January 21, 2010
7am we woke up to the woman from the house up the hill tapping on our tent, she had brought down 2 thermoses of hot water for us.How nice. We were able to hvae tea and make oats without having to heat the water ourselves. After cooking, we filled up some of our water bottles until the water ran out. Looking around from where we were camping was amazing. We could see in the distance a snow capped mountain behind the mountains we were to climb this day. Maybe that´s why i was freezing last night, cause we were so high up.
After we packed up our stuff, we walked up to the house to return the thermoses to the woman. She was kind enough to bring another hot pot down to fill more bottles for us. She told us they wanted to turn their little storage shed that right next to the road into a supply shop since so many people stop at their house. He husband offered us to set our tent up inside it last night, but we had already set it up down on the grass. We thanked the woman and set off down the road. Today we had 11km walk ahead of us to get to the first base camp site. More switchbacks as we gradually keep growing in altitude. Finally we came to a sign that pointed us up into a steeper off road path. we werent sure if we should take it, then heard the sound of an engine behind us. So we waited for the truck and asked which way to go. He pointed us up that path which was a short cut. A steeper shortcut. We estimated about 4 km an hour walking. So after our first hour, we came to another hut where there were horses wandering around and at the top of the hill, 4 women were sitting at a table playing cards and laughing. I really had no idea what they were doing there, there really wasn´t a place to stay. Other guys were there as well, that just got dropped off with a bunch of backpackers bags. They were probably guides to lead a group up. The woman pointed us to the top of a hill where we took our packs off and rested. It was a beautiful view to see the other mountains so we took a few photos and shared some snacks. We rested there for about 45 mins before loading up and getting back on the road.
We had about another 2 hour hike to where we would find our campsite. When we got close, we came across another supply hut where 3 little girls where outside playing. The smallest one ran inside the hut to her mama and hung on to her leg. She was so cute, she reminded me of Hattie, my niece. We bought some food, eggs for breakfast, as it started to sprinkle. The man from the shop offered to show us where the camping site was and led us up the road. We had to cross a couple of waterfalls where the water flooded over the road. One was so big, that we just took our shoes off and walked across. The cold water felt so good on my feet, i didnt want to put my sweaty shoes back on. Around the corner we came to two buildings. One was locked up and the other was just an open shelter with two rooms.
We got there around 2:30, set up our tent and had time to chill and relax. This by far was the easiest day. It was nice to have that shelter, we could cook in and lay our stuff out in. It started to rain, so while we waited for the rain to settle, we pulled some tables around the nailed down benches and played cards. We played a few rounds of cards as the rain let up and became beautiful outside. The boys started to throw around the frisbee and we decided to make a game for all of us to play. We came up with an alternative bochee ball game. Through the frisbee and use rocks to get as close to the frisbee as possible. We set up teams of 2 and were going to play to 7 points. The closest rock got a point and if both teammates were the closest they got 2 points. We played for about an hour. It was so fun. We all tied at the end with 6 points and finally someone won to end out game. It was just starting to get dark so we decided to start making diner.
After diner, we sat around the table again and started talking. Lego was sharing some of his travel stories and one about his Shamen experience in Colombia. He talked about the different ceremonies the shamens have to go through to become a ´real´shamen. The one he met had given him some of his special tabacco. Apparently, they make their tobacco and flavor it with different spices. So we decided to have our own little ceremony and share the shamen tobacco. The ceremony has 2 intentions. One is the intention of the group all together, then the second is your own personal intention. So Lego set our group intention to ´No more tires falling off´for the rest of the trip. The each person was to think about their own intention as the tobacco was passed around. I really wasnt sure what i should do with the tobacco, so i just watched and thought of my intention, and did what i felt was right. It was so peacefull and calming and was a good bonding experience for the beginning of our trip.
We were going to head to bed when Doug noticed the tent was leaking. So a few modifications to the tent and we went to bed. Isaac brought his hammock with and set it up inside the shelter. Doug gave me the idea to heat up some hot water and put it in a nalgene bottle and put it in my sleeping bag. That would help keep me warm. He also gave me his warm lambwool vest. This definetly helped me stay warm this night. Also, inside the shelter, we found a box, so i cut it up and layed that on the ground to give some insulation from the cold ground. I kept that box with me to the end! I was actually pretty warm and was able to fall asleep pretty fast. We had completed about 11km today!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 1 - The Tire Fell Off
January 20th, 2010
At 7:45am, Lego and I were meeting Sylwia and Macarla at the market close to our hostels to get food and other supplies to take on our trip. Macarla brought her backpack, which was a perfect size for the short trip we were taking. We then walked down to another market where they have more food and after that, went to a shop to get the last minute details we needed. Back at the hostel, we packed up our bags and threw what we didnt need into my other big bag to leave at Sylwias place. At the last minute i decided not to bring my camera battery charger and rain jacket. We had bought ponchos to go over our backpacks and i also was bringing another jacket that was rain resistant, so i thought that was enough. We were just about ready when Andy showed up at our door to see if we needed any help. All we had to do was walk up 150 stairs up to Sylwia's hostel to drop off our bags and we were ready. Those 150 stairs are not easy while carrying a heavy sack and trying to rush up them. I got her sleeping bag, liner for the bag, and her rain pants. Thanked her, hugged her and ran out the door to grab our bags and meet the guys in the plaza. I didn't know until i got to the plaza that Christo, the owner of the coco chocolate shop, had offered to drive the boys up to Mollepata which is the starting point of our trip. After we had diner the night before we all went to the coco shop where we first met Christo.
Christo is an amazing character. He is all smiles and good cheers all the time. He explained how when he first came to Cuzco he met his wife, started working in the chocolate coco industry, fell in love with it and now is the president of the company. He also talked about keeping things simple and that keeps life happy. He has the opportunity to expand his stores all over Peru but then that causes more complication, more people, more stress, and then you get to busy and can't enjoy life. I am slowly starting to agree more and more with his perspective on life.
