I’ve been a little lazy about posting lately, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped writing. During my study abroad, I’m working at a local news site for English speakers in Peru, and I have a weekly column about culture shock and my experiences. Look for it every Wednesday on Peru this Week. My next column will be about celebrating a birthday in Peru.

Here’s an excerpt from my second column:

The combi whines to a stop, and the door-watcher and money-taker yells out street names and destinations — todo Bolivar, Universitaria, Catolica.

I jump on the rusty vehicle trying not to hit my head on the short doorway, quickly finding something to hold on to before the overly packed van takes off for the next stop.

I give the sweaty doorman a sol, say my destination and repeat at least once and maybe twice until he finally makes out my words. Then I put my money pouch back inside my shirt where pickpockets would have a hard time getting to it.

In Lima, I never fail to stick out. I wear my bright pink backpack on my chest, holding on tightly and taking in my surroundings. It matches my pink face, neck and arms.

Check out the full column at Peru this Week and my first column, Meeting Lima, Peru, as well.