Closing the chapter

Hello hello all from St Paul, MN -

Yes, that's right...I have returned state-side. I can't say honestly that I am overjoyed to be home, but not because I don't love MN. It was truly incredibly hard to leave Peru, especially Cusco, and to say good-bye to all of the people who have come to hold a large place in my heart. As I transition back into my US life, I will be trying to find a way to weave them into my life here, as they have made quite an impact on me. For right now, let me at least put up some pictures of my last few weeks in Peru to finish up the story of my 'Year of Rest'...

This year has been an incredible one for me, filled with personal growth and exploration. I feel so lucky to have been able to take this year of rest from my medical career, and I could NOT have even thought about going away without the constant support from my wonderful family and friends. To you all, I say a heart-felt thank you. From the mountains of Peru to the corners of Patagonia I carried your support and love with me. I could not have gone on this journey without each of you. May you all continue your own explorations, as I will mine.

As my wonderful friends Lib and Benj say -

Always Go Farther!

Lv,

Laurita

Pictures - Huacachina and the beginning of Padres in Peru

Huacachina...an oasis 4 hours south of Lima
Quite a site - feel like you are in the African desert!
Seppe enjoying the sandy hill:)
Beginning of the Lares Trek with mom and dad...trekking poles are working well at 13,000 ft!
Cute Andean family passes us en route to their village.

More Lares trek

View of campsite #1...4300 meters above sea level (about 14,000 feet).
Adorable Andean boy watching us curiously...
The great gang! (L to R) mom, Gerson (the guide), dad, Shifi, and Ziv (a great couple from Isreal).
mom and dad ALMOST over our pass...
AT the pass...resting:)

More Lares trek #2

Andean woman and her weaving...she is the wife of one of our horse-drivers.
Her shy little son...
The dynamic 4-some, trekking along in the heat. (L to R) dad, Shifi, mom, and Ziv
me at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Cusco, and then to Arequipa, Peru

Great view of Machu Picchu from the top of Wayna Picchu...
On top of Wayna Picchu with Gerson (our guide and a good friend of mine!)
Machu Picchu...pretty amazing site.
Back in Cusco, out to dinner one night at a friend's restaurant...nice hats!
Off to Arequipa - and the famous convent which housed weathy daughters in the 14th and 15th centuries. This is where they kept the girls IN SILENCE for 4 years when they first arrived at the convent. What a life.

Arequipa...

mom and dad relaxing in a park in Arequipa
view from our hotel of the city center of Arequipa.