Day 2: Jungle Trek Triathalon

We were all told to meet at the same restaurant the next morning so we could grab breakfast and start the most challenging part of our trek - an eight hour high-altitude narrow hike (part of which touches the original Inca trail).
I woke up an hour before we needed to be at the restaurant, I was one of the first ones there. I finished most of my fruits but my tummy still hurt. I walked towards the washroom to try and work some magic but as I was about to enter, Stephan (a fellow German tour goer) warns me that it wasn't flushing and I wouldn't want to go in there. Of course I had to see it myself, and of course he was right - there were floaties. Another tour mate was with me waiting (Sheila) and so we took matters into our own hands and tried dunking the remainder with more water. It wasn't working. I searched for Alex to ask if there were any other washrooms around but unfortunately, there wasn't. So he was the superhero that stepped in and fixed the toilet for us. Thank you Alex, thank you Jesus! I managed to relieve my stomach a bit but I could tell that this bug wasn't done with me yet. Nonetheless, the trek was set to start...bug or no bug.

The first bit of the trek was easy enough, it was flat terrain. When the uphill started, this was when I started to feel extremely ill. I let everyone pass in front of me and I looked visibly sick. Stephan and Cedric stayed at the back of the pack with me. They insisted I give them any extra weight I was carrying. How did I get so blessed with these two angels who tooks shifts in carrying my belongings? Even my water bottle and camera, Cedric insisted he carry everything for me. Swoon.
Truth is, it was only actually slightly easier without the extra weight. I took several breaks and kept dry-heaving. I just wanted to throw up but nothing would come out. Cedric and Stephan looked at me helpless. I wanted to cry. These guys were being so sweet and telling me to take as many breaks as I necessary.
Eventually we made it to our first resting area where the rest of the group was at. I felt defeated. Being competitive, I looked around knowing that I was the last one to come up. I rested and drank lots trying to catch my breath as I know it's not over yet.
The second part of the trek was a bit easier. My lungs and stomach were cooperating with me. My belongings were still with the guys. We got to a little restaurant on the trail where we would have lunch. I had the quinoa soup but I couldn't finish the main meal even though it was delicious.
On the third part of the trek I decided I would carry my own belongings. Cedric would check on me every now and then and I would assure him I was fine. He had a knack of calling me "girl". "Ay girl are you alright?", he would ask in his very French accent. We got to know a little bit more on the hike, I told him about where I'm coming from, my past, where I want to be...and he did the same. I confronted him at one point, "do you even know my name?" I asked laughing. He assured me he did. He's interesting. From what he tells me, this 31 year old has been working in the IT field back home and one day realized that he doesn't want to do it anymore. His passion is in journalism and media. So he's taken off a year to travel and document political (and adventurous) trips that he would go on. Care free. His plans were to sell his adventure tour videos shot with his camera to tour companies once he finishes editing. He said he would also like to sell photos if he could. We both had similar interests in that sense.

It was a 9 hour day (10 if you count the hour we spent at the lunch spot). We made our way to the thermal baths. After crossing a bridge, using a manual cable pulley car to cross the river, and more trekking in the rain...we made it. I decided not to go in the hot springs but I dipped my feet instead. I was basically mosquito food; there wasn't a strong enough repellant to keep these bugs off.

Alex presented the group with two options. Take a taxi to the simple hostel or walk 40min in the dark (the sun was barely in sight and was quickly running away completely). All but a group of five opted for a taxi. Once our taxi was near the top of the hill and close to town, the taxi got stuck in the mud. It was raining earlier and this caused the dirt road to go soft on us. This meant that everyone in the taxi needed to get out and push. This would've worked for me..if i wasn't wearing flip-flops. After many scary slippery attempts (it started rolling backwards on the pushers)..the car made it to the top and nobody was hurt. Within two minutes, we were at the hotel. We managed to acquire three new tourists. As it turned out, they were left behind by their own group. An American and a Peruvian couple. So far, the American annoys me.

Only two more days...

