Monday, June 27, 2016

So Where Are We Going Anyway?

Click the image below to see our itinerary...this is our general idea...subject to change, of course...but hopefully not too much change.

Over the course of this trip we will take 9 airplanes, 2 train rides, a paddle boat to our Amazon eco lodge, 2 buses, and a variety of taxis and other local transportation.



Friday, June 17, 2016

More sand dunes -last day in the dessert

On our last day in Huacachina we lazed about the pool , played table tennis, and sorted out the luggage. I asked the boys if they wanted to day anything special adn both requested another round of sand dune adventure. So for 45 sol/person we headed up for a final dune buggy/sand surfing adventure. 
 
We ended up on a different buggy, not as high powered, but just as fun. Diego was fearless. He ran up and down the dunes, jumped off the buggy backward, adn was just basically some kind of sand athlete. He told me, " I know how I like my fear now, I like it in machinery." I hope that bodes well for the future. 
 
After tromping through the dunes, adn sliding down, we were able to see the sun set over the dessert. It was beautiful, it reminded me of that scene for Star Wars with the setting sun (fans will know what I am talking about). I didn't get any pictures because I didn't want to carry the camera again, which ended up being a good thing because I had an EPIC wipeout or two this time...a little embarrassing, but these happen when you are a hardcore sand surfer, like I am. 
 
We popped out of the buggy at the oasis and walked down to our hotel. That was pretty cool--to just walk down a dune. 
 
Tomorrow we are up early and heading to PAracas for the night, then on to Lima and finally home to Canada. 
 
I could stand to stay for a bit longer in Peru, but the bank is saying it is time to go home. My travel companions are also looking very forward to home. 
 
As beautiful as Peru is and as much fun as we have had here, there is no place like home. And no place like Canada. 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, June 9, 2016

18 Days and Counting...

So, I don't mind admitting several truths:
  1. I am SUPER excited to be going to Peru in EIGHTEEN days. 
  2. I am SUPER unnerved by the amount of getting ready that is still needed....and we only have EIGHTEEN DAYS... 
  3. I am the only one going on the trip that seems to be overly concerned with truth number 2. hmmm.

So, let's recap the getting ready process to date:

  1. Everyone got a new pa$$port. 
  2. We bought luggage and packing cubes. Packing cube for grown ups and luggage with packing cubes built in for kids.
  3. Funky-ish carry-on baggage from Ikea. Hoping this was a wise choice. Fingers crossed.  
  4. Vaccinations. Check. As a bonus no one's brain swelled, had a seizure, or lost bladder control (all possible side effects of the Yellow Fever vaccination). However, I will say that someone (maybe me) was irritable....I'd like to attribute that to the shot. I'm still waiting for that side effect to wear off. Maybe soon. 
  5. Spent about a half million dollars at the drug store buying sunscreen and Imodium. But, when you really need it, Imodium is worth about a half million dollars. 
  6. We have linen outfits for the rain forest (READ: we will look cool). 
  7. We have hiking boot...for you, know, hiking. And also very practical to avoid snake bites in the rain forest. As a side note, when buying my hiking boots, I expressly asked for the boots that were made for dilettantes. Accordingly, when the shop girl asked if was planning on carrying my tent on my back while wearing the boots, my prompt reply was: GOD I HOPE NOT! Let's really hope that never happens. 
  8. Travel Guides, books and hotel reservations. Check. 
  9. I have been making the boys do mental currency conversions . We have had some limited success to date, but we still have 18 days to go, plus the plane ride. 
Speaking of plane rides, I must jet. If you can believe it, I still have to, like, work and stuff for the next 18 days!