"TTFN: Ta-ta For Now," as Tigger Would Say

After such an incredible journey through Peru, I'm getting re-settled into real life. For now, the Wandering Ashley blog will be on hiatus ... but rest assured that I'll be using it again on my next adventure. Thanks for all of your comments during the trip and your warm welcome home!

Home Sweet Home?

As most of you know by now, I arrived home safely on Monday afternoon. It's nice to be home, but it's also a bit disorienting -- as if someone had yanked me out of my life with a claw machine and plopped me down into a different life.

Of course, I'm delighted by some of the things waiting for me at home: blueberries, salad, a good shower, a comfortable (and flea-free) bed. I devoured Brooke's homemade refried beans, cuddled with my two sweet cats, and took a million pictures of Will and Cara in their cute Peruvian hats. I even went to the movies -- popcorn, yum.

On the other hand, I also feel a bit misplaced. My first trip to Target was overwhelming: so much unnecessary stuff at such outrageous prices, with so much electricity being wasted on all the bright lighting! Even the Atlanta airport, with its Starbucks cafes and L'Occitane shops, seemed to be a ridiculous indulgence.

Over the next few weeks, I'm sure I'll once again get used to cheap luxuries and American excess. I'll get used to being separated from my Peruvian friends and routines. I'm home, yes, but it doesn't yet feel quite like home.