Christmas Day

Trip Start Sep 24, 2008
1
13
41
Trip End Ongoing


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Where I stayed
Nancy's House
(Lima hotels)

Flag of Peru  ,
Thursday, December 25, 2008

Its Christmas today.  The day that I thought I wanted to forget turned out to be a memorable experience of cultural difference.  Last night I was up until two in the morning.  A pervian custom on Christmas is having a turkey dinner at midnight on today's eve.  We ate and drank champagne until our bellies were fuller that they ever should be after midnight.  Following turkey dinner the family explored the wrapped gifts lying beeath their tree.  Half way through a present came from the corner with my name on it, wrapped inside were two Crystal Peruvian beers.  It wams my heart to be thought of during this season, on Christmas day, in a home where they have known me for three days.  Their gesture speaks to their kindness and desire for me to feel a part of their home.  Not too mention they gave me one of my favorite beverages, tasty beer.

Writing this I am alone, thinking about the day that followed last night brings a warm touch to my heart.  I talked to many loved ones, three dollars was one of my greatest investments to date.  One hundred minutes with familiar voices all of which I miss and love with my whole being. 

I didn't get to say high to Chris, but he is getting married in two days.  This is a day among others that will bring 2008 to a close in my absence.  I want to send all of my blessing to Chris and Ashley.  Cheers to you both in your decsion to unify our families.  Chris I cannot think of a better compliment to you than Ashley on your side.  You are a sweetheart in every definition of the word Ashley.  I believe that your touch grounds Chris while enabling him to dream greater things.  I'm stoked to see you both again in the future...rings on hand.  I wish I could be there.

I would like all of my family and friends to know that while you were putting on jackets, possibly treading feet of snow, I was working on my tan.  The beach was packed with people today.  I had the opportunity to body surf huge waves...bigger than I've seen in my life...with sand between my toes.  I have arrived.  My head is clear, the anxiety of displacement is no longer a thought, and I have a beautiful view of the sunset in front of me as I write.

Merry Christmas All from Lima

PS

Peruvian New Years tradition...pack your bags as if taking an extensive trip, and make three rounds of your house...significance of the action exists in what has been and what is to come.

Cheers,

Ryan
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