Friday, February 6, 2009

Welcome to Cusco

Internet has finally arrived to my house in Cusco. I can't help but complain a little, because the speed isn't quite what I had back in the States. However, if my Internet speed is one of my top worries, I think I'm doing ok.

A lot of interesting things have happened since my arrival, most of which I can't explain here because they are not blog-appropriate. One interesting experience for me is having a house servant. Our servant probably works about 70 hours a week for a whopping $75 a month. I felt guilty about it, but my wife has refused to change, explaining paying more may cause the complete economic failure of all of Peru. She did allow me to pay a tip of 5 soles, which is about a buck and a half. Wow. I feel magnanimous. 

Another interesting experience is the authority I have over my nieces and nephews. Essentially they are obliged, by culture or otherwise, to obey my every command. My understanding is that it is partially my responsibility as an uncle to help raise them. Normally I'm telling them to eat all of their meals, sit up straight, quit arguing, etc., but sometimes I can't resist telling them to give me a massage or go buy me a Coke. :)

This weekend we are going to Puno, on the border with Bolivia, to the Festival of the Virgen of Candelaria. It sounds fun. Apparently a lot of dancing and drinking. Well, I do neither but I can enjoy the view.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Day 1

Today marks the first day of our Andean adventures, which corresponds with my last day with Protiviti, my home for the last 2 1/2 years.

I've never blogged before, so please pardon my early posts as I slowly hone my blogging skills. Most blogs aim to have a witty or profound tone but I don't consider myself particularly adept at either astute humor or insightful observation. My posts will, in all likelihood, be an ecclectic mix of juvenile excitement and mundane experiences.

After all is said and done, I hope to gain some insight into the politics and economics of the region, spend quality time with my family (in front of the Wii and enjoying the great outdoors at 11,000 feet), and grow and mature as an individual - at least a little. Oh, and lose around 30 pounds.