LORD OF THE RINGS ELIJAH WOOD MEETS JULIE

Read more about Julie's adventure in PERU.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Today was fun – just GETTING to Peru! I can only imagine how wonderful, educational, spiritual and exciting it will be tomorrow—as the journey continues.

I am traveling with our wonderful tour guide and Managing Director of PanAmerican Travel Services, Brett Steele. Anyone wishing to tour Peru or plan a trip around picking up their missionaries should definitely contact Brett and his group (www.panam-tours.com toll-free: 888-303-4481). Also traveling with us are Jamie Lawson—Editor of LDSLiving Magazine and Alan Monsen—writer for The Daily Utah Chronicle.

LAN Peru Airlines was very professional and their planes seemed very well-maintained. LAN’s planes were equipped with the latest technology and individual monitors to watch movies, listen to music, play games and perform other interactive activities – and, unlike other international airlines on which I have recently flown, the equipment actually WORKED well. Even their remotes were up-to-date. We had a choice of either beef with gravy and rice pilaf, or ravioli dinners, complete with dessert. They offer free Peruvian wine, as well. Don’t worry. I did not partake. LOL…About two hours before our 8-hour flight ended, we were served a hot ham and cheese sandwich, with fresh fruit. Bravo LAN!!

Before boarding, I took advantage of the extra time and read over copies of Dr. Jerry Ainsworth’s monthly reports from archeological digs and discoveries he and others have made in Mesoamerica lands. I have been a faithful subscriber to these and other writings on http://www.mormonsites.org. I shared with Brett Steele the three primary characteristics that Dr. Ainsworth said we should expect to find when looking to identify Book of Mormon lands (Brett dittoed that we would be seeing some of this during our tour):

1. Towers throughout the land, or as we would call them, pyramids.

2. Large ancient cities, with many buildings and a large population.

3. Cities that sink into the ocean, on the East coast, during the crucifixion of the Savior.

Alma 22:32, Dr. Ainsworth went on to say, was the scripture that led people to believe that the Book of Mormon took place throughout all of South, Central and North America. Can’t wait to see some of these things for myself.

Once on board the bus shuttle, from the main terminal at LAX Airport (Los Angeles) to our plane for Peru, I noticed a very familiar face seated just a few feet away from me.

It was actor Elijah Wood! Most of us best remember him in his role as “Frodo Baggins” in the movie trilogy “Lord of the Rings.” He has starred in many other films, though, like Radio Flyer and Forever Young (with Mel Gibson), and the movie remake of the old television show “Flipper.” Wood is 27 years old now, but still looks like a young boy, to me.

My teenage daughter just happened to call on my cell phone, at that time. When I told her Elijah Wood was on the bus with me, she insisted that I take his picture. That just didn’t seem a “cool” thing to do, at the time. She persisted in begging me, wanting me to tell him it was for her and that she was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – like the actor was, and he had gone to school with her cousin, etc. Pressure!

To my surprise, Elijah boarded our plane and was seated in First Class. I gave in to the begging, went over to him, and asked if he minded if I took his picture. He smiled; those gorgeous eyes of his gleamed and he said he didn’t mind. I apologized that I had to take it with my cell phone, explaining that my camera was in my bag. He just kept smiling and was nice, polite and accommodating. Once in my seat, I unpacked my camera and headed back over to him and asked if I could take his picture once more with my “real” camera. He grinned and said, “Sure.” I apologized for bothering him, but he was absolutely fine with it and smiled that cute smile, again. He really does live up to a quote I read about him: [on being a celebrity:] "I won't change and my perspective won't change. I want to continue my life the way I live it, and I'm not going to let anything stop me from doing that. It isn't all about acting. There's a lot more to life than Hollywood." I am sharing the photo I took of him with you all!!

Brett was a most gracious and thoughtful host. He got us all aisle seats, so we could get in and out easily, if we needed. Once in the air, the view of the Pacific Ocean and the California coastline was breathtaking! The day was clear. Not a cloud in the sky. The ocean looked so huge and blue! Barges and ships below appeared as though they were Lego pieces floating in the deep blue sea.

About 30 minutes into our flight, stewards and stewardesses handed out Peruvian Migration Cards and Customs Declarations forms to be filled out and presented when we landed. Our personal shuttle and guide were waiting for us and we were briefed on the City of Lima and surrounding areas. Over 8 million people live there!! We were taken to a First Class hotel – part of the Sonesta chain: Sonesta Hotel El Olivar, in Lima, where we were treated like royalty, even at nearly 1 a.m.!

 Inside each of our rooms were two comfy queen-sized beds with four fluffy pillows and a monogrammed one--chocolates on our nightstands and a welcome bag with a lovely waist pouch, compliments of the Hotel.

They also had a chocolate-dripped plate with gourmet desserts waiting. Yummy!

We had our own guest lounge chairs and table, a work station, and separate table and chairs. The closet had a wooden shoe rack, built-in shelving and a keyed safe for our valuables.

The bathroom was very spacious, with marble countertops and matching floor, a bidet and a phone on the wall. The door is wooden with a diagonal striping design and peep hole, and a doorbell! Complimentary breakfast, we were told several times, would be served in the restaurant/lounge from 6:00-10:00 a.m. I think I like being spoiled like this!

We are being allowed to “sleep in” tomorrow and have some free time to walk around the City. We will all meet for a “welcome” lunch, and then head back to the airport for a late afternoon flight to the city of Chiclayo.

See ya then!