So infront of the church at Plaza San Blas was Christo's 1983 VW bus, they boys were loading their backpacks ontop the roof and it was a beautiful sunny day. I had a little pack and i still needed to organize the stuff i got from Sylwia, so i kept mine inside. We were all packed and ready to go, Christo full of smiles introduces himself as our Captain and Ike sitting shotgun was co-captain. And we were off, leaving the city of Cuzco. Our first challenge was to find a gas station with a working air hose. We stopped at three stations before finding one. I could tell already that this was going to be an interesting trip, little did i know, how interesting it was going to get. Christo had a good music selection starting with the sound track from the movie 'into the wild' which was perfect for us, since that is exactly where we were going. Then the song 'wear sunscreen' which i havent heard since high school, Bob Marley, Journey, and many other good songs. We took the same road our of Cuzco that I had entered only 2 days earlier on Monday. For the first part of the trip it was all up hill and it took the VW bus a bit of power to make it. Other cars and busses passed us on the way. christo would even smile, pull over a bit and wave cars by. He kept looking back through the rearview mirror with smiles and giving the thumbs up to us. It was a little interesting as he would sometimes turn around to talk to us or look at us a little more than the road.
After about an hour of uphill, we were working our way back down hill. Christo would take the curves a little faster than he probably should and the times he would look back at us was a bit nerve racking. But he was full of smiles and excitment as he was probably as excited as we were to start this trip. We were coming down one hill with the mountain on the left side of us, and a drop off cliff to our right. When all of a sudden we start to feel a little wobbeling of the bus. Instantly, i thought, oh no, we have a flat tire. Christo wasn't slowing down much, but i could tell he was wondering what was going on, all of a sudden we felt a drop in the left back side of the bus. I thought that was pretty fast for it to drop, as he slowed down and luckily out of now where a side aproach appeared and he pulled off the road. I watched as he stuck his head out his window to look at the flat tire and the look of complete shock on his face when he turned around to tell us 'It's gone!' The tire had completely fallen off. Later Ned told us, he had seen it fall off and roll up the road thinking 'that cant be good'. We had just past the drop off cliff and were hoping our tired didnt go over the edge or we were sh.. out of luck. Couple of boys ran up the road, and with cheers, came back rolling the tired down the road. Alright we had the tire, now where are the bolts. Back up the road to look for some bolts we found 4 out of 5 of them. Couldnt believe our luck. It took us 3 attempts to jack up the bus. First we were on an incline, then pushed it back to flat even ground, then had to add come rocks and a wood block under the jack so the bus lifted up high enough to get the tire on. We even dug some rock away from under the tire to make it easier. After all that, finally got the tire one. Only 3 of those bolts worked, one was from another car. So back up the road to look again, and found one more. AFter the tire was completely one, we went around and checked all the other tires to make sure they were tight. During all this, it had started to rain, of course. Cars, trucks, and even a pickup with the backend full of police past us and everyone honks. That's what they do here. honk honk honk!
Finally, back on the road, christo still in smiles and thumbs up, we kept going downhill. And our adventure was back on! After a few minutes, we just all start laughing. We couldn't believe we had just lost a tire and put it back on. Ned explained how he saw it rolling away and the shocked look on christo's face. Also, we all noticed the complete silence in the bus as soon as we felt the little shaking of the loose tire til we ended on the side of the road safetly. For a minute we wondered if we should continue this adventure, but once the tire was on, it was no doubt. A little bit down the road, the song 'Dust in the wind' came on, we laughed about that as well. It was interesting, that i have noticed for most of my trip, music would play at the right time to correlate exactly to what experience i was having at that right time. Crazy!
Each time we came to a little village, Christo would pop his head out the window and ask about directions to Mollepata, which is where we were going to start hiking. Each time he would ask, they would say a little bit further. Few more kilometer, each person would say the same thing. So at least we were on the right track, we just didnt know how long until we got there. When finally around the corner we finally saw a sign with an arrow pointing upward to Mollepata. Yeah! cheers! and up this little curvy gravel road we went. On this road, we climbed even higher and faster than the main road. And talk about drop off cliff. We were right there, thousands of feet below us was a beautiful river. It was quite a view. At one point I was thinking, hes still taking these corners a bit fast and wide, close to the edge, but then i remembered, you cant see around the corner, and just then a pickup with 2 nuns driving met us at the curve and luckily, he was wide enough for them to pass.
The rain continued on and off as we kept climbing up the mountain. When we finally got to Mollepata, it was pouring, and the roads were flooding with water down the hills.We had to climb up one of the streets to get to the main plaza where he was going to drop us off at the police station. Outside the station, the boys climbed out to unload their bags from the top and bring them into the station. I thought we might have to register with them so they would have a record of who was going on the trail, but no, nothing. At this point, i had immediately regretted not bringing my rainjacket. Stupid! but i would have to make it work. In the station, the boys covered their packs with the ponchos, I had my raincover from my big pack that i brought with. We talked to one of the police guys and he was going to show us the way out of the city to start our trail. We decided to have lunch before we left, and he showed us a little restaurant. This little city was amazing. The people were so friendly, everyone said hello, good afternoon and smiled. As the officer walked with us, he stopped to shake peoples hands and knew everyone by name. When we got to the restaurant, we didnt even have to say anything and they just brought out the set meal of soup, and a plate of rice, chicken, and salad and juice, all for 3 soles, ($1).
After lunch, we started off down the road and slowly the path would get smaller as we got further away from the city. The rain had slowed and eventually stopped as we walked. People we passed were still friendly and waving and smiling to us. We started going up in altitute cutting back and forth along the switchbacks. As we walked, you can see houses up in the hills far away, and after awhile we would all of a sudden be walking past that same house. It was crazy how far you got while walking. The scenery of the mountains was so beautiful, fresh green trees and plants and the smell was so good. After walking for a few hours, we did about 8km the first day. We came to an area called Cruzpata, where there was only a shed on the side of the road and an grassy area where we could set up a tent. We tried to find the least soggy spot to set up our tent and after getting our stuff inside, it started to rain again right as it was getting dark. Timing was perfect, and somehow we found our timing to be imaculate through out our trip.
