Niños Hotel

Speaking of Peru, I have an excellent hotel recommendation. Even if you won't find yourself in Cusco (the gateway to Machu Picchu) anytime soon, this is the story of an amazing woman who followed the nagging voice inside her head that told her to do something about a problem.

In 1996, Jolanda van den Berg visited Cusco from Holland and was struck by the number of children she had seen begging and working on the streets. She returned six months later and rented a small room where she let first two, then twelve, kids stay with her. She needed a way to continually support her new kids, so she started Niños Hotel on calle Meloc in Cusco. Now, 13 years later, she and her wonderful staff run two hotels and three restaurants in Cusco. All the profits provide daily food, medical care and school support for over 500 local kids daily.

The hotel and cafe are warm, friendly and cheap by American standards ($44/night for a double). A gentle reminder to listen to your voice and spend your money where it really matters. More info: ninoshotel.com

Viva Peru!

I just got back from Peru, and thought I'd share some pictures. These are from Lima, Machu Picchu, the Ballestas Islands and sand dunes in Huacachina. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went down with a friend from college sans tour group (or prior planning, really), but found a beautiful, accessible country. ¡Buen viaje!

I might miss "a new birth of freedom"

I was having brunch with a friend today, and we were discussing our brilliantly unique idea of traveling to Washington, D.C. for Inauguration Day. I was so excited when I left. I immediately got to work, researching transportation, lodging, tickets, etc. Countdown on!


Then I realized that our brilliantly unique idea wasn't so unique. And if I can't get a hotel room or reasonably priced airline ticket, the idea won't be so brilliant either.

Apparently a million other people are thinking the same thing. Something about this being an historic election (I crack myself up).

And there's a process for securing the (free) tickets for the swearing-in ceremony. I would have to go through my U.S. Representative or Senator. And even though this is the 21st century, they actually expect me to call them (on the phone!) for the request and to pick up the tickets in person.

(But not to worry. SOME offices are working on taking requests online. And if I lived in the 7th Congressional District of Washington State, I'd already be in business).

The thought of a visit to my U.S. Rep's office, an overpriced airline ticket, a far-flung (cheap) hotel room, and traffic in D.C. on Inauguration Day makes me nauseous.

I might actually have to miss the ceremony. Shoot! And it's got such a catchy theme.