Good: It's my father's 86th birthday today. That is the best news of all today. Happy Birthday, Dad! What an extraordinary life you are living, and I hope you make it to your goal of 1oo years. You are and always will remain one of my biggest heroes.
Bad: I've been awake for 27 hours with only two very brief naps- both of which were interrupted. At the Hilton yesterday, I slipped into some heavenly 600-thread-count, damask sheets around which they meticulously wrapped up an exceptionally comfortable mattress and fell into a deep, sound sleep. But if you remember how totally upside-down everything was for me yesterday, you won't be surprised to learn that the phone (which just happened to be set on the highest ringer volume technically possible) rang- ONE TIME, just one ring. I swear I levitated 3 feet off the bed in the span of 2 seconds; it startled me that much! Of course, once I tore myself out of bed to see who was on the line, there was no one there. With my heart racing a thousand beats per second, I gave up on that nap. And today, feeling so exhausted from yet another delayed flight and missed connection- woo hoo!! - I finally collapsed in the airport in a quiet corner all alone. But, naturally, within 1o minutes, I was joined by a family with three young, irritable, screeching toddlers who sat directly behind my once-hidden oasis of solitude, the oldest of which thought it was hilariously fun to rock the row of seats we shared. So much for catching up on my sleep.
Good- Even a 10 minute power nap recharges me.
Bad- I look like I'm about 130 years old this morning as I sit in the Lima International Airport. I went into the restroom to wash my hands and looked in the mirror- the textbook picture of sheer exhaustion or "death warmed over" as my dear old (look who's talking!) mom would say. I doubt when I get home that many people will remark, "Wow, you look so well-rested!" like most people hear when they return from a 2 week vacation.
Good- I'm one third of the way through my trek into the Latin World, and despite quadrupling the number of wrinkles on my face and feeling like a Guinness Book of World Record "Oldest Man Alive" candidate, I feel healthy and happy. I haven't had a single digestive issue. I've been safe and sound and lucky so far. I am still alive! (That's good, right?)
Bad- It's cloudy and cool here in Lima this morning with just a hint of drizzle slowly misting the west coast of Peru, and I worry about my tour to Machu Picchu tomorrow.
GREAT NEWS: I just checked the weather forecast for The Lost City of the Incas tomorrow, and the forecast shows sunny skies, virtually no chance of precipitation and unlimited visibility. The nicest day this week! That is the kind of luck I'm used to.
Mr. Sandman, please turn on your magic beam. Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream!
The dream is yours to take, my friend. So excited about Machu Picchu tomorrow. I think if that as the crown jewel of a trip like yours.
ReplyDeleteI will be watching the blog eagerly to read every single detail.
Take care, and may the balance of your adventure continue without further incident.
These are the situations which make travel an adventure. You're not walking the runway (although you could with your sense of style)you're on vacation! I know you are soaking it all in and examining the wonders of the people and places of the world. The mist in Lima sounds magical. Can't wait to hear about Machu P. Be careful with the thin air. BTW, have you eaten any Guinea Pigs? I hear from a friend who visited there that it's sunday dinner, offer to company type fare. She ate it (she didn't want to be rude) but wasn't impressed. I'm staying tuned for more installments....
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the picture you've got posted here! Where did you find that? It compliments your words perfectly and fits your dramatic side. I know you don't like to miss your sleep and I'm sure you are feeling 100 years old far more than you are looking it. Tough day but I'm sure it is all worth it. You have a month to sleep when you get back. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteAnn- I did see "guinea pig" on the menu at once restaurant, but since it happens to be one of mhy favorite domestic pets ever (they are too cute!)...I just couldn't imagine eating one.
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