Up the road was a house, and we thought we would walk up to see if there was a little shop or anywhere to buy food. We talked to an older couple that lived there, and they said this 'town' was mainly just the few houses that were there and there was no shop. Which was fine because we had plenty of food with us to cook. The woman offered to bring us down hot water in the morning, which was nice. So back at 'camp' we brought our food up to the little hut close to our tent, that had a little overhang shelter and we cooked our first meal. After eating, we cleaned up and decided to go to bed. Lego had his own little coffin sized tent, so I slept in the tent with the 4 brothers. It was plenty big enough for all of us and our stuff. It was probably around 9:30 by the time we went to bed. Laying there listening to the rain, was so peaceful and relaxing. It was also freezing cold. I had a nice sleeping bag, but I was not prepared as i felt the cold come up through the ground. I ended up covering my head and breathing inside the sleeping bag to make my own thermal heat. It worked, but it wasnt a restful night. I was still cold.
At 7:45am, Lego and I were meeting Sylwia and Macarla at the market close to our hostels to get food and other supplies to take on our trip. Macarla brought her backpack, which was a perfect size for the short trip we were taking. We then walked down to another market where they have more food and after that, went to a shop to get the last minute details we needed. Back at the hostel, we packed up our bags and threw what we didnt need into my other big bag to leave at Sylwias place. At the last minute i decided not to bring my camera battery charger and rain jacket. We had bought ponchos to go over our backpacks and i also was bringing another jacket that was rain resistant, so i thought that was enough. We were just about ready when Andy showed up at our door to see if we needed any help. All we had to do was walk up 150 stairs up to Sylwia's hostel to drop off our bags and we were ready. Those 150 stairs are not easy while carrying a heavy sack and trying to rush up them. I got her sleeping bag, liner for the bag, and her rain pants. Thanked her, hugged her and ran out the door to grab our bags and meet the guys in the plaza. I didn't know until i got to the plaza that Christo, the owner of the coco chocolate shop, had offered to drive the boys up to Mollepata which is the starting point of our trip. After we had diner the night before we all went to the coco shop where we first met Christo.
Christo is an amazing character. He is all smiles and good cheers all the time. He explained how when he first came to Cuzco he met his wife, started working in the chocolate coco industry, fell in love with it and now is the president of the company. He also talked about keeping things simple and that keeps life happy. He has the opportunity to expand his stores all over Peru but then that causes more complication, more people, more stress, and then you get to busy and can't enjoy life. I am slowly starting to agree more and more with his perspective on life.
So infront of the church at Plaza San Blas was Christo's 1983 VW bus, they boys were loading their backpacks ontop the roof and it was a beautiful sunny day. I had a little pack and i still needed to organize the stuff i got from Sylwia, so i kept mine inside. We were all packed and ready to go, Christo full of smiles introduces himself as our Captain and Ike sitting shotgun was co-captain. And we were off, leaving the city of Cuzco. Our first challenge was to find a gas station with a working air hose. We stopped at three stations before finding one. I could tell already that this was going to be an interesting trip, little did i know, how interesting it was going to get. Christo had a good music selection starting with the sound track from the movie 'into the wild' which was perfect for us, since that is exactly where we were going. Then the song 'wear sunscreen' which i havent heard since high school, Bob Marley, Journey, and many other good songs. We took the same road our of Cuzco that I had entered only 2 days earlier on Monday. For the first part of the trip it was all up hill and it took the VW bus a bit of power to make it. Other cars and busses passed us on the way. christo would even smile, pull over a bit and wave cars by. He kept looking back through the rearview mirror with smiles and giving the thumbs up to us. It was a little interesting as he would sometimes turn around to talk to us or look at us a little more than the road.
After about an hour of uphill, we were working our way back down hill. Christo would take the curves a little faster than he probably should and the times he would look back at us was a bit nerve racking. But he was full of smiles and excitment as he was probably as excited as we were to start this trip. We were coming down one hill with the mountain on the left side of us, and a drop off cliff to our right. When all of a sudden we start to feel a little wobbeling of the bus. Instantly, i thought, oh no, we have a flat tire. Christo wasn't slowing down much, but i could tell he was wondering what was going on, all of a sudden we felt a drop in the left back side of the bus. I thought that was pretty fast for it to drop, as he slowed down and luckily out of now where a side aproach appeared and he pulled off the road. I watched as he stuck his head out his window to look at the flat tire and the look of complete shock on his face when he turned around to tell us 'It's gone!' The tire had completely fallen off. Later Ned told us, he had seen it fall off and roll up the road thinking 'that cant be good'. We had just past the drop off cliff and were hoping our tired didnt go over the edge or we were sh.. out of luck. Couple of boys ran up the road, and with cheers, came back rolling the tired down the road. Alright we had the tire, now where are the bolts. Back up the road to look for some bolts we found 4 out of 5 of them. Couldnt believe our luck. It took us 3 attempts to jack up the bus. First we were on an incline, then pushed it back to flat even ground, then had to add come rocks and a wood block under the jack so the bus lifted up high enough to get the tire on. We even dug some rock away from under the tire to make it easier. After all that, finally got the tire one. Only 3 of those bolts worked, one was from another car. So back up the road to look again, and found one more. AFter the tire was completely one, we went around and checked all the other tires to make sure they were tight. During all this, it had started to rain, of course. Cars, trucks, and even a pickup with the backend full of police past us and everyone honks. That's what they do here. honk honk honk!
Finally, back on the road, christo still in smiles and thumbs up, we kept going downhill. And our adventure was back on! After a few minutes, we just all start laughing. We couldn't believe we had just lost a tire and put it back on. Ned explained how he saw it rolling away and the shocked look on christo's face. Also, we all noticed the complete silence in the bus as soon as we felt the little shaking of the loose tire til we ended on the side of the road safetly. For a minute we wondered if we should continue this adventure, but once the tire was on, it was no doubt. A little bit down the road, the song 'Dust in the wind' came on, we laughed about that as well. It was interesting, that i have noticed for most of my trip, music would play at the right time to correlate exactly to what experience i was having at that right time. Crazy!
