A few things I miss...

So at my going away party, I was asked what I thought I would miss most. I had no idea at the time, but after a few days, let me give you a quick top 5 list:

1) Stop Lights
First, I miss the fact that people actually use them in the U.S. Second, I miss that they actually exist there. There are almost 9 million people in Lima, it's a huge city, but there are very few lights! Instead of lights, people make "U Turns" all over the place. There are sections of the median that open up and cars fight there way into traffic and make a "U Turn" and then a right to get where they are going. Doesn't seem to safe.

2) Warm/hot showers
It's summer here and people are very hot, but the temperature is only in the high 70s or low 80s. So of course they're not going to have the hot water heater on. Which means showers with very, very cold water. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed hot showers!

3) Taller People
It seems strange, but it's true. Think about it for a moment: my spanish stinks, I'm still wearing American clothes, and I'm the tallest person around. So much for trying to fit in!

4) Confidence in what I'm saying
I don't claim to have the best english vocabulary, but I'd say it's above average. It's very humbling to go from having a lot of confidence in what you're saying to absolutely none. Is something "facil" or "defacil"? No se!

5) Cell phone
This is a mixed bag. I absolutely love the fact that I haven't had a functioning cell phone for the last few days, but I am totally screwed if I get lost or something happens to me, but don't worry Mom, I'll have a local cell phone on Monday!

5.5) My family/friends
This goes without saying, but if I don't put it in here nobody will ever read this blog again! I miss you guys!