Do you recall earlier in this experience when I mentioned that it seems that many travelers follow the same routes down in South America? If you don’t, you’ll need to refresh from the early stages of this journey where I introduce the first people I encountered at the hostel I stayed at in Barranco, Peru. One of them was an Irish guy and I couldn’t recall his name at the time I had written that entry. It’s not a spoiler for me to tell you that I actually do know his name because I never mention it in my personal journal. I also fail to mention the fact that I appeared to be following his same trail. I first met him in Barranco, Peru. I also bumped into him at the Point Hostel in Cuzco, Peru. Lo and Behold! we cross paths again at the same hostel in La Paz, Bolivia. It was time for proper introductions. The other encounter in Cuzco seemed more of an acknowledgement of recognition that we’d seen each other. No real words exchanged to speak of more of a nod, a smile, and a wave. On the third and final encounter in La Paz, he happened to walk into the lounge while I was there and this time we exchanged names. His name was Patrick. Even though that reflection has absolutely nothing to do with the journal entry you are going to read I felt it proper to put in this story as a whole. It’s something that I still recall after all these years but failed to mention in my journal. A personal memory that I now make public. I think if it still is in my memories after all this time it still deems noting. Let’s get to our entry now, shall we?
If everything goes well I should have about $300 in the bank by tomorrow. I’m not looking forward to the debt I’m going to have to pay when I get home. Nonetheless, money can not buy the people I’ve met or the experiences I’ve had. I went shopping yesterday and got some souvenirs for friends and family back home. I still should get a few more though to make sure I get mostly everybody. Perhaps I can just frame a picture when I get home to serve as a souvenir. I bought myself a hat that I like very much and look forward to wearing it back home. I don’t think I will be able to bike down the mountain as I don’t have the funds yet. I could go by myself with another group but was looking forward to doing it with Terra and Kim. I may go on a 3 day hike that is around here. It’s a hike that doesn’t require a guide and is quite cheap I guess. I just have to go out and try it I guess, take up some time and conserve money at the same time. If I do that, after I may just head towards Arequipa (Peru) then to Huacachina then back to Lima and head home. I guess I can only see what will happen.
I still have the hat I bought in Bolivia. I don’t wear ever wear it these days. I’d stick out like the blue ass of a baboon. I’m not sure why I even care to be honest. I have moved on well beyond my 25 year old self. I think that’s what makes the whole tale so interesting now, to see the growth over 12 years. One thing that has remained the same though is my pride. Despite being low on funds my very last option was to ever ask for any money from back home. I usually try to refrain from asking for any help of any kind for some reason. So much so that it’s to the point where I will have my hands full of stuff and I’ll try to open a door and people near by say ” Hey let me get that for you!” I always reply “No, it’s okay, I can get it.” I have a weird mentality that it puts people out of their way and that’s something I don’t want to do. It’s a selfish thing though because I don’t want to be put out of my way. Ya know what I’m sayin?
Basket of Thoughts 