Day 1: Jungle trek triathalon

I was woken up at about midnight. Voices of drunk Israeli girls staying at the hostel echoed through the hostel as they marinated in the night out in the central courtyard. As if it wasn't enough to be woken up in this manner, my diarrhea was also in full effect! I tell myself that it's easy to be homesick when you're feeling ill so it's best to just get rid of these negative thoughts because there's nothing I can really do about it.
I got out of bed at 5am just to make sure I have everything I need for the next few days packed and ready to go. I wasn't really prepared for this trip so the bag I will be using for the next few days is actually just a simple mesh drawstring backpack (which I was using for my undergarments).
Breakfast at the hotel doesn't start until 8am and the nearby stores don't actually open until about 9am. Looks like it will be almonds and animal cookies for breakfast for me today. I waited for the tour guide/van to come by and fetch me. I waited some more. I was starting to feel relief as the thought that they may have forgotten to get me passes through my mind. A bit past 8am the tour guide finally arrives. He said he walked past the hostel 3 times. I don't blame him for missing it, it's unsuspecting from outside. We walk to the van which was parked a few blocks away. On the walk he makes small talk. He tells me that I've got the face structure of a Peruvian, one perhaps from Lima. Then he asks why I'm traveling alone with no friends and no boyfriend...wait, do you have a boyfriend he asked me as he catches himself in an assumption. I laughed and answered, yes I do. Another interesting question he poses on me was if I smoke. I told him I don't. He asked if I smoked non-cigarettes. Amused, I told him not since April, I've quit. He seems like he's been figured out and tells me he does it to relax. Small talk continued. Once we got into the van I find myself seated next to a quiet Korean guy named Machur and on my right is an Israeli guy who also happens to be staying at the same hostel as me. There are about 15 people in this group and I must admit, I'm not at all too excited to socialize. I should but I wasn't in the moment and I was busy having one...a moment, that is.
We ascended up the mountain just as we were told. Part of the way up, the van stopped so we could purchase some snacks and breakfast at a side-store. I bought yogurt as it seemed to be the safest choice to make. All the others loitered around outside of the van to eat. They chatted amongst themselves. I stood by myself and tried to not be noticed...until I realize that I have been made. I could tell he was staring at me from behind his shades as someone was attempting unrelentingly to make conversation with him. My thought: why? I stayed where I was at, hiding my non-makeup face behind my shades eating overpriced yogurt. Soon enough he interrupted the guy making conversation with him by walking away to come walk over to me. We did small talk. His name is Cedric. Judging by his longish undercut hair which was pulled back to a ponytail, his shades, sweats, and muscle tee, physique...one might think he was German or from the Eastern block. His accent gave him away, he's French. Of course.
Our tour guide (Alex) ushers all of us back into the van. Once we got to nearly the top, we find ourselves in what looks to be an unfinished parking lot. The bikes are unloaded along with safety equipment. Community helmets and gloves - my favorite. Not! I strapped them on nonetheless and adjusted my bike to a comfortable riding height. My butt would need to be at ease as I wasn't about to cause the group to slow down. Or worst, cause an unsightly scene.
The ride was easy. Winding down the mountain with some occasional cars passing by us. Some of the other girls were chatting with each other side by side on their bikes. But being the competitive person that I am, I was at the front riding alongside the tour guide. I slowed down a bit so I could properly soak in the images. I took some photos while riding as well. Cedric would speed up/slow down to ride beside me so we could continue our small talk. He's a cool guy but at this point he's seems like the flirty slooty type.
After our 2 hr descend we hop back into the van for another 1 hr ride and eat our pre-packaged lunch courtesy of the tour company. I'm starting to warm up to the group at this point. Maybe the stomach issue is just a morning thing because at this point, my stomach seems to be alright.
The 2nd part of the ride was a bumpy one. Mix this with the need to pee and it doesn't make for a pleasant ride at all. But I managed to do it anyways (and wasn't at the back of the pack either).

We got to the overnight hotel and it turns out that I was the only one who had signed up for the white river rafting portion of the adventure. To be honest, I didn't even know it was an option to not go on the river. Nobody else wanted to go for an additional $30usd. I asked for a refund as there's a minimum amount of participants in order to do this but he said he would only get back $20usd. I paid $250 for this tour while others only paid $160-190 so I was a bit peeved. I didn't want to accept the $20usd. Alex tells me that once we get back into Cusco, he would come with me to the tour company to get my money back so I agreed.

