Thoughts and Musings....

With 19 days left in DC, things seem to be coming to a close in a hurry. It's funny, how even when you think about something long enough to completely over-analyze it, change your mind several times, and then conclude the decision was right to begin with AND leave yourself enough time take care of details at a leisurely pace, it inevitably feels rushed in the end anyway. Definitely one of those, there isn't enough time but there is still plenty of time, things. I think it speaks to the degree that you want something to happen. That you are ready for a change.

And still, with only a month left in the US, I feel as though I have a lifetime left here. Everything feels... I don't want to say routine, but familiar. And I can't get myself to operate with any sense of urgancy. I used to attribute this to some extremely lazy phase I thought I was going through (which still may be true). Now though, I believe it to be more a reflection of how comfortable I've grown here in DC, especially with the people around me. While I'm still 100% committed to leaving (mentally... I know I'm monetarily committed), and to the experiences I think I'll find, I know once I get off the plane in Quito the regret will be all too real for the places, people, relationships, and life that I gave up.

I definitely used to, and to a large degree still am, a very analytical person. I like to know all the angles, and all the choices, before making even simple decisions. And while I can't say this is a very spontaneous decision, it feels good to make it more on gut and instinct than because it was logically a good choice.

Or maybe I'm just a little loopy from the vaccinations.

Machu Picchu Good to Go

At this point, I'm all set for travel between Ecuador and Chile. The most popualar leg of my initial travels, the Inca Trails from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, has been booked. I have a train leaving Cuzco on the 13th on November to Aguas Calientes, which returns the next day.

I booked about 7 weeks ahead of schedule, but even in off season I could have done better, and recommend anyone traveling to Peru and especially Cuzco etc., to schedule your transportation very far in advance (2 months during peak season may not cut it). Go to www.perurail.com to book your trip to Machu Picchu ASAP if you're going.