Monday, July 2, 2012

National Lampoon's Vacation to Peru

My family's first sight of the Pacific



After spending so much time in one country, sometimes it becomes second nature to be accustomed to cultural intricacies that fill one's day to day life. The little annoyances or difficulties become casual or even likable events. So it is easy to imagine that when someone comes to visit, there happen to be quite a few little tidbits here and there that may have been useful to know in advance. Having just waved goodbye to a flock of family members leaving their trek through Peru, here are the “whoops, I forgot to tell you” moments I had.

Things to tell your family:
  1. “English speaking tour guide” is a very broad term.
  2. Being on time for most anything, means you are approximately 30 minutes early.
  3. Math is not necessarily universal..seeing 7 people at table is not an indicator that you may need accoutrement for every person.
  4. Don't forget to bring Pepto.
  5. “What do you mean 7 people can't fit into one taxi?”
  6. At a Money Exchange, ripped bills will be taken by the bank, at the bank, ripped bills will be taken at a Money Exchange...No one takes ripped, nicked, bent, or otherwise non perfect bills.
  7. “Yes mother, it does make sense...it is called inefficiency.”
  8. Don't take candy from strangers.
  9. Ceviche is made from raw fish.
  10. Coy aka Hamster
    Expect the unexpected, then the unexpected will have to change plans later.