Peru, Peru, Peru... Where do I even begin?
I have so many feelings and thoughts about my visit that I needed to do a blog post to properly convey my gratitude. (Sorry that this is in English, but I have so much I want to say, I want to make sure I say it right!)
First, THANK YOU for supporting my books. I've heard from many of my Peruvian readers through the years and I was so excited when I was invited to come to FIL Lima. THANK YOU for coming out to see me. THANK YOU for waiting in such a long line to get your book signed. THANK YOU for the gifts and letters (I read each one and ATE ALL THE CANDY). THANK YOU for being so sweet and wonderful. Every single person I met in Peru was so nice and helpful. THANK YOU for putting up with my horrible Spanish.
Second, you surprised us! Both my wonderful publisher, Penguin Random House Peru, and the US Embassy in Peru were blown away with how many people came to my event. At first they thought, maybe 200 people would come, then it was 400. The day of the event, we guessed maybe 600 people would come. THEN OVER 800 PEOPLE CAME TO SEE ME! I have never and I mean NEVER had that many people come hear me ever. THANK YOU!
These are two of my favorite videos from that day: This cute reader video shows the circle that had to be formed around me when I had to go to the bathroom--nothing like letting hundreds of people know you have to pee! And this is a fun behind-the-scenes look at my day, thanks to Entre Paginas!
Third, I guess this is where I need to apologize. I'm very sorry people had to wait so long in line to get their book signed. And when you finally got up to see me, I could only sign one book and just sign my name. Believe me, I SAW each and every one of you. I know you were rushed, but I really wanted to see as many people as I could. ALSO, if you got your book signed, check out Penguin Random House Peru's Facebook page for your picture.
Fourth, can I just say how much I loved your food! You all told me that I would love it and WOW. My sister, cousin, and I kept talking about how every meal was insanely good. (I'm currently drinking green juice to make-up for all the eating I did in Peru.) My feelings for your food is best depicted in this photo:
Fifth, I LOVE YOUR COUNTRY! As many of you know, my sister, cousin, and I went on a five day tour after my event. We went to Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Here are some photos of our wonderful time.
Sixth, there are few people I need to thank. I can only come to a festival if I'm invited by either the festival or my publisher. HUGE THANKS to the people of FIL Lima, Penguin Random House Peru, and the US Embassy in Peru for arranging my visit. Special thanks goes to my fabulous publicist, Silvia Galvez, who a) was the person responsible for inviting me to come to Peru, b) worked VERY hard while I was there and took such good care of me, and c) made sure I was fed. (VERY IMPORTANT!) Thank you, Silvia! XOXO
Finally, I'm still blown away by all the people who came. I really hope that I'll come back to Peru again. This visit wouldn't have possible without the support of my readers. So THANK YOU again for some of the best days of my life!
MUCHOS BESOS, Elizabeth