Scribbles

The diversity of Peru in geography and people opened my eyes like no other place in recent memory. We had a fabulous time in Lima, living the city life and partying with locals. I was lucky enough to take two full weeks off and immerse myself in a brand new country. While I’ve been to other south American countries for work, but never experienced it as a traveler. And I did it while celebrating some very special events with some of my best friends.

Our official reunion took place on New Year’s Eve, where Gino’s college buddy Marcela graciously hosted everyone at her house. Guests came from everywhere, her friends and family, both sides of the wedding couple, random friends from all around the world. I’ll admit that at first the eclectic group from different backgrounds and various ages didn’t click. We battled over the music, we formed our little cliques, we were being uncomfortable norte americanos (euphemism for gringo). Maybe it was jet-lag and travel fatigue that caused the lull in energy and outgoingness. Still a fun night was inevitable. We loosened up and time flew by. The countdown crept up so quickly and caught me by complete surprise. The pleasant part of the surprise was when the older aunties passed out all sorts of merry-making props, like funky 2009 plastic glasses. They grabbed each of us for warm hugs and kisses. If only my family could learn from them and lose some of their uptightness, but that’s a battle for another day. The summer weather allowed us to salsa away on the backyard dance floor while free flowing food and drinks kept us going the whole night. It couldn’t have been a better pre-wedding party.

After a day of recovery, we attended the grand event – holy matrimony for Gino y Laura. The Catholic wedding was a little more special than usual because of Gino’s brother Antonio, whom I met almost 3 years ago at our graduation. Still his charming, humorous self, the man of the cloth led the way in Spanish and English. I still remember the first time Gino and Laura met in Paris. It was the French Week party. There were three of us from our house; Gino and Juan encountered two very lovely ladies (one of them was Laura) while I was introduced to a somewhat aggressive woman that I felt no attraction towards. At the end of that night, I left Gino and Laura on their own while I took the shuttle bus back to Fontainbleau, feeling a bit miffed about getting ditched, muttering to myself a popular Chinese saying about seeing the beauties and forgetting one’s friends. Little did I know from that fateful night, that we would eventually have this beautiful couple, so happy to have each other, and with our full blessings. Douglas calls them the tallest couple in Peru; they certainly are at the top of the world.

Newly Weds Surrounded by Monty Gang

One final thought on Lima – mind blowing food. From all the options available, and there were many, my favorite was the ceviche, fish and seafood appetizer marinated with lime and onions. On first taste, it short circuited my taste buds and went straight to the bliss neurons in my brain. I’ve had ceviche elsewhere before, but it doesn’t compare to what’s offered in Lima; fresh from the ocean (Lima is right on the coast) and marinated with refreshing ingredients. It has to be the freshness coupled with the succulent lime. Back in France, Gino always told us about how great the lime was back home. Then we could only imagine and mouth water over the citrus delight that we eventually consummated in reality years later. But it’s not just me, even the hard-to-please, the world’s least-adventurous self-proclaimed foodie, Peter Guy gives his props to Peruvian food.

Heavenly, Breath-taking, Out of this World

Peru is certainly a gem, and relatively undiscovered one that’s not on everyone’s shortlist of places to visit. It should be on yours.