(Thinking about) trip preparations

I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m scared. Of course I haven’t even started packing—I’m one of those travel snobs, the ones who pack their bags the same day of their flight and leave home for the airport when they should already be at the airport. Of course I usually forget to pack most important things and typically almost faint from running to my plane, but I (almost) always make it.

Tonight Miguel and his wife—a Peruvian couple who’s been living in Torino for over 10 years, and have known my grandmother that long—came to tell me about their country. Miguel’s wife is Cusqueña, and they are both so proud and enthusiastic about their country, I think I’m gonna love it! There is this magical aura in Cusco, they say: the archaeological and historical capital of Latin America, cultural and religious celebrations, dancing, nature, nightlife, welcoming people, incredible diversity and terrible inequality. Their whole family is waiting for me, they want me to get in touch as soon as I arrive so they can keep an eye on me and make sure I behave, the grandmother is about to start cooking for me! It makes me feel so safe to know I’ll have a point or reference there. They also have family in Bolivia, which I simply HAVE to visit… sounds like it’s gonna be tough ;)

The word is spreading here in Turin about volunteering in Peru, and one volunteer has already signed up to come from March to May, while others are planning to come in the summer. I’ve been posting flayers at the Universities, and telling people…apparently it’s full of people who want to join me in my crazy ventures around the world!

I’m trying to say good-bye to friends and family these days, but there is no such thing as a proper good-bye. The next couple weeks are going to be interesting and filled with improper good-byes.

Thursday—my last day in Italy—is my mom’s birthday. TANTI AUGURI MAMMINA!