Shit. What the fuck did I sign up for?
Why the hell would I spend two months of my life (not to mention a good chunk of change) to live in a Peruvian slum? *
That’s what it feels like here – at least what it felt like when I hit town last night. People. Motorcycles. Peeling paint. Roving dogs. Trash-lined streets. Brightly-lit stores selling cheap clothes and electronics.
The city is different than I had expected – bigger, dirtier and less inviting. Although I knew it wouldn’t be a picturesque village, I did imagine it being more charming and quaint. I’ve traveled a fair amount – including almost 3 months in Costa Rica – and of the places I’ve been, this is not one I would’ve chosen to spend time in.
That said, I know there are experiences here for me to have and lessons for me to learn.
I’m not saying that there’s a predetermined “reason” or “purpose” for me being here. I believe that you create your own meaning. Things happen. You choose what to notice, how to process it and what to take away.
I’m here. And I know that everything will unfold beautifully.
* NOTE: I know this is not fair or politically correct to say, but it was where my mind went. In the time between having these thoughts and working through writing them down, things have changed for the better. I still wanted to post this since it was true for me when I arrived and it’s important for me to be honest in documenting my experience, for better or worse.
