It's been a very long time since I updated. Let's see, up to today… Christmas is a week away but it doesn't feel like it at all, I suppose it's not for lack of gaudy Christmas decorations or bad music, we have that, or even that there is no snow, lest we forget I lived in California for 18 years, but, and I never thought I would say this, it's a lack of people that I associate with Christmas, lack of exam stress and anxiety and lack of shopping and consumerism stress. It's quite strange really.This Thursday I am moving yet again. Although I enjoyed my time at the intn´l student housing APU I think for my last month I need to move on. All of the great friends I made there are moving on and I think it is time for me to move on too. Although I really do like Miraflores I also feel that my "Peruvian" experience hasn't been very authentic or Peruvian. And like I said although I love my friends, I do not have a single Peruvian friend that I have made on my own. Not to mention I have a commute every day and night that ranges from 30mins-1hr on the kombi. My new place is within walking distance of my house, much cheaper and includes cleaning, and food! I am excited to be saving money, seeing a different part of town with very different people and places and to be closer to Nefeli so we can finally hang out! Haha.This Friday I am going on a trip to Arequipa, which is the second largest city in Peru. It's known for its awesome food, volcanoes and churches. It is also close to Colca Canyon which has the deepest point in all of the world, now I know at least one of you will read this and say "Oh no that's not true" and well… you're right, sorta, there is another point in Peru that's like 2 feet deeper but it is just a teeny point where overall Colca is much deeper. Either way I look forward to going. I would like to trek there but all of the trips I have seen so far are 4 days and if I do that then I won't be able to see anything else in the city. So I think I am just going to go for a day or maybe on a 2 days rafting trip. I haven't made any plans yet but I know everything will work out, it always does. When I come back I will spend a night at my new house then off to a New Years Party, since none of my friends will be around I am doing something different, I am going to EcoTruly Park (if you have a minute Google it, it looks absolutely crazy) for a different type of ringing in the new year which includes yoga on the beach, anti-stress therapies, purification ceremonies, artist workshops, nature hikes and other neat workshops. When I come back, it'll be a quick 27 days until BRAZIL! Incase I haven't said anything about this I'll lay down the stats…

1. I have officially changed my ticket back to Canada, I will probably be returning April 17
2. I am going on a trip which I am not really going to plan but flying Lima - Sao Paulo Jan 28 I will trip around Brazil until Feb 17 (where I will be hanging out with Jenni and Sammi which is going to be great) then I fly to Buenos Aires Argentina, after that I have no plans I juts have to be back in Lima to fly back to Canada

For other Canadians thinking about Brazil there are some things you should know, you need a VISA being the first. Now, I looked into this in Canada and it was going to cost over a hundred dollars, they tell you that you have to provide all sorts of financial info and have a return ticket. I had mine issued here in Lima, it cost me $40, I didn't have to provide any proof of anything and the processing time was super, less that 5 hours! I suppose that is because they don't issue many tourist VISAs because Peruvians and anyone from a country that is a part of the EU doesn't need one. The people at the consulate were really nice and helpful and the process was smooth and easy. What else is new… well, I went to a gay bar here in Lima, as many of you know in Canada I LOVE the gay bars! Love, love, love them. And well here in Lima was no exception, but it is quite different from gay bars on Canada. It seems that exclusively gay people go to the gay bars here, the people we talked to thought it was strange that I went with a friend who wasn't my girlfriend and furthermore that neither of us are gay. Nonetheless, it was a great time and a great bar to go to, good music, good people, good times. As for work… work is work and I don't want to get into it. Hope everyone is well and enjoying the holiday season!