Earth Day & Peruvian wrap-up

Happy Earth Day! Go pick up some trash, turn out the lights, and plant something!

So, yeah! I am home. I leave again on Friday, but let’s not talk about that right now.******

I loved Peru. I loved the kindness of the Peruvian people, the energy of Lima, the incredible food, and the experience of a world very different than mine. Turns out, I was able to limp along better in Spanish than I thought, too. Peru is a vast country, with a fascinating history and mix of cultures. I know that my way-too-short stay there was essentially like skipping a stone across the the ocean. But my brief glimpse was lovely.

Let’s roll the tape!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Plaza de Armas at the heart of the city.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Soccer game in a courtyard.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic My awesome ceviche and a glass of my new favorite drink, chicha morada, made from purple corn and spices.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic I even ate a lima bean, even though it’s one of the few foods I hate, because, “when in Lima…”

Image and video hosting by TinyPic At the ruins of the pyramid at Huaca Pucllana, built by a pre-Incan people, the Lima. It is in the middle of Lima and is incredible.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic This guy works in a bookstore in the Miraflores neighborhood – that’s his favorite book.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic They’re reading Joe Hill in Peru!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic And yes, it’s official: Stephanie Meyer has taken over the planet.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic The 8th grade girls bookclub from the school. I ADORE the kids at the Colegio Roosevelt!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Back to the grocery store, called Vivanda, where the yogurt shelf has these goodies.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic And there is half an aisle – a long aisle – devoted to evaporated condensed milk. Peruvian desserts take the concept of “sweet” to a new level.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic I tried tres leches, purple corn pudding, sweet potato doughnuts with syrup, and other things I don’t remember the name of, but this (the one in the middle with the seeds) – cheesecake de maracuya – that’s right; passionfruit cheesecake, was indescribably delicious.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic But the best fusion I’ve ever tasted? Peru + Japan = yumminess. Sushi topped with MANGO!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Which isn’t to say that you can’t find decent junk food, if you’re in the mood. Bembodog!!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Best sign of the trip, found in the duty-free store at the airport.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic So good-bye, Peru. I can’t wait to go back!

****** I am going to Los Angeles! Can you come out and see me this weekend?
LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

12:30 – 1:30pm Young Adult Fiction Panel: “Problem Child” Location: Moore 100
Moderator: Jonathan Hunt
Panelists: Laurie Halse Anderson
Suzanne Phillips
Nate Powell
Jacqueline Woodson

2:30 – 3:30 pm Booksigning
Location: Penguin/Whale of a Tale Booth, #816

Hasta luego!