My name is Phillip McKnight and on Oct 5th I am setting out on a year long journey around the globe. Along the way I am hoping to help other people through volunteer work, learn about new cultures, and learn new skills. I have decided to make this journey because in 2004 I met a person from Germany who became a friend and mentor. He said to me "you only have one life, so make the most of it." I haven't forgotten his advice.

Lima, Peru Oct 4---- Greetings from Lima, Peru. It is my first day here and after a long flight from Baltimore Washington International, I decided to sleep for most of the day. It felt good to be in an entirely new location, where the everything looks different. The billboards show Peruvians enjoying drinks I have never tasted. The drivers raced through streetlights that flashed yellow and red. The smell of smoke and smog filling the air and being trapped by a heavy fog that sits over the city trapped between the cool Pacific Ocean and grand Andes Mountains. I enjoy that feeling of being in a new place and feel that it gives me an energy that I cant find anywhere else. It forces me to open my eyes. On an environmental side the city seemed to have many people using public bus transportation. however I havent noticed any interest in recycling. I am planning to be in this city for a few days then move on to a new location. I am staying in a hostel and have already met some nice folks. A talkative travel enthusiast from Paris, a outdoorsy girl from B.C. Canada, and a group of about 15 Germans who are volunteering for a year in the country. I was interested to find out that in leiu of being required to join the military in Germany, one can volunteer abroad for a year. I wonder which one I would choose. Thats all from Peru. Enjoy the moments. Phillip