Peruso explains: 13 more days!

"You know, if I'm not careful, I could fill my whole suitcase with stuffed animals and things for llamas!" says Peruso with a grin. "But Peru is much more than just llamas and Incas. Dad explained it all to me, but I think he made it extra complicated so that I would want to go to school." He rolls his eyes and puts a hand dramatically on his forehead. "No chance!"

He spreads his arms as if he's about to announce a discovery of world significance. "You know, there's sooo much cool stuff in Peru! It's not just llamas - they have alpacas too! They're like little llamas, but fluffier and with even more 'please cuddle me' fur! Then there's Vikus... er, Vicur... well, these even more elegant llamas that act like they're kings. Totally important, says Dad."

Then Peruso leans forward and whispers conspiratorially: "But that's not all! In Peru there is this stuff they call ceviche. It's actually fish, but with so much lemon that the fish doesn't even notice that it's already dead! And they eat corn on the cob with it, but it's so huge that you can almost hide inside it. Well, I could, but adults probably wouldn't."

He grabs a small globe and spins it excitedly. "And did you know that Peru is also home to the Amazon jungle? There are birds of all colors, monkeys that make faces, and frogs that glow. But Dad says you can't touch them or you'll turn green. It's really true!"

Finally, Peruso points to a small figure that represents a dancer. "And they're always dancing! They call it a party. I think I'll do that too, just dance until my parents think I've gone crazy! There are even dances where everyone dresses up like colorful birds. I mean, who doesn't want to dance like a parrot?"

He looks proudly around and raises an invisible glass. "Peru, watch out! I'm almost ready to discover all your crazy secrets. Just 13 more days and then - well, then the ceviche fish will be surprised when it sees me!"

(c) by ToPet