So, for now, I'll answer a few questions rather quickly, because the more involved the answers, the longer it will take, and I've learned that prompt results are sometimes more important than perfection.
Who: Our immediate family. Friends and family are invited to come visit.
What: A move. A new adventure!
Where: Peru. Northern Peru, Chiclayo, to be precise.
When: Soon. I'd rather not be too specific, to trick would-be burglars and all that. You'll notice when we start posting beach pictures.
How: By plane, claro. We'll fly into Lima and then drive up north to our soon-to-be hometown. Please note this is the opposite direction from Machu Picchu, so if you have grand plans of visiting us as a jumping-off place for climbing ancient Incan ruins, you may wish to reconsider. I've been told that there are just as beautiful ancient ruins in northern Peru which you can explore for a fraction of the cost. Not to discourage sight-seeing, but planning to come visit us and do Machu Picchu while you're in Chiclayo, Peru, is kind of like coming to visit us here in Virginia from, say, Europe, and thinking you'll just visit the Grand Canyon while you're here. It's a whole 'nother trip!
Why: This is a big one, and I'll try to devote a future post to the path that brought us here. In a nutshell, we can travel thanks to Michael's ability to work remotely, so we've been considering living abroad for some time. South/Central American topped our list because 1) it's in mostly the same time zone (a preference for job-related issues); 2) the cost of living is lower; 3) we want to learn a new language and experience another culture; 4) we've made friends in Chiclayo and there is a warm community welcoming us there; 5) there is a growing humanitarian crisis due to the refugees fleeing Venezuela and we think we can do some good there; 6) the weather is beautiful; 7) the food is amazing!
A few pictures from our scouting expedition last August:
