Superficial Lessons from Peru

The first thing that I did when I got back into the States from my mission trip to Peru was to flush some toilet paper just because I could.  Of course, that was after I practically jumped over the counter and hugged the immigration officer at the airport because he spoke English.

Even though I have been back for a couple of days now, I still have not been able to process deeply the memories made, the challenges overcome or the profound lessons God taught me over those ten days.  So, I thought I’d share some of the humorous, albeit superficial, lessons learned in Peru.

1. Accidentally getting water in your mouth while showering will likely cause you to have a panic attack.  In fact, it’s best if you just hold your breath the entire time you shower.
2. It is not normal for a hair straightener to produce smoke in a foreign country.
3. It’s harder than you think to get all the toothpaste off of a toothbrush using bottled water.
4. “Sin” is a good thing when it is followed by the word “gas.”  (non-carbonated water).
5. Stopping up the toilet is embarrassing in any country.
6. Eating raw fruits and vegetables is underrated in the United States.
7. Toilet paper is a luxury and flushing it is decadent.
8. Moms in Peru whip their babies around like ninjas do swords.
9. Taxi and bus drivers in Peru make NASCAR racers look like sissies.
10. “Pare” signs (stop signs) are decorations on the streets and at a minimum are simply suggestions.
11. Peruvians laugh in the face of safety regulations: they will literally shove 20 people on a 7 passenger van even if that means standing in the open doorway.
12. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way.  EVER.
13. You will get so accustomed to being greeted with a kiss and a hug that you think everyone who doesn’t is just rude.
14. Peruvians will still try to talk to you even if they know you don’t speak Spanish.
15. Street vendors will remember your name.
16. Alpaca is tast-y!
17. If a Guinea Pig tastes like chicken, then why not just eat chicken and save the family pet?
18. Dirt floors do not prohibit the possession of a TV, DVD player, computer and an internet connection.
19. No one looks good after being stuck in an airport for 12 hours.
20. Everything is better in Cuzco (thanks for the tip, Jason!)
21. Facebook is universal.

So, there you have it:  twenty-one deep thoughts from ten days in Peru.

Gracias!