Even down to the wire, I managed to cram things into my schedule.

Yesterday morning was spent sandboarding on the giant dunes of
Huacachina. The concept is actually a lot cooler than the
reality. There's no lifts, so one has to walk to the top of the
dune after each "run". Of course, walking up a surface that is
constantly sliding down underneath you is no easy task.

It's impossible to edge, so carving large idyllic turns is a pipe
dream reserved for colder climes. Mostly, you just shoot straight
down the face and hope not to fall. Luckily, you can't build up
all that much speed -- you're on pre-sandpaper, after all.

The situation is remedied somewhat by applying wax to the bottom
of the half-inch thick plywood "sandboards", but the stuff only
lasts for two short runs, whereupon it has to be reapplied.

Finally, sand gets *everywhere* -- even places that you didn't
know existed prior. But hey -- it's still kinda fun, and at least
somewhat of a unique experience.

The afternoon saw a visit to a winery where pisco is made, and
thus necessitated lying on my US Customs form (Did you visit any
farmlands? No!).

The tour was short and sweet (and actually kinda boring), but we
got to drink some free booze and then get the hell out of there.

Spent one last night in Lima, and then off to the airport for a
long day of travel. Long flight interrupted by long layover,
capped off with another long flight. Whee.

Peering out the window, I saw an unidentified American city
twinkling silently in the night. What a beautiful glittering
sight.

Unfortunately, I got cocky on the plane and opted for ice in my
soda. Arrival in New York saw my sprinting to the bathroom as
Peru got its final revenge on me. Oh how I long for the days when
diarrhea is the exception and not the norm.

Back at my unfamiliar new home (my family moved while I was
away), cleanly showered and two pieces of leftover pizza in the
bely (I hope they stay there for a while), it seems to me that
life is good.

It's good to be back. Thanks for reading along the past two
or so months. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did
writing.

This is Alex, over and out.

/Alex