South American Adventure 2008

It is the night before I leave for South America.  I fly from DFW to Miami, then an overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  (what?) ARGENTINA! (huh?) ARGENTINA!  I know, I still can't believe I'm taking this trip.  I love to travel, and really wish I did it more often; regardless, I'm so excited to be exploring SA, especially with my friend Joann, a former work colleague. 

It's funny how this all came together.  It was a spontaneous invite; just a casual conversation via IM.  I was lucky enough to stay w/ her and her husband Jay about 3 years ago in Kittery Point, ME.  It was a business trip that I turned into a weekend in Maine.   She and Jay travel a lot, to places on my list of cities to visit, and she know's how much I want to since we've talked before about planning something together.  Well Jan. 15th was the day.  Her last day at HV, and the day I reached out to say "safe journeys" on her move from HV.  This was the day she invited me to Peru, and the day I rushed to get my passport application turned in (expediated, and came back in a week).  Never did I have to seriously consider if this trip was feasible. I just knew once I made the leap, I'd make everything else work and the planning would all fall into place.  Money, time away from work, etc, I couldn't have asked for a better time.  Joann will be exploring South America for about 6 weeks, and even though I'm only coming in for a 2 weeks, I see this as a great adventure and time to bond with a dear friend.

The longest I've ever flown at one time is a cross country flight from NYC to LA...about 6 hours.  The flight was a 'loooong' one, so now I'm just hoping I can get through the a 7-8 hour flight to Argentina, sitting patiently, and not end up w/ a blood clot because I've been sitting so long.  I just want to walk off the plane w/o a hitch.   I know, it's sad right!  All I can think about is getting DVT.  Anyways,  even though I'm up for the challenge, there has always been the "what-if" scenario burned into my brain, that makes me hesitate from taking the plunge.  What if I get DVT, what if I get lost going to the hotel, what if I get pick-pocketed.  Again, a bit morbid, but all of that can happen to me now, in the U.S.  I've always had some reluctance with my independence, and I admit it does impact my decision making, causing me to be cautious in my life - job, money, love, relationships...but w/ this trip, I'm opening myself up for a great adventure.

Did I mention that I'm also heading into Peru?  Well I am...again, how lucky am I. 

After Buenos Aires, Joann and I will head up to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Arequipa, Peru.  One half of the trip, will be spent visiting a tremendous city life, with tango dancing, late night dinners/drinks, a mecca of culture and diversity, plus living the life of the portenos of Buenos Aires.   The second half of the trip will be more rough and rugged.  I'll get to put my hiking boots to use.  I expect to do a lot of walking, hiking, trekking of the mountains leading up to Machu Picchu - the lost city of the Incas.

Here is a 360 degree view of Machu Picchu: http://www.mp360.com/index_eng.php

So I plan on updating this blog as often as we can, giving all of you a glimpse of this other world, wishing you were here with me.  Check in for pictures as they are loaded.

Enjoy! - J