Lost in Translation

Please forgive grammatical errors, typos and general streams of conscience thought…. wifi, time, and sleep are all sparse.

The language, the culture, the food, the activities….

I stepped off the plane (at 1AM) into what can only be described as controlled chaos. The people, the smells, and the languages assuage your senses as soon as you walk into the airport- talk about over stimulation. It was love at first sight!

So far it has been an eye-opening experience, and I’m learning some really great lessons all while attempting to make connections, and save our rainforest:

Lesson 1: Sometimes is just ok to sit back and listen. This was the hardest but since most conversations around me are in Spanish I am just an observer. As most of you know I’m more of a participant or a doer but I’m learning to step back and be happy to be present at some amazing moments and connections.

#2: Not everything is in your control. This is a biggie for me- especially for those of you who know me well in my work life. I have absolutely no control over my schedule, where I go, or what I do. Since everything is foreign to me, I have to stick pretty close to the group and ‘go with the flow’. Today I should finally have my Peru cell phone, and can be just a little more independent. I’m still learning to love this but when I get back I might need someone to follow around for a few days…

That brings me to lesson 3: Schedule, what schedule? While they are so many schedules and meetings associated with this conference WE do not follow those schedules. My boss works to the beat of her own drum but

#4: People care, they really do care: Don’t get me wrong Austin is a more caring city than most but saving the rainforest and slowing (stopping) climate change isn’t on the top of an Austinites ‘to do list’, but it should be and I guess that is our fault. Basically I have my work cut out for me, but now I know that there is a real community that gets it, and that community is powerful, connected and won’t take NO for an answer. I will now step off my soap box but more on that later I’m sure.

5. Wine is not the drink of choice here, what?! The silliest of ‘life lessons’ along the journey, but biggie (for me) no less. Food and drinks have been the toughest part of the journey (mostly because the people I stick with NEVER eat), although I’m learning to eat lots of rice and don’t think I should drink another Pisco Sour, ok maybe one more…

To sum it up, It is a strange and beautiful world we live in, and Peru has lived up to it all with so much more to come!