Back in Lima, Peru and almost on track. We've not done so bad
really. After KC discovered his passport lost while down near
Arequipa, we managed to file a police report, bus 15 hours to Lima
(through Nazca and Ica), get him some passport photos, lodge a
temporary passport application, rush back to Ica and Nazca for
originally intended activities, and now return again to Lima ready to
collect KCs new temporary passport on Monday. Pat on the back for all
involved that we are not drastically behind our original schedule at this point.
Unfortunately, our schedule is sadly lacking in accuracy. We are
still tight on time though. If we leave Lima on Monday with KCs new
temporary passport, then we'll have about 15 days to get out of Peru,
pass through Ecuador, visit Colombia, and get on the plane in Bogota
for our next return to Lima. During that 15 days, we have 4 days just
on the Lost City Trail an Indiana Jones style trek through the jungle
to recently discovered and overgrown jungle ruins. We had also hoped
to get in a visit to the Amazon Jungle (the "real" jungle) in Ecuador,
as well as some white water rafting. But if we took another 4 days for
those 2 activities in Ecuador (which may not actually be enough time to
do them properly), then we're down to only 7 days. And we were
planning to bus it all the way!
Given its Lima---(9hrs)---Trujillo---(5hrs)---Piura (on top of which we
must add time for Cartagena on the way) and that doesn't quite get us
to the Ecuador boarder. So lets just presume for the minute that we
can be in Ecuador by Friday 24th.
That leaves 10 days before we fly out of Bogota, Colombia toward Lima,
Peru. During this time, we have to travel by bus north across Ecuador
and Colombia to the northern beach of Colombia, chill on the beaches
and do the 4 day lost city trek. Frankly, we're shagged.
So now the debates will begin... what do we skip? Equador entirely? The Lost City trek?
On a lighter note, we had a great time in Ica and Nazca. Ica is a
little oasis in the midst of massive sand dunes. So we jumped in a
dune buggy, raced across the dunes, and jumped onto sand boards for our
first sand boarding experience. It was great. The dune buggy was as
fun as the dune boarding itself. We also climbed about 20 minutes
(very hard work) up a massive dune above the hostel to watch the
sunset, then ran full pelt down the dune in about 20 seconds. That was
exhilarating!
And the Nazca Lines were awesome. We were the only 3 passengers in a
single engine airplane, arcing around above the different aspects of
the Nazca lines, which are massive symbols to the gods, marked in rock
by the Incas. The monkey was the best, but there were heaps of other
impressive ones. Will have to try to put up photos shortly.
I have been on the Internet too long and should share it around some.
In summary, my voice is still completely lacking any semblance of high
notes, and I am still coughing frequently and harshly. Ran into some
boys that said heaps of people in Cuzco had the same thing (which makes
sense, because I'm sure I got it from the American girl Kara, who had
only just left Cuzco when we met her). These guys said it had them for
about 15 days, and losing voice is common. That sucks hardcore,
because I'm only on day 10 of it now. I am so hoping I get over it
soon. Traveling around is all about talking to and drinking with
people, and I am unable to do either of those things properly like
this. Ba! Stichy McPain should be able to remove his stiches soon, and Mucho Rashy is looking a little more normal and says he is feeling a lot less itchy.
Anyway, enough of that. I'm off to try and figure out what to do
next. Hope all is well with everyone. I'll try to get some more
photos up soon, although I must admit to being disappointed with no
comments thus far on the last lot! Have you all seen them?
AND A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEEBS!!!!!!! I know its not actually your
birthday today man, but it is the first chance I got to throw it in.
Hope you had a good one. I will have a birthday session with you when
I get back!
All the best,
Col
