Living in Peru: One of Those Amazing Days
Have you ever had one of those amazing days that you still reminisce about, even though you can’t figure out what exactly was so great about the day? I just had a day like that in February on my most recent trip to Lima. It turned out to be a day that encompassed a lot of what I love about living in Peru.
We arrived at at 5 in the morning after a bumpy, sleepless overnight ride from Huancayo. I thought I was going to be in a bad mood, but the frown couldn’t stay long when faced with smiling, welcoming families and a sunshiny day.
The little things I loved about the day:
- Seeing old photos and hearing the stories each conjures up.
- Visiting and remembering relatives I’ve never met at two beautiful cemeteries where many other families were also spending time with their loved ones past.
- Packing up to 8 of us in taxis to get from one place to another.
- Having raspadillas (a shaved ice dessert) after being out all day in the sun.
- Being a part of over 40 relatives spanning 4 generations and coming from all over Lima.
- Mingling inside and outside of the house with aunts gossiping, uncles having a beer on the sidewalk, cousins playing video games, neighbors throwing water balloons in the street, and music blasting to encourage spontaneous dancing throughout.
- Looking for dogs around the block with kids in the area.
- Making funny faces to see babies smile and laugh.
- Munching on homemade picarones (doughnut-like snacks) in the evening at a makeshift stand in front of the house where an aunt sold picarones to neighbors walking by as she chatted with us.
It wasn’t a particularly eventful day, but that didn’t seem to make it any less perfect.
Tell me about an amazing day that you still reminisce about!
Tags: living in lima, living in peru
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA @ Cerebrations.biz
It’s those little things that we do with the folks that we love…
Samantha Bangayan
The little things… exactly, Roy! =)
Hajra
Days like these make life so much more meaningful.
Samantha Bangayan
Yeah! =) Maybe that’s why it felt so good. =)
Vinny T
No doubt about it. Peru can provide anyone with a bundle of thrilling experiences condensed into a very short period. I’m very happy to hear that your February visit was so exciting
Me? I must be a hopeless romantic. I continually reminisce about me first girl friend and my first romantic encounters.
Samantha Bangayan
Great way to describe it, Vinny. I really do have sporadic days of intense fun! =)
A romantic indeed. =) Adorable!
Barbara
What a lovely day, Sam, and I felt like part of your family, smiling along with your niece and dog watching with another, smelling the bits of food you had.
Any day spent with family and friends, sharing and enjoying food together, talking about family pictures and events long ago and paying our respect to the ones passed before is a memorable day!
Samantha Bangayan
Aw thanks, Barbara! I was hoping to be able to recreate those bits and pieces with words, but there’s nothing like the actual memories. =)
JR Riel
Family time is a precious thing that many of us travelers learn to appreciate when we are away. Glad you can be together with them. The ‘thumbs up’ from your niece in the picture is priceless!
Samantha Bangayan
So nice to meet you, JR! I totally relate to what you said. I’m currently back in Canada for an unexpectedly long visit home and it’s time I really value.
Holly Hamann
Loved reading your post. I live in Boulder, CO and have a 2-week trip to Lima and Cousco in May. Looking forward to it and was researching Peru blogs and came across yours. Its my first trip to Peru so I’m excited AND nervous. Thank you!
Samantha Bangayan
Exciting! =) Have an amazing trip, Holly, and let me know if you have any questions! =) I’ve never been to Cuzco before, but I’ve been to Lima various times!
Dayle Lynne
Sounds like a positively beautiful day! <3 I definitely believe it's those simple moments that mean the most!
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly so! =) Those simple, unexpected moments. =)