Preparations

As the days progress, my excitement grows. I applied to go on this trip nearly a year ago, and while the trip is merely days away, it hardly seems real. I've packed out of my dorm room, and the next time I return to campus I will be a junior. Finally, after literally, years of daydreaming about studying abroad, I'm going!

Today I ran around the cities getting last minute items before Monday's departure. Tomorrow I have more errands to run, and will spend time with family and friends before my departure.

My travel plans include busing from Minneapolis to Chicago with a friend who is also traveling to Peru. Together we will fly out and arrive in Lima early Wednesday morning, and plan to spend a few days exploring hostels before joining our host families at the end of the week.

I've asked some of you for blog title suggestions, and Mom, I like yours the best, so this is for you. "Darkest Peru" of course, is where Paddington Bear hails from. After being orphaned during an earthquake, he lived with his Aunt Lucy until she moved to the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. She taught Paddington English and sent him to London as a stowaway in a ship's life boat. There you have it. Some other suggestions that are worth noting include:
Peru-sing
PPP: Phoebe Promenades/Parades Peru
Perupalooza
Living in Lima

As time allows, I hope to post weekly with updates on my studies, travels, adventures, and other experiences. Please, don't be shy with comments or questions. Feel free to subscribe for email alerts when I post!

Love, Phoebe