I seemed so sure of myself.

In my previous post, I had decided on starting in Lima, but now I’m not sure. I got an email back from my friend Jim who lives in Mexico City who said I’d be welcome to stay there with him.

Perhaps it makes sense to start off in Latin America with another gringo who knows the ropes? I could have a transition time into Spanish.

Either way, I’d better figure it out. Plane ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable to both Lima and Mexico City from Chicago. Not sure how long they’ll stay that way. I’ll keep you posted.

In other travel-planning news, I’m going to go look for a pack this week. My self-imposed marching orders are small, small, small.

I’m also trying to decide if I want to bring my laptop with me. I’d certainly get plenty of use out of it. It’d also certainly be a great thing for someone to steal. It will also add five pounds to my pack and be something to constantly worry about.  I wonder if it could also end up being a comfort blanket from home that would detract from some sort of perceived “authenticity” of the trip or could preclude me from going out and meeting people.

Time will tell, people!