La Vida Idealist

Last week I stepped onto U.S. soil for the first time in a year, and I admit that I’m experiencing a classic case of reverse culture shock. For the first few days I felt a pang of worry before drinking tap water, and was reluctant to throw toilet paper into the bowl. I wondered at the size of American taxis. The ease with which I could turn on a stove amazed me.

However, despite my childlike wonder at the forgotten conveniences of the developed world, nostalgia for Peru has already started to sink in.

As I think back on the year and my memories begin to sweeten and solidify into easily rehashed anecdotes, I have a few pieces of advice for fellow travelers and expats-to-be. As Baz Luhrmann says in the graduation speech Wear Sunscreen, “Advice is a form of nostalgia,” and indeed, these suggestions all stem from my sweetest memories abroad.

#1. See the tourist attractions, but realize that these will not be your most culturally enriching experiences. Though you may gain interesting knowledge from a tour guide at historical ruins, you will learn ten times more from the lady in braids and a top hat who sells eggs on the street. Talk to all the locals you can.

#2. Eat with abandon. You will get sick and there’s no avoiding it, so sample every street food that tempts you and drink the fresh-squeezed market juices. If you have plans to take an overnight bus, either disregard this rule or make sure you’re armed with plenty of Immodium.

#3. Travel alone for a period of time. It is empowering to make and carry out your own plans, and it will open the doors to meet interesting people from the world over. Allow for flexibility in your itinerary. You may just want to change your plans and travel with your new friends.

#4. Within reason, do the things that scare you. That terrifying bus ride down the narrow road with a reckless driver will make for a good story later on.

#5. Most importantly, don’t forget the lessons you have learned. In Cusco, I was constantly reminded of my privilege. I had a house with 24-hour electricity and hot water, and a daily change of clean clothes. Many people didn’t. Here at home, it’s easy to forget that most people in the world live on much less than we do. Remember this.

My year in Peru only served to fuel my wanderlust, so I have no doubt that I’ll be abroad again to live and explore. Until then, ¡Adios!

Kimberly just recently finished a volunteer stint as Program Manager for GirlSportWorks, a US-based NGO in Cusco that seeks to enhance the lives of Peruvian girls through athletics.

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