Taking it back to 2009

Iguazu Falls. Argentina side. February 2009

This is one of my favorite pictures to look at when I need cheering up or when it has been one of those days, year, or years. In this case, it's the last couple of years. I've been reflecting a lot lately and just want to be given a break, outside of traveling, just life, in general. For the most part, I am known for being happy, positive, and full of insight no matter what for all the lovely people in my life and always going out of my way to help anyone, which I will forever do because that's me, but maybe that's hurting myself. I hide my feelings and make sure everyone else is happy. I guess this is something I need to work on. Put myself first and seeing if things will go my way soon. I never complain and I'm not asking for much!!

With all that said, Iguazu/Iguassu is beautiful on both sides -Argentina/Brazil- and I highly recommend. Its beauty is indescribable.

Beautiful Landscape

Huayna Potosi. Cordillera Real. Bolivia. Because this and Bolivia's amazing biodiversity and natural environment is another reason why you should explore Bolivia, besides it's incredible food.

List Topper

Besides Northern Brazil and Bolivia, another country has made it to the top of the best stomach pleasers list of mine for .South America. and I would love to go back, like say NOW, to enjoy even more of this countries wonderful offerings---



Peru


I really feel I have said enough by just saying Peru. The land of abundance. The food there is amazing. Fresh. Flavorful. Bountiful. Unique. Delectable. Giving. And down right satisfying. Peru does not need to import from other countries because it already has everything--the usual and the unique. And what they offer over there is love, warmth, and very good meals. I would urge everyone to go to Peru, but I'd like to see less tourists! ;) Selfish? Maybe...



Here are some of the incredible delights I encountered, indulged in, and loved right away in the beautiful country of Peru:

Inca Kola. Bubble gum/Banana flavor. It's an acquired taste!

Cause you have to eat pizza in different countries.

Cacao beans.

Learning to make chocolate from scratch.

Cacao tea. What a lovely and soothing warm drink. Perfect for a chilly day.

Llama. Chicken. Beef. Sausage. Potato. On a stick. I chose to partake in the llama. Good choice.

Fresh hot salsas of your choosing to spoon onto your meat/potato of choice. Spicy and Spicier. Spicy it is.

Mate de coca. Coca no es cocaina. I had a lovely conversation with someone at the US Border Control about this. That was the first thing that came to her mind when I told her I had just been to Bolivia and Peru.

Sopa de quinoa y ensalada.

Llama steak and French fries.

Liver and Chicken with Rice. Mmmmmm

Fried Sweet dough with Anise. Sweet treat.

Pescado frita y papas fritas.

I got VIP access ~ Kitchen style. She loved me. :)

Come and get it!

Lomo Saltado. Definitely a must when you are in Peru.

Chicha Morada. I make this all the time now!

You really will be making the biggest mistake of your life if you don't indulge in the Peruvian ceviche. By far my favorite thing to have indulged in Peru. More of a Lima thing since it's near the coast. Save it for Lima, not Cusco or other inland regions.

Sampling platter. Never went hungry and my stomach was happy the entire time spent in Peru.

Yes, I ate as much ceviche as I could while there!

Also known for their puddings.

Wandered into the Fish Market. The men at work.

Taking care of the cleaning process.

Master at work. I watched him for a good 5 minutes. Fast, skilled, and perfect time management. Works 7 days a week.

Fish and seafood are an abundance here. If I had a stove and an extra couple of days, you know I would have tried to cook as much as I could with their amazing selection.

Churros. One of my many weaknesses. And the last thing I ate in Peru.


I would go back to Peru in a heartbeat if I could. And after this year, I finally have the courage to get away from my current routine and start something different. What I'll do? I don't know yet but that's life and I'm open to the endless possibilites. The journey awaits...

In the backseat of a car being driven by a cop with a gun. Alexandria, Egypt

Can't wait to write about my adventures in Egypt...

Bolivia's Meat Pie

You need to have this in your life. Salteñas. Bebas. Van Nuys, CA. Or just go to Bolivia. :)

Yes I'm back from my not long enough trip to Egypt and Turkey, but I came back to the sad and terrible news that my friend and twin Barry passed away. Completely shocking and totally unexpected. He was getting better, his infection had gone away, and his reflexes were improving. A sign we thought meant he'd wake up soon.

I went to visit him before my trip and that day was the day when he squeezed his mom's hand; something that started to really give her hope. He squeezed my hand that day too and that feeling is something that can't be explained but it did give me the feeling that he was going to be a-okay and would be waking up on his own time.

It was just something we felt that day that made us truly feel like everything would be fine and he would wake up and make everyone smile again.

Don't want to get into too much details with everything so I'll just say he really had a way of making anyone feel loved, special, happy, and overall feeling like they were a good person. He even was one of the very few friends of mine willing to try weird and random foods with me! Hard to find these days and something that's important to me. He never judged anyone. Never treated anyone different. Not too many people like this in this world right now. He was raised right and ended up a complete gentleman. Can't come close to knowing the number of people/friends/family who are affected by this. This alone says enough of Barry's character and who he was as a human being.

I can go on but it's starting to hit me while I'm writing this so all I'll say is there is no one like Barry.

Time doesn't stop for anyone. You don't know what tomorrow may bring. Start appreciating the people in your life. Please be kind, loving, and be a friend the way you'd like a friend to be to you. Don't put anyone down. Treat anyone bad. Don't lie. Don't talk to someone like they don't have any feelings. Be real. Treat people the way you'd like to be treated. Most people know this but yet they choose to stay the same. I can't stress enough how much love and care you should express towards the people in your lives. Don't take anyone for granted. What I'm feeling now and those who love Barry aren't feelings of happiness. Not fun to lose someone you love and care for. Just keep this in mind as you carry yourself in front of others through this wonderful thing we call life.