Most of the group went down to the river and dip their feet in. Some went in, some just feet deep. The air was a dry wind and made me quite thirsty. one of the Spanish girls offered me water which was nice.

We all headed back to the hotel as the rain and lightning started to dominate the small mud-road town. I text messaged Glen and waited for everyone to leave for dinner so I could try and use the toilet at peace. Three girls, including me, remained in the female dorm. Once we got beckoned to go to the restaurant for dinner, I told the others that I will be taking a shower first. Jonath (an Israeli girl) remained as she said she would wait for me so we could go together. I learn that that she has served the military in Israel for 2 year as a teacher as it is obligatory in their country. She wants to go back into school but right now she has no energy. She's been traveling around South America for 8 months now.
Alex comes to pop his head back into the room and asks me to shower after dinner as the group had already made their way to the restaurant. Alex left and I told Jonath that I would shower after. She looked at me and told me that if I wanted to shower, I should just shower. Tell him we'll meet him there, she says. She scares me a bit. So I hopped in the shower and I was half way through when I hear Alex coming up the stairs. I yell out that I'm being quick. Which I was. Jonath didn't bother showering so we just headed straight to the restaurant after. Everyone was finishing up their main meal and we were just starting our soup. I didn't have much of an appetite and barely touched my food.

I used the washroom at the restaurant (which was an outhouse) to try and sort my stomach out. It only worked half way. I got out and Alex asks me, "are you ok?" I told him the truth. My stomach hurts and I haven't acclimatized in Cusco. People are told to acclimatize in Cusco for about 4 days at least. I only had the evening to try and do this. I explained to Alex that I don't want any form of medication and would prefer to do this naturally. He says he will ask the women in the kitchen if they know any sort of remedy. He uses the washroom after me and I immediately apologize for the condition I left it in. He jokes and tells me he will give me cannabis to sort my stomach. I got back to the table the rest of the group was at. Soon after Alex comes to get me and brings me to the back kitchen. The woman there gives me a brew that consists of celery, and oregano tea. She says it will help. I sat at the back and chatted with Alex, the woman, and her husband (owners of the place). We talk about a lot of things...family, religion, country, pride, and so one. Alex says goodnight after a lengthy conversation. I tell them that I'm off to the toilet. I came back and chatted with the couple some more. Their names are Alberro and Anna. We talked about our lives which gave me an opportunity to practice my Spanish. In conversation they mentioned to me, "you no look vegetriano". Anna gestured at the fact that I'm a bigger girl by extending her elbows outwards. I explained that cakes, cookies, and chocolate are vegetarian as well. hahaha

I go to the the table outside where the group was (or what remained of the group) after another hour of hanging with the owners. They were drinking and chatting. I waited around mainly because I didn't want to walk alone in the dark.

Once we got back into the hostel I went straight to bed. This was only until 1 am when I was woken up for a bathroom break. I got back into bed and my stomach still grumbled. This is not a good sign.

Licensed to ill

Well it was bound to happen. I got Diarrhea. Damn! I got up at 5am and packed my things quickly in hopes that it will all make sense later.
Luckily my sister Aissa was on Facebook chat so we messaged back and forth for an hour. I told her all about the tragedy that is my stomach and butt. I quickly grabbed breakfast, made two more runs for the bathroom, then I waited for a woman named Dina who will be my minder (she will take me to the bus station). To Cusco I will go!
The old man who works graveyard hours at this hotel is cute. He reminds me of a loyal servant like Igor but a little less harsh. His name is Washington and he wishes me well travels as I leave.

Last night I had a look at my photos of my trip so far. I feel like I have been in Peru forever. This is odd because I should be having the time of my life! I have to say, I'm homesick. The fact that my travel itinerary is so jam packed also contributed to the exhaustion and therefore homesickness. I have this as my last week in Peru so I banished all negative thoughts and decided to be present in the moment. Earlier when Aissa and I were on Facebook chat I recall her telling me that the reason she hasn't been messaging me often is because she wants me to be in the moment. I'm not in Vancouver and I'm definitely not in Toronto she reminds me.