Each time we came to a little village, Christo would pop his head out the window and ask about directions to Mollepata, which is where we were going to start hiking. Each time he would ask, they would say a little bit further. Few more kilometer, each person would say the same thing. So at least we were on the right track, we just didnt know how long until we got there. When finally around the corner we finally saw a sign with an arrow pointing upward to Mollepata. Yeah! cheers! and up this little curvy gravel road we went. On this road, we climbed even higher and faster than the main road. And talk about drop off cliff. We were right there, thousands of feet below us was a beautiful river. It was quite a view. At one point I was thinking, hes still taking these corners a bit fast and wide, close to the edge, but then i remembered, you cant see around the corner, and just then a pickup with 2 nuns driving met us at the curve and luckily, he was wide enough for them to pass.
The rain continued on and off as we kept climbing up the mountain. When we finally got to Mollepata, it was pouring, and the roads were flooding with water down the hills.We had to climb up one of the streets to get to the main plaza where he was going to drop us off at the police station. Outside the station, the boys climbed out to unload their bags from the top and bring them into the station. I thought we might have to register with them so they would have a record of who was going on the trail, but no, nothing. At this point, i had immediately regretted not bringing my rainjacket. Stupid! but i would have to make it work. In the station, the boys covered their packs with the ponchos, I had my raincover from my big pack that i brought with. We talked to one of the police guys and he was going to show us the way out of the city to start our trail. We decided to have lunch before we left, and he showed us a little restaurant. This little city was amazing. The people were so friendly, everyone said hello, good afternoon and smiled. As the officer walked with us, he stopped to shake peoples hands and knew everyone by name. When we got to the restaurant, we didnt even have to say anything and they just brought out the set meal of soup, and a plate of rice, chicken, and salad and juice, all for 3 soles, ($1).
After lunch, we started off down the road and slowly the path would get smaller as we got further away from the city. The rain had slowed and eventually stopped as we walked. People we passed were still friendly and waving and smiling to us. We started going up in altitute cutting back and forth along the switchbacks. As we walked, you can see houses up in the hills far away, and after awhile we would all of a sudden be walking past that same house. It was crazy how far you got while walking. The scenery of the mountains was so beautiful, fresh green trees and plants and the smell was so good. After walking for a few hours, we did about 8km the first day. We came to an area called Cruzpata, where there was only a shed on the side of the road and an grassy area where we could set up a tent. We tried to find the least soggy spot to set up our tent and after getting our stuff inside, it started to rain again right as it was getting dark. Timing was perfect, and somehow we found our timing to be imaculate through out our trip.
Up the road was a house, and we thought we would walk up to see if there was a little shop or anywhere to buy food. We talked to an older couple that lived there, and they said this 'town' was mainly just the few houses that were there and there was no shop. Which was fine because we had plenty of food with us to cook. The woman offered to bring us down hot water in the morning, which was nice. So back at 'camp' we brought our food up to the little hut close to our tent, that had a little overhang shelter and we cooked our first meal. After eating, we cleaned up and decided to go to bed. Lego had his own little coffin sized tent, so I slept in the tent with the 4 brothers. It was plenty big enough for all of us and our stuff. It was probably around 9:30 by the time we went to bed. Laying there listening to the rain, was so peaceful and relaxing. It was also freezing cold. I had a nice sleeping bag, but I was not prepared as i felt the cold come up through the ground. I ended up covering my head and breathing inside the sleeping bag to make my own thermal heat. It worked, but it wasnt a restful night. I was still cold.
Cuzco, Peru
It has been such an interesting, amazing last 10 days. My trip hiking along the alternative salkantay inca trail to get to machu pichu has been nothing but truely amazing. I will write about each day in detail starting when i first arrived in Cuzco on Monday 18th, Jan. 2010.
Finally arriving to cuzco around 1pm after a 24 hour bus ride was such a relief. The trip didnt seem as long as it could have, but still, sitting that long is hard. I took the bus with Sylwia (poland) and Lego (spain) that I met at the EcoTruly Park. After walking around town to find a cheap hostel, Lego and I walked around to see the city and find a cheap place to eat. Sylwia told us about a vegetarian place that had really good food, so finally we ended up there. While eating the most amazing tacos and lasagnia, these 4 guys walked by and were looking at the menu on the door. We told them it was good food if they wanted to come in. The place is a little whole in the wall along an alley way. You'd miss it if you werent paying attention. They decided to come in, and we started talking to them. They had also arrived that afternoon from a 24 hour bus ride from Lima. The 4 of them were all brothers who live in California. 3 true brothers (Andy, Isaac, Doug) and a step brother (Ned). They started to tell us about a 5 day hike off the beaten track inca trail they were going to do on Wednesday. Lego and I were interested and Andy gave us some information about it to look into and we exchanged email addresses. i was surprised to actaully get an email from Andy that night about the trek. Lego and I thought about it that night, and on Tuesday went to a few different markets to see what we might need to take with us. We sent them an email to meet up with them at the vegetarian restaurant again 8pm that night, which they never got. However, ironically, Lego was on his way from the hostel to the restaurant when he ran into them in the plaza and started talking to them. They then met me at the restaurant and we talked about the trip. We told them we were really interested and they said it would be great if we came along and were more than invited. They were going to leave at 10am the next morning. We didn't have anything packed, or food, or anything, but they said we could go shopping in the morning and meet them by 10, they would wait for us. I didnt have a sleeping bag, or a backpack that would be good, so luckily, Sylwia let me use her sleeping bag and waterproof pants, and her friend Makayla let me use her backpack. So i had some proper equipment to go, and thank goodness for them, otherwise it would have been miserable.
I honestly dont think i would have done a 5 day trek if these guys didnt seem so prepared with their map and hiking experience. They were so open and inviting, it was hard not to accept their invitation. I was a bit nervous about going because just walking up the steps in Cuzco is tiring, how was i going to hike 5 days through the mountains? After meeting with the guys, I met up with Sylwia at a bar that had live music. An awsome local band was playing. They did some of their stuff and then some american covers, They started to play Bob Marley songs and when they played 'everything is going to be alright' I knew that i was going to be alright going on this 5 day trek. After a few more songs, Lego and I went back to the hostel to start packing what we would take and what to leave behing. I was going to leave my big pack at Sylwia's hostel and just take what i needed.
