Culture shock occurs when you leave the incredible rainforest and within one day find yourself in the Christmas market in Frankfurt. I left Tambopata in the early morning, and took a boat for 5 hours to return to Puerto Maldonado. Then flew to Cusco, Lima and Bogota. I had a 5-minute connection in Bogota, and actually made it. Lufthansa had changed the timing of the flight to Frankfurt, so now it leaves nearly one hour earlier. I ran from the Avianca flight from Lima to the gate for Frankfurt. They asked “are you Señor Sanchez?” and I said yes, and quickly showed my passport. They gave me Señor Sanchez’ boarding pass, and closed the door behind me. Only after take-off did I tell them that I was in fact not Mr. Sanchez. They made some calls from the cockpit, and everything turned out fine. Of course my duffel bag didn’t make it, but it will arrive in Stockholm sometime soon. Call me if you want some tips on how to deal with airlines.

I arrived in Frankfurt and felt somehow very comfortable. Clearly South America is not my home culture. I loved every minute of my time there, with the warmth of the people and the sun. But when I arrived in Europe, everything seemed familiar and easy. I visited the Christmas market and then had a South Indian thali at the Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant near the train station. This multiculture is my culture.

Now I am in Vilnius. There are Christmas lights everywhere. I slept until noon and am getting organized. I will participate in a thesis defense on Friday, and then fly to Stockholm to celebrate the holidays with my family. Frequent Flyer.