The ride to Cusco is long and winding. I felt really ill as I got higher up in elevation. I got to the bus terminal in Cusco and paid a taxi 7 Soles to take me to hotel kilombo. It totally felt like a youth hostel. I was extremely cold and it was rainy. Still feeling ill I decided to stay in the hostel and update my blog.

My mom and my sister got a hold of me while I was online and they advised me to drink sprite and eat bananas. This will strengthen your stomach they tell me. So I stepped out quickly to search for a quick healing. Came back with two bananas, sprite...cookies and a cake. I couldn't resist!

At about 7pm the person working at the front desk called me to tell me that a tour guide was here to explain what will be happening in the next few days for the jungle trek triathlon.
As the tour guide debriefs me I notice he was really cute. I also notice that I may have bit off more that I can chew with this tour. I'm not at my 100% and was starting to doubt my ability physically. He explained that the next morning a van will come pick me up along with other tourists to take us to a mountain. At about 5,000 meters high we will begin a two hour descend on mountain bikes. The van will be following behind us. We will hop back in the van for about another hour drive (there's construction on the road which is why we needed the van ride). We then get back on our bikes for another two hour descend. We then leave the bikes and our van to trek for an hour. Then two hours of river rafting will begin. We will stay in a simple hotel overnight (dorm style). The next day will be more challenging. A full eight hour trek follows with some difficult terrain (this also includes a part of the original Inca trail). We end at Aguas Calientes where we are free to jump into the natural hot springs. The next day is about a six hour trek but it will be on flat terrain so I'm told it's not that bad. On the final day we start at 4am with a 1.5hr trek to Machu Picchu. In my mind I already decided that I will not be staying a full day in Machu Picchu as I've got a sacred valley tour the day after.

After the orientation with the tour guide I messaged with Aissa a bit more. Then I showered and packed a bag for the adventure to come. Nervous but hopeful. I pray.

Taquile

I kept waking up in the night with the urge to pee. I tried to get my mind off of it. I had no flashlight to walk over to the outhouse and was already out of my comfort zone as it is; i felt cold, and dirty. Go back to bed and I will take you to the washroom first thing tomorrow morning my mind told my body. Right at 5:30am I got up to fulfill my promise. The sun was already up and it was a gorgeous day already. The idea of showering was out of the question. My mind gave my body another promise to shower once we got back into Puno; a hot shower and the works would await us there.






We all met up for a pancake breakfast. After saying our many thanks to Matilde, we got on the boat to head over to Taquile. Everyone boarded the boats and watched as the tour guide allocated the money amongst the "home-stay mothers". There was clearly some confusion as the some of the "home-stay mothers" were looking frustrated with what was handed to them. Allan the tour guide, smoothly separated himself from them and jumped onto the boat. The arguing women continued but with another man (who looked to be some kind of mayor or something.



Once we docked the island of Taquile, we walked around the for about an hour to get to the high point. Once at the top, i was faced with several great opportune moments for photographs. Great views over Lake Titicaca and you could see all the way to Bolivia. The people, like at Reed Island, were great. I bought some hand crafted bracelets from a young girl. I bought matching ones for me and Glen. Even if we're not together, we can have something that matches.







After having a trout lunch, we commenced the 500 step down back towards the boats. I started to think what it would be like to travel with Glen. Am I ready? Perhaps the next adventure I need next is one where I decide to stay and get grounded, set roots. Maybe settle down with Glen. I watch all the couples around me...holding hands, kissing, shopping for loved ones back home, even slapping ass...maybe it's time i make a move.

We got back into the boat and I checked my text messages. Glen received my letter I had sent him in the mail (before I left Vancouver). He says that he was shedding tears as he read it. I don't remember exactly what I had written but my eyes teared up right now too. I wrote that 4-page letter with no drafts or edits, sealed it in the same night so i wouldn't try and perfect it or change anything.

