What's Up America?

First thing I did after landing was find a diner and have the most American meal I could. The cheesecake desert just really topped it off.

After 2.5 hours of walking, I made it to the beach! The water was nice and warm but also refreshing in the hot and muggy Florida weather. Within 24 hours I went from the Pacific Ocean beaches of Lima to the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Florida.  

American craft beer. Oh how I've waited so long... it was like a taste bud explosion. 

Some people in Florida own boats for cars.

AMERICA!!! Today I went and indulged in all of the American things I've been missing over the last 2 months. Strange to be surrounded by English speaking people and huge SUVs. I also found a really cool art market that covered several blocks of a street. Decent layover experience for sure. Up next: Vegas.

Airport Shenanigans

At the airport in Lima waiting for my 11:15 flight to Fort Lauderdale. The airport gives you 10 minutes of free WiFi and I wanted to use those 10 minutes to share with you my awesome llama selfie. Also, how cool is it that they let you buy cans of beer at the small kiosks and wander around the airport drinking? I also made use of the duty free shop to score some free Cologne and smell fresh for the flight back. My only failure was not being able to sneak into the VIP lounge. Security was too tight...

Cacao? Wait, So That's Different From Coca?

Roasting the cocoa beans.

Removing the beans from the shells. The shells were used to make cocoa tea which was quite splendid. 

Grinding the beans into cocoa paste. 

The workshop group. It was me and 2 Delta pilots from SC and GA. Fun group. 

Last night in South America. Obviously going to go out with a cultural bang and have some Millers!

In the interest of killing time, learning something new and walking away with a cool gift, I signed up for a chocolate making workshop in Lima. The 2 hour class teaches you about the history and process behind making chocolate and allows you to make your own chocolate from start to finish. It was really informative and entertaining. Then at night, the hostel was offering a deal with a local club that included free admission and a free drink. Not wanting to pass up a free drink, I ended up going with a few new friends from the hostel. The drink was a rather tasty cocktail made with Pisco, a very popular liquor in Peru and Chile. The Miller beers weren't the most exciting, but it was nice to go out with people on my last night in South America. Tonight I fly overnight to florida, have a 12 hour layover tomorrow, then fly back to Vegas! Not an April Fools joke. America here I come! Time to see what this Trump guy is all about. 

Beach Beer Bargaining

Just one of them lazy beach days. Almost felt like I was on vacation in the Outer Banks again... minus being with family, of course. But we still had a good crew!

Kickin' It In Lima

Such a beautiful coastline.

Climbing gym in Lima. I really need to get myself back into climbing shape. Too much beer and food, not enough exercise. 

Definitely the tallest gym wall I've seen in South America. 

A new craft beer pub opened up last week. A bit pricey, but excellent selection of Peruvian brews.

My new Aussie friend Ben brought a slack line with him. Twas a great way to pass the time and enjoy the nice weather. 

Stacking rocks on the beach during sunset. Quite nice.

Cozy little rooftop lounge with a bar.

I've met some great people in Lima in the last couple days. Spent plenty of time talking about beer with Cammy, whose been volunteering at various breweries in South America. Interesting to get a sort of inside perspective on the industry down here. Also yesterday I spent the day chilling with Ben who brought his slack line and had really interesting perspectives on traveling and the greater society in which we live. Then last night we had a big crew hanging out on the roof playing random drinking games. Also, the climbing gym in Lima is pretty nice. I should have plenty to distract me from my excitement of flying back to the states on Friday.