primero dia en peru...

 

The G has landed in Lima, Peru. And so far, so bueno! Had a wonderful start with a relaxing hour massage and overly thorough facial at Divine Spa ~ what a great way to knead out the knots from my 8 hour flight and sleeping dysfunction-ally on a plane all night! The facial was so extensive too, which is a good primer since surprise, surprise, Lima actually has more smog, traffic, and pollution than LA...

Despite the constant honking, off-roading, dangerous traffic of the many cab rides survived, I finally got to sip on the official drink of Peru: Pisco Sour.

Maracuya (passion fruit) flavored was my favorite (left) & the original one reminded me of a stronger margarita. We enjoyed these drinks along with our beautiful food items at Francesco in Mira Flores...

I will be updating more on the incredible foodie experiences I enjoyed, international style, on my food blog... for now, there's just so much sorting through photos that I'm getting exhausted deciding which to post!

I'll end with some nighttime shots of my trip to Centro Lima, named because it is literally in the center of Lima and has tremendous historical backings.

 

 

This part of the country reminded me of Washington D.C., but on a much higher level (though we did pass by a "white house") and on a very religious level too. The many cathedrals were very beautiful to view & of course, the balconies are striking...

We finished the night with another Pisco sour tasting at the Grand Hotel Bolivar. 

Alright, this photo uploading & blogging thing has gotten my tired tourist feet even more beat! Buenos noches everyone!


PS. Truth be told, the internet and blogging capabilities in Lima has not been as fast as I had hoped. So with uploads of photos, editing, and recapping things between tours, amazing lunches & dinners, I feel this will all have to wait until my wondrous trip to Peru hath ended... I'm sure you can all wait ;-)

dear LA: hasta la vista, baby

I'll be back...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

(photo by John, in Venice)

almost there...

This weekend I'll be flying to the land that gave us Mario Testino, world famous celebrity photographer...

Well, on top of many other things too. Like my best friend's new home in the last year. 

Favor your own first, then others. ~Peruvian Proverb

Even though I said in my last post how sad it is not to be able to visit the land of my family first, I think it would have been a far bigger shame not to visit the land of my favorite person, who is, in a sense, just as close as family...

Me & the pal, back in our swimsuits for another unforgettable spring break...

Anyway, I really should stop the blogging. I still have to pack. And I still don't know what shoes to bring. But really, if I just go by example, this is what Mario Testino would have me believe is acceptable footwear:

When the road is long, even slippers feel tight. ~Another Peruvian Proverb, hmm... is that proverb trying to tell me something? I still wouldn't get it.

one day, i'll find my way home...

It's Cambodian New Year this week & I'm reflecting on the sad fact that of all the out-of-country travels I get to do first in my adult life, it happens to be a) Mexico & b) Peru. Which is a sheer shame since I hardly aced Spanish 1-3 in high school... yet, I speak fluent Khmer.

I was never quite much of a proper Cambodian, or Khmer girl growing up, but I feel as I'm getting older (and the make-up & accessorizing is getting much heavier) that I'm so very proud to get some of my unique features from such an ancient, classical, and beautifully delicate culture.

This girl was titled "Cambodian Princess" and I truly think she is gorgeous.

Now onto someone who has gone to Cambodia, and perhaps 70% of the world at that, my friend Olya has captured some amazing photos herself as well whilst on her tour of Southeast Asia.

I took these off Olya's blog, which is where you can see more of the land my parents came from, but I have yet to visit...

Happy New Year, or as we say it, sur sdei chhnam thmei.

it's coming! it's coming!

So my friend just mailed me a semi-long "list" of what to bring to Peru and I'm thinking, CRAP I need to start packing!

However, I'm so good at maintaining my calmness that I'd rather just do the following...

Or, even better:

Yup. That's exactly what I'm doing. Calms the nerves already...

not to forget...

The boyfriend is super pumped about our first time ever to beautiful Hawaii... Yes. It'll be for a wedding, but in some ways, I think it'll be an all-around celebration of love. Kind of like the last time we went traveling "for a wedding"...

I told him I'll just do all my shopping for the wedding when I'm in Peru. Which if you've seen my last post, will likely to be bright, bright, bright! It's fine, I'm sure he'll be packing a lot of shades.

PS. For the blog detailing of mine & John's traveling experience through the Central Coast, check out my friend's site: http://travelbelles.com/

the isle of gina...

Lately I've been such a go-lucky girl with all my upcoming trips that I must say, the world seems to be just slightly brighter, happier, and unfortunately, a bit more busy-er!

But how wonderful it is to be off & on strange beachy sands soon... I'm so psyched!!

anticipation of...

Brights & prints and llamas and funky colored hats on people, oh my!!! I have a feeling that anything goes in Peru, style-wise, and for that, I'm so looking forward to how a different culture dresses & embraces fashion.

From the simple urbanites...

To the poor mountain folk...

To the people who just stand out much further than their scenic surroundings...

It'll be an eye-opening experience nonetheless!

...

I also wonder what sort of architectural design & textiles I'll be introduced to as well...

.

Let's hope I don't break my traveling allowance for this...

PS. If you can't get enough of the Peruvian fashion fare, here is a spread from Teen Vogue covering a shoot in Cuzco, Peru. However, I'm not going to Cuzco... 

Ayacucho for Semana Santa

More itinerary leaks for my upcoming trip to Peru: I'll be spending it at a very mountainous region (read: requiring high altitude pills por mi) which is going to be celebrating Easter hard-core.

As in, I ain't talking about the Easter Americans like to celebrate with chocolate bunny eggs, peeps, and mall photos with a fat perv in pastel clothing. I'm talking about the holy, almighty, Jesus (fuckin') Christ.

Throughout the week, daily and evening processions allow the participants to demonstrate their devotion. An open air market with crafts, food, and music draws a huge crowd who enjoy chicha or chacta with a chew of coca leaves. A traditional belief holds that since Christ is now dead, and not yet risen, there is no such thing as a sin. Consequently, participants in Ayacucho’s holy week celebrations use this time to party and behave as they please until Sunday’s resurrection ceremonies...


Hmm... party & behave as I please with no guilt of having committed sin? SURE!! 


Mucho excited for this head-on collision with a totally brand new religious experience & chance to eat cocoa leaves, too (legally, that is)!

countdown...

...

...

I'm very blessed this Spring. I get to visit two vacation destinations I've never been to! And each with a traveling partner deemed both my best friend, my true love, and my partners-in-fun.

Now the only challenge for me is, finding the right "traveling" shoes for this occasion. 

P.S. I'm not even en route to South America yet & already they're speaking a foreign language to me: