Exposure to the non-AARP way of thinking

One of the “privileges” of male AARP membership seems to be the reduced production of testosterone to a level that allows us to think freely about something other than sex and women. It’s not coming as a surprise to me but this week of bonding with my son on the streets of Lima and Santiago has become a vivid reminder that in our twenties, reproduction, and the process that lead to that, is a huge part of what motivates us to live and breath. I’m not admitting here that I’m dead, or anything like that (don’t worry Mom). God knows that I still show a pulse every day of the week, but this new freedom has allowed me to explore other interests in life, work, hobbies and maybe even now to express myself through blogging.

So, which city has the most beautiful (young) women? The jury is still out –and diligently working, as if life on earth depended on it— but I’m sure we’ll toil this week at answering that puzzling dilemma of all ages. I do have a working hypothesis however, something to do with “beauty being on the eye of the beholder”. After two years in the wilderness of Cusco, my companion is mesmerized with the diversity of sights in the big city and being the middle of summer, the revealing and enticing fashions leave even the most testosterone depleted AARP male, vulnerable to dangerously elevated heart-rates. And what is a father to do? Keep my shades on but DO NOT TURN my head in any way, shape or form even if told that the one walking by happens to be “the most beautiful” woman yet.

I know that with my new testosterone levels I’ll have no trouble focusing on more AARP-type of endeavors. And Chile having over 1,000 miles of coastline, seafood is probably even more important than it is in Peru. So, I’ll continue searching for those that control the fish in the Pacific Ocean to learn from them and share experiences. The Santiago Central Market today had endless stalls of fresh fish that we viewed as we walked by, and then sat down at a nearby restaurant to sample some of Chilean-style seafood preparations.