It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.

Hello everyone,

I'm now writing from Lima. I had a wonderful time in Iquitos, even though it was too short. I would have stayed longer, if I hadn't discovered that REM would be playing in Lima. I'll be going to see them with my friend Rossana tonight, and am very excited!

I made a couple new friends in Iquitos, Bryan and Karina. Bryan is from the States though I don't remember which one. Karina is actually originally from Iquitos, but has been living in Canada for the last three years, and is back visiting. It's something that happens - people leave Peru and they want to go back. I walked around the city with them a bit on Wednesday during the day, and then later we went to a karaoke bar, which was really fun. I got nothing for "Heartbreak Hotel," but got a good round of applause for "My Way."

On Thursday, I went with a couple of the guys that I was staying with in my hostel to a lake that someone had recommended to me. It actually ended up being a better zoo than a lake, and even though I haven't enjoyed zoo's much in the past I liked this one quite a bit.

It felt fitting that I would be arriving in Lima by plane, as it would be the second time I would be doing so. The first time had been at the beginning of my trip, and had been full of all kinds of emotions; uncertainty, excitement, fascination. They were different this time, and not in a way I would have expected.

For some strange reason, I actually felt more out of place here than I did the first time I arrived. Things had been very tranquil in the rainforest, and even in Iquitos. In that short time I'd gotten used to people being very open and friendly; to there being what seemed like a clarity to things. I'd liked the idea of coming back full circle in a way to Lima, but hadn't really considered what a shocking contrast it would be.

The air was dirty and full of city noise. My official airport taxi driver was an absolute scoundrel. My hostel upon arrival (which admittedly was at 1am) was full of only semi-responsive drunken party goers. Music from the surrounding bars saturated itself into my tired brain. Whatever has happened to me so far in my journey, it's changed this place for me. None of it was for me. It's quite an experience, travelling from a place to another one that's different. I wonder in part to what capacity this might happen to me when I return back home after the 5 months to the States - the so called "reverse culture shock."

I'm still very much looking forward to what has yet to come on this trip. I'm just ready to put this one city behind me. But first, I've got REM to send me off. And then afterwards, it'll be time for some ancient culture with Nazca and Machu Picchu next on the itinerary.

My best to all of you,
Stephen