What did you do today? (PICTURES)

One of my jobs was filling two or three of those plastic containers with envelopes. Some of them were invoices but some of them were checks too. Big thrill -- writing several six-figure checks. Bigger thrill -- sending out invoices that would bring in enough money that it was no big deal to them to have those checks written.

Sadly, none of it was my money. lol

I was so incredibly sad to leave Ecuador today. I ended up getting really close to our driver...an older man, late 50s, and we cobbled together enough Spanish, English, and Spanglish to have some pretty deep conversations. He especially went above and beyond helping me out when I was struggling on my last hike by offering his hands and encouraging me to push through when I was about ready to give up. When it was time to go, we exchanged goodbyes and he pointed at me and said 'mas fuerte'...I was weepy up until boarding my next flight.

It's so incredible to cross paths with someone who truly leaves an impact on your heart.

Also. experienced my very first earthquake early this morning. Confusing way to wake up.

In Peru now, still feeling pretty heartbroken, but going to nap and head out to explore in a few hours.

Thank you, Siberian_Khatru! Pack a bag and get yourself out here.

it'll be a bittersweet return to the u.s. for sure. However, I am looking forward to washing my hair properly. And I miss my dog.

I did a cooking class in Cusco today. My plating looked like a child's fingerpainting compared to the instructor's, and i nearly singed off my eyebrows working with flames, but when I get back home I'll try to share some pics.

ok, that's enough flooding..i think i captured about 700 pics total, but I ate some great food, met and became super close with some great people, experienced and saw a lot of things, and now ready to go explore the rest of the planet.

Was there an occasion for the journey? 30th birthday thing? Inheritance? Running from the Feds?

Very happy that you were able to do this. Not once have I come across someone that has traveled great distances and regretted the experiences and the people they've met along the way.

Thanks for sharing!