I wrote this a few weeks ago, dreaming of city smells, high peaks and sharp Pacific water. I waited a few days and bought a ticket. Now I am almost gone.
When you fly from Lima to Houston, you can save $500 if you agree to touch down in Panama. I have agreed to do this and it means that in August, when I return, I will land somewhere I have never been.
We will leave Lima before dawn, but day will have broken by the time we descend on the isthmus, the thinnest part of Neruda’s dulce cintura de América. I am wondering whether we will be able to see both oceans at once. I hope it is a clear morning.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
Touching down in Panama doesn’t sound like a bad deal at all. I wish I could see through your lens as you travel there. How have you been, my sister?
Ah, travel.
Hi Stephen! How I am – insanely busy but that isn’t bad. I want an utterly relaxing vacation but I am getting an adventure in Latin American daily life. I think it will resemble DC daily life in some key ways.
I’ll try to use mental telepathy to send you some impressions.
Hi RG! I am secretly envious of your summer, though: Sierra Nevada, and California in general!
Oh! Have fun!
Yes, no complaints with the Sierra Nevada along as it doesn’t catch on fire…ha ha ha.
But I miss using my passport.
Fire, that’s true – oh dear!