Here's to the beginning of what became the most amazing experience ever!!!
First let me introduce my travel companions.
Andy-the eldest of the 4 brothers. (29)
Isaac- Middle (26)
Doug-youngest (21)
Ned-Step Brother (25)
Finally arriving to cuzco around 1pm after a 24 hour bus ride was such a relief. The trip didnt seem as long as it could have, but still, sitting that long is hard. I took the bus with Sylwia (poland) and Lego (spain) that I met at the EcoTruly Park. After walking around town to find a cheap hostel, Lego and I walked around to see the city and find a cheap place to eat. Sylwia told us about a vegetarian place that had really good food, so finally we ended up there. While eating the most amazing tacos and lasagnia, these 4 guys walked by and were looking at the menu on the door. We told them it was good food if they wanted to come in. The place is a little whole in the wall along an alley way. You'd miss it if you werent paying attention. They decided to come in, and we started talking to them. They had also arrived that afternoon from a 24 hour bus ride from Lima. The 4 of them were all brothers who live in California. 3 true brothers (Andy, Isaac, Doug) and a step brother (Ned). They started to tell us about a 5 day hike off the beaten track inca trail they were going to do on Wednesday. Lego and I were interested and Andy gave us some information about it to look into and we exchanged email addresses. i was surprised to actaully get an email from Andy that night about the trek. Lego and I thought about it that night, and on Tuesday went to a few different markets to see what we might need to take with us. We sent them an email to meet up with them at the vegetarian restaurant again 8pm that night, which they never got. However, ironically, Lego was on his way from the hostel to the restaurant when he ran into them in the plaza and started talking to them. They then met me at the restaurant and we talked about the trip. We told them we were really interested and they said it would be great if we came along and were more than invited. They were going to leave at 10am the next morning. We didn't have anything packed, or food, or anything, but they said we could go shopping in the morning and meet them by 10, they would wait for us. I didnt have a sleeping bag, or a backpack that would be good, so luckily, Sylwia let me use her sleeping bag and waterproof pants, and her friend Makayla let me use her backpack. So i had some proper equipment to go, and thank goodness for them, otherwise it would have been miserable.
I honestly dont think i would have done a 5 day trek if these guys didnt seem so prepared with their map and hiking experience. They were so open and inviting, it was hard not to accept their invitation. I was a bit nervous about going because just walking up the steps in Cuzco is tiring, how was i going to hike 5 days through the mountains? After meeting with the guys, I met up with Sylwia at a bar that had live music. An awsome local band was playing. They did some of their stuff and then some american covers, They started to play Bob Marley songs and when they played 'everything is going to be alright' I knew that i was going to be alright going on this 5 day trek. After a few more songs, Lego and I went back to the hostel to start packing what we would take and what to leave behing. I was going to leave my big pack at Sylwia's hostel and just take what i needed.
Here's to the beginning of what became the most amazing experience ever!!!
First let me introduce my travel companions.
Andy-the eldest of the 4 brothers. (29)
Isaac- Middle (26)
Doug-youngest (21)
Ned-Step Brother (25)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
¨BoB¨
I decided that EcoTruly Park is more like camp. We have activites to keep us busy during the day, good food, good people, and even a bonfire on Wednesday night. At the bonfire, we were told to bring an object and give it a personality with a backstory of where it came from. This was an activity we did earlier in the day at the theatre workshop. (like i said,camp!) I was walking on the beach, and sat down at alittle table to write in myjournal, and there on the table was a corn seed. Instantly,I knew this was my object and I named it Bob!. Here is Bob´s story.
Meet Bob. Bob is 30 years old. His parents were tall, green, beautiful corn stalks which are now long gone,he only knew them for one summer. Bob has many siblings but hasn´t seen them since they all had a huge party with his other relatives he grew up with,at the end of summer. At the party they were all mixed together and taken to different places. He would meet new people and then get split up into smaller groups until finally, Bob was on his own. Bob has been traveling for many years. He knows someday he will grow to be big and tall into a corn stalk and have many children himself, like his parents. Although, he doesnt know when this will happen. Within, Bobs travels, he has meet other seeds. From them he learned of another way of life. Instead of turing into a plant, the seed gets really hot, and `pop´ turn into a white fluffy object. Bob is curious about this and wonders which life he would end up following. Either way, Bob knows he is a delicous seed and someday will give nutrients and pleasure to a higher object and would be happy with either path. For now, Bob is a happy seed just traveling along.
For some reason this story just came to me as i was sitting there. I told it around the bonfire, and after saying it out loud, I realized how true the story really is in mylife. Also, other people at the bonfire commented on how true is was for them as well, and really enjoyed it. Another girl, Sylvia from Poland also told a story that related to life about not getting your expectations set up to high on the big things and sometimes the smaller things in life are more enjoyable. True True.
On Friday, I was able to help out on the farm and learned about biofarming. The farmer who started working at EcoTruly back in the 1980s explained how they turned the sand into plantable soil. It took manyyears, of compost and cow poop do to it. He would take his learnings and go to the University he used to work at and show them about the positives from growing with out chemicals and they thought he was loco(crazy). of course. Even the farmers around Ecotruly all use chemicals and wonder why their crops are not as healthy or productive as ecotruly´s. We were able to plant a few different seeds, something similar to rhubarb, radish, and a summer squach. He talked alot about compost and how pig poop was bad, it only brings worms. And how cow not bull poop is the best. The female cow is better because it has less hormones, and as a mother it relates better to mother earth. Also, he talked about using not only the lunar moon cycles to plant, but also the stars as well. I guess when the stars in some alignment, they send a certain energy to the plants and helps them grow, then we are able to absorb that energy. He didnt go into much detail on this, and said there are websites that explain more about the biodynamical agriculture.