Once i got back into my hotel in Puno, i dropped my belongings and headed to town to do some much needed (wanted) retail therapy just as I had promised myself. I strolled around looking for souvenirs and for snacks for the coming bus ride to Cusco. I have to admit, i wasn't really looking forward to it. The trip thus far has been of an exhausting one. With an itinerary that i've set up...i was setting myself up for this. I've slept on more busses and boats than actual beds. I am getting ill and i'm not sure what to do because i know the only thing that would help is rest. Time, i do not have.
After shopping, the receptionist says to me that there's a problem with my bus ticket to Cusco...she says i do not have one. Turns out there was a big misunderstanding with Yenni (my minder) and Ines (my travel arranger from Lima). After some correspondence back and forth, Yenni assured that i would have my ticket and it's included. How was this correspondence done so quickly?..facebook. I love social media.

I took some time to message with glen while i was on the internet and send out some e-mails. Ines and Jarmy recommended i check out a cool resto bar in the area but i decided with the drama of the evening and the lack of rest...i should head to bed and get myself ready for Machu Picchu!

















See ya Puno!

Another year - Another mountain - Another challenge

The bus pulls into the station - I am now in Puno and it is my birthday. It's about 2 or 3am and I get into my hotel. The first thing i do is take a shower and prepare a small bag for the next day as my tour will come to pick me up in only a matter of 3 or 4 hours. This tour will be in the islands of Amantenie, Reed, and Taquille for the next 2 days and 1 night.
I kept waking up in the night because of excitement. I didn't want to be late for anything and I was so exhausted.

I came downstairs at 6:15am to quickly grab a bite to eat for breakfast. The man cleaning and serving was cute. Not in an I'm-attracted-to-you cute kind of way, but more of an endearing way. A non-English speaking woman picked me up from the hotel and I joined her in a van with some other tourists. At first I wasn't really sure if I was following the right tour or getting in the right van...but at this point, i decided to "Let go and Let God". I'm the only one who speaks English in the van. She brought us all to the boats and then our real guide was there to greet us. Alan (the guide) did an introduction of the tour to us.
Alan explains to us the itinerary yet he fails to tell us the length of each highlight. Lucky for me, I had packed my snack of almonds I brought for my plane ride (which i took everywhere with me, because you never know when hunger strikes!). I could see the frustration in other people's faces as time on the boat went by.

The first stop on the island tour was Uros. The people here are beautiful and extremely friendly. Their cultural attire is vibrant and textured with bright oranges and blues. There was no way you couldn't spot them against the reed and water environment they lived on. We dock on one of the reed islands so Alan could explain the way of life for the people there as well as the relationship between Peruvians and Bolivians (in regards to Lago Titicaca). I took extra time to capture more photographs and also spent 10 extra Soles to get a ride on a reed-boat to the next island (as opposed to the motor boat we came on). As I wandered the next reed island, which was the Uros captial, I ran into the cute German couple I met from the Colca Canyon tour. We chatted for a bit and learned that we would be staying on the same island later that night.





On the boat ride to the island of Amantenie, Alan surprises us and lets us know that there will be a fiesta party for us tonight. How timely, I still get to ring my birthday in with a party. We would be provided with Peruvian attire so we can celebrate like real Peruvians.

I look around at the group and realize that I am once again surrounded by couples. Even the boat driver, Edwin, has brought his girlfriend. Love is everywhere.
Last night when Glen sent that picture text message to me...in my mind I recall thinking, we should just get married. Scenarios played in my head of what it would be like, but it was still hard to tell. There was no clear picture coming in. He has hinted in the past of what he wants from this relationship and how he would like to get married and every time I think about it, my heart flutters. Sweet moments like these outshine any flaws he has. Everything has come together.

Our boat docks and we are greeted by our homestay families. Alan divides the group and allocates according to space and couples etc. I am staying at Matilde's house with a couple from the Netherlands, Jenni and Richard (33 and 31 years old). Our first interaction happens soon after being showed our room in Matilde's home. Jenni says that she had seen me earlier eating some snacks and was wondering if I would spare some as she was extremely hungry. I give her the bag and tell her to take as much as she would like. Through conversation I learn that Jenni is a personal trainer and Richard is a finance controller. We talk a bit about health and wellness and our lives back home as we wait for Matilde to prepare our lunch. While waiting, we also meet Clever Jesus who is Matilde's young son. He's so cute, but Matilde assures us that he is also a handful and causes her some grief sometime. She had a sad look in her eyes so understandably, neither of us continued to talk about it anymore. Happier times are to be had.











