everything up till now...

As you all know, I've left Israel to go to South America. But before I risk body and soul in the jungles of the backwards flushing world, I went to visit family in the states. Of course El Al lost my baggage and this is a story that could take a whole blog in and of itself. I won't expand on that horrible experience here, but suffice it to say that I have a new pair of sandals... Anyhow I made it to Peru last Tuesday with a flight from Miami. I expected only Spanish in South America, but I kinda expected English in the Miami airport; no such luck.

I landed in Peru before 5 AM, and I went directly to Youth Hostel Malka. I have only good things to say about this hostel, so if you are ever in Lima you should definitely stay there. Lovely people, great atmosphere, real nice they are. I spent 2 days in Lima, seeing a bit of the sights, going to the National Museum, and noticing how technologically advanced they are. For those who know the reasons that I moved to Israel, I should mention that they also have new cars, running hot water, and the internet here too. Who knows, I might move to Lima. ésta es vida. Lima is a very Americanized city, large stores, plenty of American food, Dunken Donuts, Starbucks, and of course McDonalds. Taxis in Lima are between 5 and 7 sole which is between a $1 to $2. Food is very cheap too, 7 sole for a full American breakfast. No shock to anyone to hear that Starbucks is still the same price - cup of chai latte for $3.81 or 14 sole.

There are many DVDs in Peru, although all of them are pirated. I swear! You can't even find original American movies here, they are all burned DVDs, both in the outside markets, and in the indoor shops. I guess the RIAA is too busy suing mothers to do anything about this.

On Thursday I flew into Cusco. For those in the know - Cusco is just a 4 hour train from Machu Picchu. It's also a nest of Israelis. There are a bunch of Israeli hostels (read stoned). I am staying at one, House of Kishkashta. Avi is the proprietor and he is very nice, very very mellow... I guess I can't get away from computers - I fixed the one here. Even installed new memory. Its a disease I guess. There is a Chabad here run by Ofir. I ate there last nite, and today. They are a nice group of people, who provide a great service. There were about 70 people last nite, and about 40 today. This is considered an empty Shabbat for the Chabad. They have on many Shabbatot more than 200 guests. I think thats amazing, but I guess it shows that Israelis have truly pervaded the farthest reaches of the earth.

I have to get up early for the ride to Machu Picchu, so goodbye for now. I will have pictures from there, so stay tuned; same bat time, same bat channel...

I haven't gone to any picture worthy places yet, but as I'm going to Machu Picchu tomorrow, I'll send lots of photographs from there.