I also came to the realization that i can not study Hare Krishna religion. I may have said this before, but my main reason that i can not, is because you can not taste the food you cook until after you present it to Krishna. When i cook, i sample everything and love lots of seasonings and flavor. And if you cant taste it while cooking, then generally it doesnt taste that well. Something as simple as that, has made up my mind. I am grateful that EcoTruly Park was open to sharing their belief and culture with me, and i can take what i learned there with me. I just know now, that it is not for me.
I am in Lima right now staying at one of the girls house that I met at EcoTruly. From here I am catching an 18-24 hour bus to Cuzco on Sunday with 2 other people from EcoTruly. In Cuzco I hope to stay for a month and possibly work doing Rolfing,or whatever else I find. Also from here, I will visit MAchu Pichu. Can´t wait!
Meet Bob. Bob is 30 years old. His parents were tall, green, beautiful corn stalks which are now long gone,he only knew them for one summer. Bob has many siblings but hasn´t seen them since they all had a huge party with his other relatives he grew up with,at the end of summer. At the party they were all mixed together and taken to different places. He would meet new people and then get split up into smaller groups until finally, Bob was on his own. Bob has been traveling for many years. He knows someday he will grow to be big and tall into a corn stalk and have many children himself, like his parents. Although, he doesnt know when this will happen. Within, Bobs travels, he has meet other seeds. From them he learned of another way of life. Instead of turing into a plant, the seed gets really hot, and `pop´ turn into a white fluffy object. Bob is curious about this and wonders which life he would end up following. Either way, Bob knows he is a delicous seed and someday will give nutrients and pleasure to a higher object and would be happy with either path. For now, Bob is a happy seed just traveling along.
For some reason this story just came to me as i was sitting there. I told it around the bonfire, and after saying it out loud, I realized how true the story really is in mylife. Also, other people at the bonfire commented on how true is was for them as well, and really enjoyed it. Another girl, Sylvia from Poland also told a story that related to life about not getting your expectations set up to high on the big things and sometimes the smaller things in life are more enjoyable. True True.
On Friday, I was able to help out on the farm and learned about biofarming. The farmer who started working at EcoTruly back in the 1980s explained how they turned the sand into plantable soil. It took manyyears, of compost and cow poop do to it. He would take his learnings and go to the University he used to work at and show them about the positives from growing with out chemicals and they thought he was loco(crazy). of course. Even the farmers around Ecotruly all use chemicals and wonder why their crops are not as healthy or productive as ecotruly´s. We were able to plant a few different seeds, something similar to rhubarb, radish, and a summer squach. He talked alot about compost and how pig poop was bad, it only brings worms. And how cow not bull poop is the best. The female cow is better because it has less hormones, and as a mother it relates better to mother earth. Also, he talked about using not only the lunar moon cycles to plant, but also the stars as well. I guess when the stars in some alignment, they send a certain energy to the plants and helps them grow, then we are able to absorb that energy. He didnt go into much detail on this, and said there are websites that explain more about the biodynamical agriculture.
I also came to the realization that i can not study Hare Krishna religion. I may have said this before, but my main reason that i can not, is because you can not taste the food you cook until after you present it to Krishna. When i cook, i sample everything and love lots of seasonings and flavor. And if you cant taste it while cooking, then generally it doesnt taste that well. Something as simple as that, has made up my mind. I am grateful that EcoTruly Park was open to sharing their belief and culture with me, and i can take what i learned there with me. I just know now, that it is not for me.
I am in Lima right now staying at one of the girls house that I met at EcoTruly. From here I am catching an 18-24 hour bus to Cuzco on Sunday with 2 other people from EcoTruly. In Cuzco I hope to stay for a month and possibly work doing Rolfing,or whatever else I find. Also from here, I will visit MAchu Pichu. Can´t wait!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
EcoTruly Park
6:30am on Monday Jan.11, my bus arrived into Lima. I got off to collect my backpack, was swarmed by taxi drivers trying to take me away, and with my broken spanish asked where this other bus station was that i needed to find. I find that if i get away from the taxi drivers, and regroup myself, i can handle the next adventure. I went to the counter to exchange some money cause Ï only had a 100soles. I then went outside, picked a nice looking taxi guy, showed him where i needed to go and bartered the price of the ride. I got to the next station, told them which little city i needed to get to, and the guy pointed to the which bus. So by 7am I was back on a bus heading north, the direction i just came from. I was glad i saved my sandwich from the night before, and just rested for another hour and half until they stopped in a little village called, Chancay. From there i got another taxi and they took me to EcoTruly park. I arrived at the door around 9, which was locked, and waited for someone. It was really weird to arrive, because i didn´t really have a check in, they just put my bad in another room and told me to go sit down for breakfast. That i can do! I was so happy to hear someone spèak english as i was sitting there with strangers. Other volunteers started talking to me and kind of told me what was going on. I met 5 people from all over, 3 of which were leaving the next day. Though out the day, 3 new girls showed up and we all were in the same boat of questions. One from Lima, Australia, and Poland. On tuesday 2 more girls from Ireland arrived. and a few other south americans from other countries.
This is my 3rd day at EcoTruly park. In the mornings we start at 7 with yoga, which has been really good, because for 2 months i havnet been able to really do any type of exercise, and i feel gross. Short and fat, my muscles are tight and my right hip is out of place. My sacrum is stuck again. great! so the yoga has helped free up my hips and get some flexibility. Then there is breakfast. Here they study Hare Krishna and they believe you should have clean hands and a clean mouth before eating, or if you serve the food to someone. Around 1030, i helped out in the kitchen preparing the vegetarian food. Yesterday i made the apple juice from scratch. I started by washing, cutting the apples, boiling them, then pureeing? the apple, draining the peels away, and mixing it with the water the apples were boiled in. It was so delicous. In the afternoon, they had an art class for us and we learned how to make a dreamcatcher. It was nice, except we didnt get to keep them, they are going to sell them. Usually we have time in the afternoon to do whatever we like, but that dreamcatcher took a while. I mentioned to the other girls that i do Rolfing and also told them about power animals and that i can find their animal. I figure,we all are on our own little journey and having a little guide would be good. They were all excited to find out what their animal might be.