At 4pm sharp, everyone met at the plaza so we could all hike to the highest point on the island. Alan explains that the shamans in the town would go there to make offerings and talk to the Gods. The climb to the top was topically not the same as last year's birthday Grouse Grind climb, but it was somewhat symbolically the same. The hike was about 2 hours long and the air got thinner as we got higher. Similar to last year's climb, it was a challenging one. This year's climb was challenging as it was because of the altitude whereas last year's was due to the party the night before. Both occasions, I may not have gotten proper sleep but at least I wasn't hungover or dehydrated this time around. Once we reached the top, we sat and took in the sunset that hovered and started to blanket Lago Titicaca.







During dinner, Richard, Jenni, and I continue our conversation from lunch about our lives, society, and travels. As much as I get to know them, they are getting to know a lot about me and my "previous life". They continued to say how proud they are of me and wished for me to continue in my new found path. I sat for a second and thought to myself...hey, I'm really proud of myself too. We forget sometimes that our self-perception is important to us too; it's not all just about what others say about us. Clever joined us and played as his mom prepared dinner (that's him in the picture).

Matilde took us to her room to get us dressed for the party. Once we got to the hall I sat and observed the rest of the group drinking, dancing, and laughing, as we were serenaded by a young Peruvian band. I reflected on the year that has past and how this birthday was similar to the last, but nothing like it at all.

domestic disputes

I am woken up at midnight by barking dogs and loud drunken men on the streets. Two and a half hours later, the doorbell abuse and loud banging on the door begins. This goes on until 3:30am and I was terrified the entire time. I thought the hotel was getting robbed. I quickly got up to hide my valuables. I prayed. I begged and pleaded with god to please ask it all to go away. At 3:30am it didn't stop...it came inside. i went to my door to try and listen to what was happening. I hear a man's voice and my heart starts to race. i follow it with a quick self pep-talk and told myself that I can do physical damage to whoever tries to get at me. I continue to listen carefully and realize that nobody is in fact trying to rob the hotel. This man sounds like he is pleading with a girl. I could tell they were on my floor as they had their hush conversation. He asks her to please listen to him. The argument toned down and i went back to bed...only to wake up again half an hour later to get packed up and ready for the day. Today is going to be a long one.

I asked the front desk what had happened this morning with all of the happening this morning. From what I can understand, a girl from the hotel had gone out to the bar or club and she had attracted a guy from the night.

I sat at the front of the hotel to wait for Jever (the tour leader). A bit after, the young Peruvian couple came and I chatted with them and we talked a bit more about their long distance relationship. We talk about how difficult it is to be in one. The technology helps it work, I tell them...but it's not the same we all agreed.

We went to see tourist attractions. I start to feel tired but just then I get a picture text message from Glen. I'm homesick all of a sudden.




For lunch we went to yet another buffet. This time I learned to be a bit more selective and not to have too much too fast. After lunch, Nancy pays for my lunch (as it's my birthday the next day). I refused to let her but she insisted as she didn't have change for 100 soles. We strolled around town on our free time through the plaza and market place. Soon we were back on the tour van back to Arequipa.

Once I was back in Madame Barbara's hotel in Arequipa, I jumped on the internet to get some messages out to Glen, Aissa, and Sonny. Quarter past 6 and the bell rang for me. Juan Victor is here to take me to the bus station. Kleysey is right, he is very nice and he's got kind eyes. We make small talk during the taxi ride. Once we got to the bus terminal, it is crowded and I'm the only foreigner in there. Everyone has simple baggage and large plastic bags. Juan Victor asks the security guard what the process is. He explains that I check in once the bus arrives and they will tag my bag etc. I say ok but he smells the insecurity in my response and insists that he will stay with me until I board. There's half an hour left until the bus comes but he assures me it's ok before I even had a chance to say anything.
i went to get us water for the wait and we chatted a bit. I explain to him that it's my birthday the next day and it would be the first time I am away from my sister. He gives me a hug and wishes me a very happy birthday. He understood English but because he wasn't good at speaking it, he would respond to me in Spanish. We learned from each other. My bus arrives and I board. I sit next to an unfriendly looking man and the on-board movie begins to play. I am back on the winding roads I was on earlier from Colca Canyon...except this time, it's night and a bit of a dodgy upset looking crowd.

