Mancora, Peru

First the bad news. I arrived at 5am in the morning after an overnight bus trip. Upon arrival, I settled on the first hostel I walked into, as I was exhausted and just needed to sleep. Unfortunately, it was not the cleanest of places and upon waking the next morning to begin my regiment of beach runs, I noticed I was in the midst of an allergic reaction.

Thus, I soon added the following to my vernacular in Spanish, which I used at the local Pharmay.

"Look at the red dots covering my body. Please for the love of God give me something to make them go away."

"No, it´s not from Mosquito's, I think there were tiny bugs in my bed, or less likely, but still possible, that I am having a reaction to the cactus needles that had been lodged in my hand for the last 10 days, from a previous rock climbing accident."

Then I remember a similar incident that I had erased from my memory while I was in Germany. I similar skin reaction. Convinced it was bed bugs, I promptly moved out, took several pills, applied creams, and have had only fun sense.

How long have we been here, I don´t know. Has it been 2 days? A week? More? It´s hard to tell that time even passes here. Everyday feels like yesterday, simplicity, bliss, ease, freedom, happiness. What do I do? What do I do! What do I do... Days are spent eating fresh cerviche, playing soccer on the beach, floating in the ocean, going for beach runs, learning Spanish, catching fish with my hands with the local kids, laying in the hammock, drinking fresh squeezed mango, passion, pineapple, and papaya juice, tanning my body, counting the waves, eating delicious new fruits not found in our world. Nights are spent salsa dancing, watching sunsets, eating ice cream, counting the stars, searching for the moon, learning more Spanish, and laughing. Always laughing.

Paragliding!!

After being caged up in a bus for 20 hours with a broken DVD player, stomach cramps, and a breakfast that even I wouldn´t eat, it was time to spread my wings. Naturally, I mean that in both a fugitive and literal sense, but first for the literal....

The Miraflores district in Lima is built into the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean. It is a beautiful place, and a very tranquil distraction from the overwhelming crowded city just a few blocks in from the ocean. The direct translation is literally, "look at the flowers", and I would do just that from about 4oo feet in the air.

From the time the cash was placed in his hand, we were literally airborne less than 3 minutes later. Just enough time to strap on my harness and helmet. No waiver, no instructions, no "in case this happens, you do this, briefing" just an introduction, and a yell to run towards the edge of the cliff.

As we jumped from the cliffs edge, the wind quickly swooped us up and we began our ascent to the heavens. We flew parallel to the ocean, sometimes over the cliffs, sometimes over the ocean, but all the while over the tallest buildings of Lima. The view was beautiful, and it was exactly like I always felt flying would be if I were a superhero. Peacefull...effortless...amazing.... I could feel the cool wind on my face, see the smile and excitement on the other riders faces as we passed them by. To be over 350 feet high looking down on the city, the ocean, the beach, it was exhilarating, it was awesome, it was great not to be on the bus!!