Dr. Seuss once said "Today is your day. You're off to great places, you're off and away. The world is waiting so get on your way!"

First stop, Miami. I am getting closer and closer to the country I have longed to visit ever since I learned the Spanish language. Although I am perfectly content with sitting at home, watching LOST with my family and the dogs, I am thoroughly excited to fly south for a month and visit another wonder of creation. Sometimes you have to break out of your comfort zone to realize the meaning and importance of life. I already did that once by tearing my ACL...but now I am ready to hike the Andes with my partner in crime, Megan.

The quote of the day in my journal wrote " They say you will never be lonely from the start of each day to its end if you walk life's pathway with love in your heart, and side by side with a friend." A good omen to the start off our trip I would say. Not many people get to travel the world with their best friend. Megan and I are making this a tradition. Two Spanish speaking countries in two years...Mexico, now Peru, next we are thinking Spain.

My mom flew down with me to Miami for work. Probably a good thing because more than likely, I would have been a little too emotional if I would have had to say goodbye to everyone at one time (I'm the baby of the family and maybe a little too attached).

Our plane to Miami was delayed twice. The first time they wouldn't tell us why, the second time was because our flight crew's taxi broke down...so needless to say it took a little longer than expected to get here. Megan anticipated our arrival for hours.

However, we are finally here and we went to a nice dinner in Coral Gables at Season's 52 (one of my dad's favorites). Coral Gables is a cute little town near the University of Miami with lit up Palm trees, lots of unique stores and tasty cuisine. We made friends with, Kat, our the waitress at the restaurant. Her grandma was Peruvian and the rest of her family is from Ecuador and Uruguay. She might even come visit us in North Carolina one day. You think I'm joking, but really she loved us that much. We loved her too of course.

After dinner, we drove around the University of Miami. I think I could get used to palm trees on every corner of my campus, with a big lake in the middle. Also, it's currently 70 degrees outside and the locals think that's cold - wow.

Megan and I have a big day tomorrow. The day is finally here. Peru bound. Sending love from the sunshine state.

Traci