Sanity returns -- Day 2 & 3 in Lima, Peru.

So I awake from my much needed slumber in hopes that the previous day's apparent catastrophe's were just a mere dream. However, reality sinks in as my computer DOS screen still appears. But I have my sanity due to eight hours of much needed sleep and I get to work. I will spare you from all the boring details but will say this: I got money and my computer works as long as I never turn it off. (Apparently, access to cash can be a hit or miss experience in South America...note to self: keep some cash stashed away.)

I was able to meet up with a colleague, who happens to speak Spanish and English, (Hallelujah!) and we took off to explore the city and get our bearings if you will. We walked for ages exploring Miraflores, the district we are staying in. This area is right on the coast, which is absolutely beautiful (see pic above). In addition to our walking tour, we took a bus-top tour to help us identify places in the city we want to spend more time at.

People tend to be very friendly and nice. I stand at least a half foot taller than most of the native women here, and of course I stick out like a strawberry in a pile of corn. (Don't ask about that analogy...I completely just made it up...I can do that...it's my blog.)

I am a bit concerned with the USA's approach to globalization and am sadden by our mark on the Peruvian culture. I'll give you two guesses -- you've probably guess right -- on almost every corner there is at least one of the following: McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Burger King (but ofcourse no Taco Bell...what's up with that?). They also have Coca Cola (which I am ok with), TGI Fridays, Chilis, and Tony Roma's (I didn't know those still exisist.). From my understanding, Miraflores is an area with many ExPats so this might explain so much of the westernization, but I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I'm so glad that we American's share our finest with the world. ;-)

This little traffic jam is partly due to the fact that at the end, which you can't really tell, is a mob of teenaged girls who are dying to see the Jonas Brothers. Apparently, the guys are staying at the J.W. Marriott in Miraflores and will perform to a sold-out crowd tonight and tomorrow. I think many of the girls have been camping out all weekend. I guess girls are the same everywhere. Can you believe what we will do for hot men who can sing? Unbelieveable. ;-)