We are in Peru!

Yesterday was a very long day! We got up early, early, early to leave the house at 5 something a.m. There was about 4 inches of snow - so I was afraid our flight would be delayed. John took Peter and I down to the airport. Our flight was not delayed, but we spent about 45 minutes in line on the runway waiting to be de-iced. We had a long lay over in Houston, so was not worried. We made up time and landed in Houston at about 11:30 am local time. We strolled around, ate lunch, and strolled some more. Our much anticipated flight to Lima ended up being delayed, and delayed again, and then again. I was trying to keep Peter awake until we boarded, but he passed out in his stroller. We finally took off about 2 hours late. They made up a bit of time on the flight down, but we were still late. Peter was the perfect passenger! We sat in a row on our own and he was easily entertained. We walked the aisle a few times for a break, and he slobbered all over the TV screen in the seat in front of us. I was exhausted, but Peter really was an angel. When we landed I loaded him up in the stroller and headed to battle the line of immigrations. Next thing I knew I was getting whisked down a fast lane by the people who would no doubt be in line for hours. I got checked out , stamped, suitcase and was not even selected for customs check. We were out in no time at all, and at my parents place little before 3am. The door was decorated, the apartment perfect - with priceless views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean at night. And I got to settle in eating a "mousy mousy". When my brother Roger and I were kids, my parents would take us to a local bakery. Roger and I would always pick the pastries that were decorated to look like little mice, and we thus dubbed the bakery "The Mousy Mousy Place".

Yesterday Peter and I slept in. We much needed it. In about 20 minutes Peter warmed up to the new setting and set off to explore the home. Nothing is safe! But he has been gentle with Silver the cat. After lunch I decided I wanted to walk Miraflores - the district of Lima I grew up in. We loaded Peter up in the stroller as my dad and I headed out. We walked along the coast, through shopping sections, parks, and finally to the meeting location with my mom - Starbucks! :-) We had a drink, got a little groceries and then headed out for the last leg of our trip. We walked through my old neighboorhood and I saw homes of old friends, the park I learned to climb tress in and my old home. We then walked a few blocks to my old school which we walked around. Hard to believe it has been over 20 years since I would put on the ugliest school uniform in the world and walk to that same school and through those same gates. That was my home for 12 years - so many memories, wonderful friends, quirky teachers and moments that make up who I am today. We finally made it back to the apartment after 7pm and settled down for more amazing views of the ocean, the sound of the breeze and the sea salt in the air. Truly magical!

Last night was a late night as Peter is on an eating strike, and decided to get a second wind late at night. Finally we shut all the lights off and he got the hint. This morning I decided to go out for a little walk/run.... it turned into almost an hour and a half of exilirating exercise. I ran along the top cliffs of Lima, then down these very long stairs to the beach area and then I ran for what seemed like miles. I ran on the beach, past some old favorite restaurants, watching the surfers head out to catch some waves, and the whole time breathing in the ocean breeze. Then it was time to climb what seemed like a mile of stairs back up - that was a challenge. By then I was a few miles away from my parents place. After catching my breath ran the whole way back. I was red and sweaty and felt GREAT! It is so nice to have so much oxygen and the difference in energy levels is amazing.

Sorry no pics yet - need to dig out some cords from my dad to attach the camara. We are headed out for a couple of days at the beach house - so it will likely be Thursday before I get the pictures all posted. Thursday night I'm having dinner with some old class mates, Friday night is my mother's birthday soiree at a club, and then the weekend before I head home.

Better run so that we can get on the road -

love you all!!
catherine