Plaza Mayor Cathedral

Built in 1600, this is the most renowned landmark in this famous plaza. Francisco Pizzaro ("father" of Peru) is entombed here - very impressive.

San Franciscan Church, Monastery & Catacombs

Built in 1540, this monastery is famous for its extensive catacombs - similar to those in Paris. You are not allowed to take pics inside.

Lima & Pacific Ocean

Lima is located on Peru's coastline with the Pacific Ocean. Above is a pic of one of many Lima parks on the hills above.

Made It to Lima

After 4000+ miles (6400+ KM), 15 hours of travel time with 1.5-hour layover in San Salvador, we arrived safely in Lima about 9PM. Checked into hotel, got a quick bite to eat (carne empenada), and picked-up some groceries. It is now midnight here and it has been a long day - so we are going to bed.

On Our Way to Lima, Peru!

Kim and I just before take-off from Dulles to San Salvador where we connect for a flight to Lima. All of our flights for this trip will be on TACA airlines - aka Take-A-Chance-Airlines!

Peru (Lima/Cusco/Aguas Calientes [Machu Picchu]) and Belize (Ambergris Caye)

It has been very difficult for me to adjust to the events of the past 5 weeks. Immediately after the sad events, my daughter, Kimberley, suggested to "forget things" I should "focus on my bucket list". Machu Picchu is the last location on my "bucket list" - so I decided to follow Kim's suggestion.
I also decided to ask my daughter to accompany me on this trip. Fortunately, Kim was "between jobs" and could come with me! We haven't traveled together for many, many years - I am really looking forward to the trip & bonding with her. So - in a few hours - we will begin our 16-day journey. 1st stop = Lima, Peru! Look for daily blog updates!

Very Sad News

Linh has decided NOT to attend JMU and has returned to Vietnam. Why? I am not entirely sure - but probably for many reasons primary of which are culture-shock and misunderstandings.

My heart is broken. I wish her all the best in her future life.

Trip to & Arriving in US!

Top pic is Linh, her mother (Thuy - center) and aunt (Nhu - left) on plane going to US. BOTH Emirate's flights (Saigon to Dubai & Dubai to IAD [DC]) were packed - ugh!
Bottom pic is of Linh, her mother & aunt after getting through US Immigrations & customs!

Note all the luggage! I had to rent a pick-up truck to haul the 4 of us + all the luggage from IAD to Winchester, VA to get my Jeep Ltd which was in storage there. Because all of their luggage + 4 people would NOT fit in my jeep, my great neighbors (Heather & Jim) met us in Winchester and they transported 4 large pieces of luggage to my cabin!

Linh's First Lease & US Check!

Top pic is of Linh signing her FIRST-ever lease and writing her FIRST-ever check! Other Dragon Ladies Linh's mother (Thuy - Left) and aunt (Nhu - right).

Bottom pic is Linh, her mother & aunt celebrating the signed apartment lease in front of the apartment's very nice clubhouse.

Apartments are brand new, all are 2 bedroom/2 full baths, in unit full-size washer/dryer, dishwasher, large walk-in closets, AC, ceiling fans, bright & airy. Rent includes wi-fi, cable TV, and electricity! AND - Linh got first 2 months' rent FREE!

New Apartment!

Linh, her mother and aunt - Linh is now a resident - NOT a "Future Resident"!