so fortunate to have opportunity here. After being laid off from Disney and unable to find work in his field, Kiko has been able to earn his international professional coaching certificate here, and is thriving as a consultant at a fantastic coaching school. His skill and passion as a coach are in high demand, and I'm so happy that he has found his purpose and is doing what he loves. I am proud of him! He has a big, big job here. He is the sole breadwinner for us, and always gives his all, whether working with clients or putting in many additional hours of preparation at home. He has the responsiblity for taking care of our needs here, including doing his best to take care of me, as well as maintaining our home in Corona, and helping our kids when they need it. And he is working hard to provide solutions for business issues that involve his family, which is an additional strain on top of everything else. I really appreciate him and all he is doing.


So don't cry for me! I am beyond blessed, and grateful for ALL the experiences I've had in Peru! Thank you for all the love and support you've shown me - I treasure it!