BACK ON US SOIL

May 24 2011
BACK ON US SOIL
My first arrival point in the US was Orlando. First incredibly gratifying American experience: drinking out of a water fountain. Sweet goodness. After clearing customs and immigration, I had just enough time to induldge in a hearty, American meal: Burger King chicken sandwich. Felt a little guilty as I immediately noticed how much bigger everyone around me seemed in comparison to anywhere in South America, but I figure I wouldn't really be a US Citizen if I didn't eat fast food as soon as I set foot on US soil. Third amazing American disfrutation: FLUSHING THE TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET! SUCCESS! I tried calling the rents on a payphone, but surely Mom was out walking with Juanita, so I left a message. While my stomach is definitely still recovering from my parasite (Antonio), I'm already so thrilled to be able to eat things like lettuce and, well, anything prepared by someone else and feel like I am not risking another run in with... the runs. Hehe.
Had a nice day in Bogota yesterday. Met up with my Colombian friend Enrique, who I met in Nicaragua over a year ago. As I felt when I was in Bogota back in September, I again got really good vibes. Bogota is a very modern city, and in the nicer parts it feels almost like the States. It feels pretty safe, but after reommending me to stay in a hostel (La Pinta) outside of the center, he told me it was because in the Candelaria area of the center, gangs have been entering hostels with pistols and robbing tourists. Scary stuff. Still on every street corner there are policemen with dogs- really adorable dogs but I'm sure in times of necessity they would bite your arm off.
I'm getting very excited to see my sissy in Boston! Right now I'm off to JFK, then from there I've got a flight to Boston. Still saying gracias instead of thank you. Can't wait to help out with my Spanish on Sunday at Brett and Louisa's wedding!

Sunrise flying out of Lima

Flying into Bogota

Bogota

Bogota

Enjoying an Aguila, Colombian beer