Last night we had our "welcome" dinner to meet our fellow passengers and our tour leaders. There was the usual "so where are you from" along with the general sizing up of who you thought you could possible spend this much time traveling with around the world. There are all types of people on the trip including a guy who's writing a young adult sci-fi novel set in the Grand Canyon. A group of kids discover a colony of intelligent amphibians hidden in the canyon. Well, you know, who thought vampires would be so popular...
We definitely fall on the younger side of the age spectrum although there may be little to no correlation with how well we hold up on the trip. We seem to have "bonded" with several couples already although dance partners will probably change several times along the road. No one seems to be trying to impress anyone which is good since I discovered my pants have paint stains from a previous trip involving guns and targets.
This morning we were whisked off to the Sanford airport that seems to be reserved for charter operations and a flight school. Security is a whole lot easier when you're the only flight departing for the next few hours. Awaiting us on the plane was an array of entertainment/comfort goodies for our perusal. Each of us has an iPad loaded with guide books, educational shows, lecture notes, and for those not quite so into the educational side of the trip, Angry Birds. We were also issued Bose headphones, personal transmitters which will be used by local guides at each stop, a personal comfort bag ( tooth brush, ear plugs, etc.), and a bag to store our swag. Talking about spoiled, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to step onto a Southwest flight again.
Along our route we heard from our traveling experts about Latin American political issues, the earth's climate and the sights of Peru. We also were served our first of many multi-course meals complete with cheese course and matching wine. Any delusions I might have had about this being a trip where I could shape up and drop a few pounds where burst with my first bight of caviar.
Upon arrival in Peru, we visited the Larco Herrera Museum, home of one of the largest collections of Pre-Colombian art. Oh, and did I mention, they also are the home to the largest collection of sexually themed pottery in the world. I've never seen so many exposed penises in one room, nor realized that if you call it art you really don't feel all that bad taking what amounts to pornographic photos to show Aunt Carol at the end of the trip.
Awaiting us in our hotel room were gifts of silver picture frames. I think they may be taking care of my Christmas shopping for me if this pattern holds up. The room is gorgeous, the dinner fabulous and the bed quite welcoming. Time for bed. We have an early wake-up call to catch our flight to Cusco.
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