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The Cruise--Details

I didn't include more details in the prior "The Cruise" post for two reasons. 1)  I didn't think anyone would be interested; and 2)  This trip didn't include much of the normal topics:  good beer, good coffee or John-style travel. But there are details, which may be useful to some people contemplating how such a trip is put together. On the first day of the trip, we drove three hours to pick up my mother in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  At 85, she isn't comfortable driving for long distances and hadn't flown for many years. We then drove 3 1/2 more hours to Chicago, where we checked into the Wyndham, where you can get a room that includes the cost of parking for up to 12 days.   We were up early on the hotel shuttle to O'Hare, where we then boarded the a non-stop American Airlines flight to New Orleans. Here, we checked into a Hampton Inn near the port.  My mother was pretty tired, so Julia and I went out for a Cajun dinner and live music.   Rememberi...

Last Days in Peru

In the morning, we walked to the central market.  I think I've mentioned chicha before.  It's a Peruvian mildly fermented beverage made from corn.  Corn comes in many shapes and colors in Peru.  Here is a guy selling it from five-gallon buckets in the street.


The strawberries weren't overly sweet but were bursting with flavor.


The meat market did not resemble our local markets at home.  Meat does not come in neatly wrapped cellophane/styrofoam.  I remember a lady telling me at my coffeeshop that she only buys individual chicken breasts because she doesn't like to be reminded about the chicken.

For lunch we went to the restaurant Chicha, based upon several recommendations.  Unfortunately, the food wasn't that good, and it was probably the most expensive meal that we had in Peru.  Sometimes, it's the hidden gems and surprises that form the best memories.

We spent the afternoon buying gifts for friends and family back home and hanging out in the plaza.  Our time in Peru was coming to an end.  On the next morning, we flew to Lima.


And then it was a flight to Miami, where we were finally able to complete our Global Entry interviews in anticipation of future international travel.  Finally, we were on a flight for Chicago and driving back home.

We will be going to Mexico for a longer trip sometime next year  While I plan to write about it during our travels, I'll most likely post here after we return.

Comments

greg said…
The first time I went to Caracas I was skeptical on finding out that people from the office would buy a whole roasted chicken and a side of veggies for lunch. But then I found out the chickens are 'natural' which makes them pretty small. But they were also sooo much better tasting than any chicken I've ever had in the US or Europe.
John said…
I don't claim to know all of the effects of our modern, modified food designed to increase shelf life, convenience and aesthetics, but it can't be good. The simplicity of Michael Pollan appeals to my food (and drink) philosophy: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

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