Most people I know got very excited when I told them I was going to Lima, Peru, for ten days. But I sort of prefer the response I once got from my roommate's boyfriend, who, after I explained that my family was actually from Peru, furrowed his brow and said, "Oh -- so for you, then, going to Peru is like, going to Kentucky?"
Well, it's not EXACTLY like going to Kentucky (but then I wouldn't know, never having been to Kentucky). On the other hand, it isn't like traveling per se; I spend my days and nights not sightseeing, but rather eating and hanging out with various factions of my enormous family. My mom was the youngest of six, which makes for a lot of cousins ... as well as nieces and nephews. In fact, at my cousin's wedding, a friend of his from London said in wonderment, "I have a question. Do you have the biggest family in the world?" I believe the easy answer is, "Yes."
Hanging out with my enormous family means that I am also forced to speak Spanish, since many of my family members aren't fluent in English. And given that my Spanish vocabulary consists of approximately five words, this means that my vacation, at times, involves less relaxation and more instances of giving myself a huge headache as I struggle to make myself understood. Half the time I simply give up trying. I wonder if this is what it's like for babies. "No! I wanted milk, not a diaper change! Argh!"
Yesterday I spent the day and night at my cousin Susy's beach house in Las Totoritas, which is about an hour outside the city proper. On the way, we somehow started talking about the U.S. election. Just imagine trying to have an intelligent conversation about politics in a foreign language. For me, it wasn't going to happen.
Susy (in Spanish): Why did you vote for Obama? Because he's young?
Me (in bad, halting Spanish): No, because he ... um ... he likes to talk to ... other countries. And, um, he ... wants to help the people who are poor. And because ... uh ... (this is where I start thinking, shoot, why DID I vote for Obama?) Well, he's a Democrat. And I'm a Democrat. And McCain was very ... angry? And Sarah Palin was very, very religious and said lies about Obama.
Susy: What's the other party besides Democrat?
Me: Republican.
Susy: So what's the difference between Democrats and Republicans?
Me: Um ... Republicans think that the government should do less, and people should pay less taxes, and ... uh ... they often don't think that .... um, no, I mean, uh ... Democrats want the government to provide services, and think gay people can do whatever they want, and abortion is ... the woman can choose, and ... uh ... Republicans don't. Sometimes. But not always. I am explaining it very simple.
Susy: So Republicans are conservative.
Me: Yes! Conservative!
Susy: And Democrats are more open-minded?
Me: ... Yes?
Susy: So you DID vote for Obama because he's young.
Me: Um, OK.
Later that night, I attempted to have another conversation in Spanish about what makes a great writer ("He has to have imagination! And ... a lot of imagination!"). But at least there was wine involved.
OK, I'm exhausted -- from all the Spanish, don't you know -- but I'll post about the food next time.
To be continued...