The people are really friendly here and its pretty laid back. They may ask for help in the kitchen or in the garden. I pulled some weeds in the strawberry patch on monday, but they havnet asked for garden help since. There is a huge organic garden here, and i hope to meet the farmer that comes twice a week and teaches how to grow. Apparently the land is all sand, and over the years they have figured out how to grow many different plants here. On Monday night, i went to the Hare Krishna temple where they started with singing and playing the drums. After a few songs, they read out of their Book, and another person translated to english for us. It was all interesting, then we went to eat at around 8pm. Its abit late, but they served soup and some mango desert. They also have food that they brng around that they cook only for Harishna, so we can sample this really good food they make. I dont really know to much more about it, but its all very interesting.
This is my 3rd day at EcoTruly park. In the mornings we start at 7 with yoga, which has been really good, because for 2 months i havnet been able to really do any type of exercise, and i feel gross. Short and fat, my muscles are tight and my right hip is out of place. My sacrum is stuck again. great! so the yoga has helped free up my hips and get some flexibility. Then there is breakfast. Here they study Hare Krishna and they believe you should have clean hands and a clean mouth before eating, or if you serve the food to someone. Around 1030, i helped out in the kitchen preparing the vegetarian food. Yesterday i made the apple juice from scratch. I started by washing, cutting the apples, boiling them, then pureeing? the apple, draining the peels away, and mixing it with the water the apples were boiled in. It was so delicous. In the afternoon, they had an art class for us and we learned how to make a dreamcatcher. It was nice, except we didnt get to keep them, they are going to sell them. Usually we have time in the afternoon to do whatever we like, but that dreamcatcher took a while. I mentioned to the other girls that i do Rolfing and also told them about power animals and that i can find their animal. I figure,we all are on our own little journey and having a little guide would be good. They were all excited to find out what their animal might be.
The people are really friendly here and its pretty laid back. They may ask for help in the kitchen or in the garden. I pulled some weeds in the strawberry patch on monday, but they havnet asked for garden help since. There is a huge organic garden here, and i hope to meet the farmer that comes twice a week and teaches how to grow. Apparently the land is all sand, and over the years they have figured out how to grow many different plants here. On Monday night, i went to the Hare Krishna temple where they started with singing and playing the drums. After a few songs, they read out of their Book, and another person translated to english for us. It was all interesting, then we went to eat at around 8pm. Its abit late, but they served soup and some mango desert. They also have food that they brng around that they cook only for Harishna, so we can sample this really good food they make. I dont really know to much more about it, but its all very interesting.
Huanchaco, Lima
On friday,we took a tour of a few different museums and tombes of the pyriamids in Sipàn where many different native people have lived. We saw native pottery, jewelery, burial grounds, and real skeletons that were found at these sites. It was interesting, the skeletons were so small. A few of them didnt have feet, and were supposed to be the guards to the royal people, so they wouldn´t run away. It was a long day, so I just got some food and stayed in my hostel and watched some bad american movie. The next morning, i went to the Mercado Modelo, the huge market where they have everything from fresh fish, meat, clothes, fabric, toys, bags, anything you might need. This market was interesting because it was for the people of the city to get what they needed. Itwasnt as touristy as other markets. So when i would take a photo of something, the people got all excited and wanted to be in my pictures. The meat market people were posing with their fish, or chicken, or whatever they were chopping up. At one point we had walked all the way through and I guess got to the end that was not safe, and 2 people had stopped us and turned us around to show us the way out. I thought that was great, even though we were in broad day light, they thought it was dangerous. The interesting part of this market was a huge section for shamanisim stuff. They had dried plants, and bottles of many different things to cure any thing you could think of. It was interesting trying to talk to them and ask what a few things were. After the market, we got a bus to Trujillo which was 3.5 hours south, then a taxi to Huanchaco which is a little fishing village on the beach. On our taxi ride there we passed Chan Chan, which is another ruin, so we saw part of it, and decided that was good enough. I was ruin-outed from the day before. Huanchaco is known for this little fishing boats called Caballotos (little horses).Not sure why, but you can ask a guy to take you out on this little boat and surf the waves in. I did, this boat, is a mixture of a kayak, and half a canoe. I sat on the back end as he paddled out to sea, he didnt go very far before turning around, he then let me paddle it and ride it aagainst the waves and surf it in with the waves. A little hard to exp`lain. ill have to get a picture up. I spent one night here and decided i wanted to head to Lima, so i scheduled a 1015 night bus which is an 8 hour ride. This is only the 2nd trip i made by myself since the beginning of my trip. I left Andrea in Huanchaco with 3 other Colombian guys we met. As I got on the little bus to head back to Trujillo, I ran into 2 ladies I had met earlier from Argentina. They were teachers on break traveling for amonth. They both played field hockey and told me they would teach me when i got to Buenos Aires. So I boarded my bus, and was much suprised to find a nice little blanket and pillow on my seat. They also served a little tray with a sandwich and muffin and some tea. I hadn´t expected that at all and was already stuffed. I wanted to eat before getting on the bus and walking a few blocks from our hostel, found this amazing place called Chill Out. a guy sitting on a couch behind the front gate started talking to Andrea and I and told us they had amazing food. They specialized in Curry, so we said ok. It´s not very often you find something other than the traditianl food. I had the chicken curry and a crepe with fruit and chocolate ontop. so delicous. i was completely happy and ready for my solo trip to Lima.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mancora, Peru
I woke up this morning at 8:30 to go check on getting bus tickets Piura, which is a little city about 2.5 hours south of Mancora. The place wasnt open until 9, so I went back to my hostel, hostel Loci, which is by far the sweetest hostel i have stayed at yet. it was more of a resort for backpackers. A pool, open bar, sweet rooms, we spent most of our time at the pool instead of on the beach. This beach is smaller and not as nice as in Montanito. However, this morning, i got my free bread roll with jam and cup of tea and walked down to the beach. Early surfers were already out catching the waves. I sat for a while enjoying watching the waves come in, fish jumping out of the water, and seeing the locals setting up the tables and umbrellas at their beach front restaurants. As i walked back a table, a young kid pops his head out from under it and says ´hola´. Cute, I rely with ´hola, como estas´. He is ´bien´, good! cute. I sit there thinking how nice this is to take the time in the morning to relax and enjoy such a beautiful view. I could get used to this.
