Returning to the States

I made it back!!! I am still in the Americas but what a different lifestyle, culture and oh my gosh - heat and humidity!! WOW, UGH, Great to see my sisters, brother, new niece and friends..... but.....where the heck am I??? I can completely understand everything I hear and read. I can overhear background conversations. I understand the currency. I recognize food in the local (Brooklyn), and oldest, co-op in the nation. I can purchase Eugene Emerald Valley products, like salsa and bean dip MMMMMMM.
Last night I boarded a plane in Lima. The next thing I know, after some reading of a fantastic book - 1,000 Splendid Suns - and a good night sleep [Yes I got a good night sleep on a redeye flight. I actually had the whole row to myself. Sometimes it is good to be late. I was one of the last people to board the plane and when I did someone was sitting in my window seat. They were in the correct row but opposite window. I just told her for ease sake that I would just sit in her seat. Then serendiptiously, I ended up with all 3 seats and a good night sleep.], I ended up in New York City.
CRAZINESS!!
Did I actually really go to South America or did I dream it??!! So surreal!!
I had a great visit and stay with my youngest sister Amy and her 4 month old baby, Zazie. One of my other sisters, Jen, came by with my brother Bill, and we watched the World Cup (you see I did learn about futbol or soccer and it must have been down in South America), ate, talked and had fun. We celebrated Jen's birthday by having a picnic in my sister's bedroom, because it was the coolest room in the house. Jen and I then went out for a night of ping pong and dancing to club music. Great fun but would have never thought of combining those activities together in the same place.

































It is interesting to see how life changes. For me, I created a year of adventure. For my sister, she created a life. It is amazing what can happen in 10 months time. I love the diversity and roads that each person chooses to call their own. I feel sooooo incredibly lucky, blessed, fortunate for all the people I get to watch and share while they create their journey. It is in our diversity which we have the greatest strength.