Organized Chaos and Hang Ten

My apologies for already falling behind on my updates. Matt and I have been thoroughly exploring Lima and there hasn't been a whole lot of time for writing. That's not to say we haven't given ourselves down time though. We spend hours every night on our rooftop - recapping the day, analyzing the city and the people, and just shooting the shit. There's been hours I've just kicked back while Matt plays the guitar - admitting to myself that I'm starting to fall in love with Lima a little bit. This is a city of ENERGY. On the streets, in the ocean, between human interactions.

As much as I comment on the chaos of the driving - nobody is actually angry nor getting into accidents. I reckon that Peruvians are in fact some of the best drivers in the world. The honking is a subtle language: 1 long honk to move along, 2 short honks to merge, 1 honk to let someone in, 3 taps to cut someone off or get someone's attention...I can only imagine the hilarity if I knew morse code.

I've been exploring different pockets of Lima just as much as I have the cuisine. Ceviche next to the ocean, pisco near Plaza de Armas, a most delicious unidentifiable Peruvian concoction bought for 1 sole from a vendor on the side of the road. Yes, my GI system is still in tact for those of you with skepticism.

There is no structure to the days - i've already forgotten the day of the week. I'll be quoting Matt again from our rooftop convo last night, "Shit. Every single day all we have to do is have fun." This is stressful, people! But in the best way possible. I have found myself living for the day more than any other time in my life.

That said, yesterday Matt and I booked our bus tickets to Huaraz for Sunday. It's time to move on from Lima. I can only imagine what the transition to the tranquil Andean mountains will be like. I'm ready.

While I was booking our bus tickets yesterday, I struck up a conversation with Rob, another backpacker fresh off the plane from Toronto. We convinced him to come surfing with us for the day. For 30 soles (about $11) you can rent a wetsuit and surfboard for the entire day from people camping out on the beach. Time to

Matt and I, headed in!

Rob, me, and Matt - living the dream

remember the pointers I picked up from my surfing lesson on Manly Beach in Australia with Corrine and the time I went with Hillary and Kai on the Oregon Coast! There was a moment when I finally paddled out through all the wave breaks and everything was so calm. I was laying on my board, staring back at the rocky cliffs of Lima, and just started laughing. WTF MY LIIIIIIFE!
It's so easy to forget how exhausting surfing is because there is no better feeling than riding a wave. I won't deny that I had my fair share of disorienting tumbles under the waves, but I really didn't mind. I was so happy to be in the ocean. I felt so alive! This feeling is still lingering with me today, and it's made for some of the best rooftop yoga sessions you could ever image.

Oh yes, the ocean still tastes salty. I checked.

PS I'm going to miss this rooftop so much