I went back to book a bus ticket and the earliest i could get was for noon. So as much as i wanted to go back to bed, i decided to grab my book and head back to the beach. One of the locals let me sit at a table for a while until another guy came up trying to charge me 10 soles. So i walked away. More people and surfers were appearing on the beach at this time as it was getting hotter. After about an hour, i went back to pack up my stuff, and to wake up Andrea. She is from VanCouver and is going with me today. I will finally be leaving the last of the irish guys and the Californian, i have been traveling with for the past couple of weeks. Kind of sad, but there is always a chance to meet up later down the line.
We got an aircondition minivan ride to Piura where we hoped to catch another bus to head further south to Trujillo. We just ended up missing the afternoon bus and would have to wait until 11pm to catch the next one, so we decided to catch the next bus to Chiclayo which is about half way to Trujillo. In a way, im glad that we missed the first bus, because there is alot to do around this little village. We arrived around 6:30pm, walked around a few blocks to find a hostel, then went out exploring for some food. I already like this town, he has people walking the streets to make a safer feel to it. After diner, we walked down to the city center where the park is still lit up with christmas decorations and lights. There is a huge church and a service was going on as we walked in. Just stood there long enough to look around, maybe say a few hail marys, then walked out.
Tomorrow we are going to check out a market where there are supposed to be shamanistic medicines available along with food, crafts, and whatever else. Then do a tour of Sipan which is a sacred burial sight discovered in 1987.
Probably spend 2 days here then head south toTrujillo where there are other interesting sites.
I went back to book a bus ticket and the earliest i could get was for noon. So as much as i wanted to go back to bed, i decided to grab my book and head back to the beach. One of the locals let me sit at a table for a while until another guy came up trying to charge me 10 soles. So i walked away. More people and surfers were appearing on the beach at this time as it was getting hotter. After about an hour, i went back to pack up my stuff, and to wake up Andrea. She is from VanCouver and is going with me today. I will finally be leaving the last of the irish guys and the Californian, i have been traveling with for the past couple of weeks. Kind of sad, but there is always a chance to meet up later down the line.
We got an aircondition minivan ride to Piura where we hoped to catch another bus to head further south to Trujillo. We just ended up missing the afternoon bus and would have to wait until 11pm to catch the next one, so we decided to catch the next bus to Chiclayo which is about half way to Trujillo. In a way, im glad that we missed the first bus, because there is alot to do around this little village. We arrived around 6:30pm, walked around a few blocks to find a hostel, then went out exploring for some food. I already like this town, he has people walking the streets to make a safer feel to it. After diner, we walked down to the city center where the park is still lit up with christmas decorations and lights. There is a huge church and a service was going on as we walked in. Just stood there long enough to look around, maybe say a few hail marys, then walked out.
Tomorrow we are going to check out a market where there are supposed to be shamanistic medicines available along with food, crafts, and whatever else. Then do a tour of Sipan which is a sacred burial sight discovered in 1987.
Probably spend 2 days here then head south toTrujillo where there are other interesting sites.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Montanito, Ecuador
Ok, so I lied. Today I had my first surfing lesson. I wish I did it 5 days ago when i first got here. It was so much fun. I even stood up the first time I 'caught my first wave'. I did pretty well, for the first few times. The salt water definetely takes some getting used to, especially when the strong waves hit hard and you go tumbling back into shore a few feet. I had to take a break before heading back out. The sun, the waves, it sure takes a lot out of you. I was starving after we were done, and we had to wait around for the water in the hostel to get turned back on. For a few hours of the day, the electicity and water is shut off. I guess this is new, because the locals have been complaining about it. I just figured this was what they did, so i have no complaints.
The past few days have been really enjoyable here in Montanita. There are a variety of good people in my hostel, from all over. A few other Americans, which I really havent seen to many of, a whole group of young Chile guys, who were so nice and fun. A French Canadian, Jen, and a Frenchie, Juan. More people to become friends with on facebook. Ive taken the time this past week to enjoy the beach and to write alot. For some reason, the writing is really taking off and i can just write pages. I also took up a new technique I aquired from my friends, Garnet and Colm. Drawing picture to describe the day instead of writing 3 or more pages. It's funny to see what pictures develop and you remember the day so much more clearly. Anyway, I am finally leaving Montanito tomorrow. The 5 of us (4 Irish I have been traveling with) are getting the 10am bus to Guiaquil, then Taz and I are heading to Mancora Peru. Another coast beach city. The others have different plans, but they will all probably meet up later. I know as I travel south along the coast of Peru, I will also probably loose Taz as well, and probably pick up another new travel buddy. I heard about a new little village that no one really knows about. There is a volunteer opportunity where you learn how to plant/grow organically. There is free yoga everyday, vegetarian food, and good people. All for about 10$ a day. I will be stopping there on my way towards Lima!
The past few days have been really enjoyable here in Montanita. There are a variety of good people in my hostel, from all over. A few other Americans, which I really havent seen to many of, a whole group of young Chile guys, who were so nice and fun. A French Canadian, Jen, and a Frenchie, Juan. More people to become friends with on facebook. Ive taken the time this past week to enjoy the beach and to write alot. For some reason, the writing is really taking off and i can just write pages. I also took up a new technique I aquired from my friends, Garnet and Colm. Drawing picture to describe the day instead of writing 3 or more pages. It's funny to see what pictures develop and you remember the day so much more clearly. Anyway, I am finally leaving Montanito tomorrow. The 5 of us (4 Irish I have been traveling with) are getting the 10am bus to Guiaquil, then Taz and I are heading to Mancora Peru. Another coast beach city. The others have different plans, but they will all probably meet up later. I know as I travel south along the coast of Peru, I will also probably loose Taz as well, and probably pick up another new travel buddy. I heard about a new little village that no one really knows about. There is a volunteer opportunity where you learn how to plant/grow organically. There is free yoga everyday, vegetarian food, and good people. All for about 10$ a day. I will be stopping there on my way towards Lima!
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