Hey, Hello, Hi,
Some English greetings this time around since I am home in the U.S.A safe and sound. Arriving home early and having the opportunity to surprise my friends was absolutely an amazing decision! Although I loved my time in Peru, learned so much, and had some incredible experience, I am so happy with my decision to come home early and enjoy 'The Good Life' for 12 extra days before heading to Lampe, MO for my next adventure this summer!
I am going to use this blog to reflect a little bit on my experience and debrief my feelings. As of right now I have been home for four days and am still not feeling any longing for Peru. In the past I have experience counter culture-shock, and because of this I think I am having an easier time adjusting back. In general, I loved Peru and had a blast. But, after 14 weeks I had seen just about everything there was to see in Peru. From the touristy spots to the slums and everything in between, I had ventured far and wide across Peru. I loved having the opportunity to go from dessert, to beach, to mountains, to the jungle all in one country; but there is something so special and comforting about being home.
I love going to the mall or a restaurant and not feeling like I am "on guard." I don't have to protect my purse and carry my backpack facing forward. I did not notice how much anxiety the country of Peru subconsciously caused until returning home. I think it is healthy to realize the goods and the bads about Peru so that I can more fully appreciate my homeland. Peru has so many wonderful benefits and amazing sights, but America is America, and there is just something incredibly special about my homeland.
On a slightly sadder side, I do already miss my beloved lucuma ice cream. I had all intentions of buying the powdered form before coming home so that I could make my own homemade lucuma ice cream, but I forgot. I also am missing the scrumptious, fresh sea food. Nebraska...seafood...it just does not work out very well being so far from the ocean.
Overall, I have a feeling of being content. I know that going to Peru was well worth my time, but I also know that I am amazingly blessed to live in the United States of America. No matter how much my heart desires to travel the world and see more amazing things and experience more interesting cultures, I know have a much larger appreciation for my own, beloved country.
May Peru always live in my heart as my love grows for U.S. soil,
Mallory
Some English greetings this time around since I am home in the U.S.A safe and sound. Arriving home early and having the opportunity to surprise my friends was absolutely an amazing decision! Although I loved my time in Peru, learned so much, and had some incredible experience, I am so happy with my decision to come home early and enjoy 'The Good Life' for 12 extra days before heading to Lampe, MO for my next adventure this summer!
I am going to use this blog to reflect a little bit on my experience and debrief my feelings. As of right now I have been home for four days and am still not feeling any longing for Peru. In the past I have experience counter culture-shock, and because of this I think I am having an easier time adjusting back. In general, I loved Peru and had a blast. But, after 14 weeks I had seen just about everything there was to see in Peru. From the touristy spots to the slums and everything in between, I had ventured far and wide across Peru. I loved having the opportunity to go from dessert, to beach, to mountains, to the jungle all in one country; but there is something so special and comforting about being home.
I love going to the mall or a restaurant and not feeling like I am "on guard." I don't have to protect my purse and carry my backpack facing forward. I did not notice how much anxiety the country of Peru subconsciously caused until returning home. I think it is healthy to realize the goods and the bads about Peru so that I can more fully appreciate my homeland. Peru has so many wonderful benefits and amazing sights, but America is America, and there is just something incredibly special about my homeland.
On a slightly sadder side, I do already miss my beloved lucuma ice cream. I had all intentions of buying the powdered form before coming home so that I could make my own homemade lucuma ice cream, but I forgot. I also am missing the scrumptious, fresh sea food. Nebraska...seafood...it just does not work out very well being so far from the ocean.
Overall, I have a feeling of being content. I know that going to Peru was well worth my time, but I also know that I am amazingly blessed to live in the United States of America. No matter how much my heart desires to travel the world and see more amazing things and experience more interesting cultures, I know have a much larger appreciation for my own, beloved country.
May Peru always live in my heart as my love grows for U.S. soil,
Mallory