Eat, Pray, Love Myself. That’s how I described the trip. I wasn’t looking for a partner. I was searching for myself.

I had been thinking about it for months but could not wrap my mind around acquiring more debt for a solo vacation. However, as the days to the custody and support trial grew near, I began to stress less about money. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It was a spur of the moment decision. Dos Hijos were with their Dad, so I had five days to make it happen. On Sunday night, I told my oldest son I was going to Peru. I bought a plane ticket on Monday, booked two nights at a hotel on Tuesday, and jumped on a plane to Cusco, Peru on Wednesday afternoon.

The first day of the trip was uneventful. I spent the day drinking water in bed trying to avoid elevation sickness. During this time of rest, I decided I would step outside my comfort zone for the next five days. I would do all of the things pre-separation me would never do.

I ventured down to the hotel courtyard on the second day. I pondered this task for hours before leaving my room. I knew THE dreaded question would come, and it was right on time—in the first 10 minutes of the conversation.

So what do you do? he asked as he relaxed on the outdoor sofa with a drink in his hand.

I’m divorcing a millionaire, I confidently replied. He smiled and said, Good for you!

Finally! After months of trial and error, I’d found an answer that made sense to both me and a complete stranger. Mission complete.