r.mac's trip to Peru

r.mac_2

oscar - thanks for the tip. I'm about to nip out for last minute supplies, so will get some olbas oil too.

Thanks
r.mac

aliasojo

Just in case you visit here before you head off.......good luck, be careful and have a wonderful experience!

We'll all be expecting a blow by blow account of the trip when you get back.

IvanOpinion

... and good luck from me too ...

Ivan

IvanOpinion

Is r.mac back yet? If so how did it go, if not when can we expect a report from her?

Ivan

r.mac_2

:j Hello everyone - I'm back from Peru

I had an amazing time and didn't want to come home. My friend and I still have money coming in - but so far we have raised approximately £7200. I am so pleased. Meeting people on the trip who have used and benefited from Maggie's Centres was amazing and really brought it home to me what my efforts have achieved. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, offered their support and given me their time.

Peru itself was a challenge, but not as hard as I was expecting which was great as it meant I could really enjoy myself

I am addicted to my hairdryer at home, but I went 7 days straight without a shower, let alone a dryer. And to my surprise I was totally liberated by the whole experience. So much so, that I have hardly used it since I got home - much to the amusement of my family and friends.

I made lots of new friends and met some really interesting people, both British and Peruvian. Most of our trip took place away from the tourist trail and it was awe inspiring to meet people who have never met western tourists before. I just hope that we took only photographs and left only footprints.

Machu Pichu was so wonderful and fabulously huge. It really does take your breath away. I was really lost for words upon arriving - a feat which does not usually happen to me as friends will testify

I can't recommend the country highly enough and the orgnisers, Across the Divide, made it extra special for all of us. A big thank you to them too.

I thought that you would like this photo. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions about Maggie's Centres or my trip.

Thanks again moneysavers. http://www.snapfish.co.uk/slideshow/AlbumID=30788665/PictureID=880411541/t_=35531579

Edinburghlass_2

I managed to read this last night r.mac but the site was so slow I couldn't get in to reply

It sounds like the trip was just fantastic and such an adventure. Sorry to be so banal but what was the weather like? Just wondered if it was very hot when walking. Did you all muck in with cooking or were you eating "Peruvian" style?

I have just tried searching for the Top 50 Places to see before you die and could only find one list that had Machu Pichu at number 14, its certainly on my list and sounds awe inspiring.

It did make me smile about your lack of showering and hairdryer For those of us lucky enough to meet r.mac in Edinburgh, this was her main worry then and as she is as neat as a new pin even after a day at work I am sure you still looked just fine. Sadly when clicking on the photo link it wouldn't allow access without signing in but perhaps you can pm a link or put the photo up in another post?

This is the website for Maggies Centre and anyone who has ever used it will know exactly what a comforting place it is along with wonderful volunteers and staff to aid cancer sufferers as well as friends and family.

IvanOpinion

Welcome back r.mac glad you had a good time. Can't see your photos though. So where is your next adventure to?

Ivan

r.mac_2

Sorry about the link guys - I'm not very technical. I will have another go this afternoon. Any tips are gratefully recieved!!!

The weather was 4 seasons in one day stuff. On our longest day (10 hours walking) we started in pleasant sunny conditions, lunch was wolfed down in snow and hail, then we were battered by rain and wind all afternoon, only to walk into camp that evening in 35 degree sunshine!!!! I was forever changing the sunhat for a fleece and gloves for a waterproof.

We were very lucky and had porters who came with us. When we started walking in the morning they struck camp, passed us on the track and had camp set up again for us when we reached our destination. Just as well as I am not sure that I could have managed all those guy ropes! The food was excellent. I am not sure that last time I had three courses so many nights in a row. Lots of soup and stews with Peruvian style potatoes and grains. Rather old style - delicious homecooked food. Definately and british-peruvian fusion.

I had smuggled some 'emergency' rations with me, but didn't require them as we were fed so well. The only recommendation I would make to others is take chocolate. There is nothing else to beat chocolate when you have bene walking for five hours. Yum. At one point, when I was really tired and starting to flag, one of the girls produced a snickers bar. Well - that was me in heaven. Two bites and I was raring to go again! If I close my eyes I can still taste how amazing it was.

We also visited a school while we were there. Everyone brought a little something, ranging from tootbrushes and crayons to hair bands and bubbles - although no sweets. To see children get so excited and be so genuinely pleased to recieve such simple gifts was a truely beautiful moment. They can't rely on packages like these - it wouldn't be healthy, but we could see just how these simple gifts were going to help.

Anyway. Will try the link again when I get back home (logged on at uni). Will try and think of other highlights too!

Macnab

Hi r mac, did the same trek as you but for Actionaid in May and reading all your tales bring it back completely, took me weeks to re-adjust to being back in Scotland. I had signed up to do it for ActionAid before I knew Maggies did the same trip, I found out as my Mum had to use their excellent facilites at Dundee, the Maggies centres are amazing.
As for Peru, what a country and what wonderful people. After machu Pichu we went miles in land up unmade up roads with huge potholes and sheer drops to the side and a maniac driver to visit one of the projects that Actionaid were helping alonside local charities and it was so humbling. We too took pencils crayons etc and we were hailed as their brothers, 'amigo gringos'. Fantastic
To help relive some of the experience read Matthew Parris's Inka Kola or watch The Motorcycle Diaries and you'll be back in an instant!
Well done with the fund raising never easy.