This year, I ring in my birthday on a bus from Arequipa to Puno drinking water. Last year I was in a taxi or some car still drunk and getting more drunk. My the times have changed.

I must have been somewhere in between Jualica and Puno and I started to feel different. At the strike of midnight I received a picture text message from Glen :)
Similar to the Bruno Mars video (just the way you are) as he says this song reminds him of me. I'm not going to lie...I cried a bit when I got it. He's convinced that I'm the one for him and everyday I'm more convinced that he might be the one for me too. I'm so lucky and blessed to have him.



Below is the seat I sat in and celebrated the first wee hours of my birthday. Silently.

7th wheel!

A man named Jever arrived a couple minutes late to pick me up (along with other tourists) to Colca Canyon.
This 2 day/1 night tour group consists of an elder German couple, two elder Russian New Yorker women (who are friends), a single Peruvian woman, two Peruvian couples, a couple from the UK...and me...and my camera.

Initially, everyone keeps to themselves as there are some language barriers. Everyone is friendly, but no one is going out of their comfort zones to try and get to know one another. I notice one of the Peruvian couples as they are very romantic with one another. Always touching and kissing. I observe the others in this group and I realize that all the couples are romantic with their Loved ones. The two Peruvian couples though, they looked like what Love should look like.
I checked for wedding rings to see what the situation is, but in either case...neither of the couples are married.







I thought my mind has already escaped thinking of my own relationship back home, but it seems that this is a re-occuring theme; I am surrounded by couples. All different kinds. Old, young, new...

Our first stop as a group is made at a local store to pick up some Coca leaves and other Coca leaf products. This promises to help with altitude sickness as we are going to reach nearly 5,000 meters high in the next couple of hours. It was on our third stop when I started to feel light headed. I took in 6 leaves and chewed on them trying to think of only good thoughts. My breath was short and rapid so i changed my pace to be slower than i normally would go.

I quickly was drawn to Nancy, the solo Peruvian woman traveller. She seems outgoing and quirky. We agreed that we would take photos for each as we have nobody else with us to do this.

After a buffet lunch with the group I wandered around the small town of Chivay. I strolled cautiously as i am not comfortable here yet. Too many people are taking notice of me and this makes me feel a bit like a target. I´m wandering around by myself and I´m wearing a skirt...I shoulda known better.

At 4pm, we were picked up by our guide to take us to the natural hot springs. We spend two hours here. I befriend Alexandria, the Russian New Yorker. Her friend Sletvana isn´t feeling well due to altitude sickness and has decided to stay in her hotel. Nancy didn´t want to go in the water so she stayed in the museum.
Alexandria and her friend live in Brooklyn. She tells me that the reason she is here in Peru is because as she gets older, she will not be able to do such adventures. She is seizing the moment and I admire her courage.

At 7pm we are scheduled to go to a restaurant for dinner which also displays traditional folkloric Peruvian dancing and music. Nancy didn´t go...Alexandria decided to stay at the hotel with her friend...and the German couple were both feeling ill so they didn´t attend as well. During dinner, I looked around the group and I noticed one thing. I´m ther 7th wheel on this triple date. FML.

During dinner, I decided to break a few shells and asked more questions to find out about these couples. Here are their stories...

Pedro y Fiorella
Pedro is an engineer and Fiorella is a nurse. They´ve been together for 6 years and wears his promise ring. Only in the last 8 months, they´ve been seperated because of work. Pedro now works in Arequipa while Fiorella has stayed in Lima. ¨Isn´t it hard?¨, I asked her. ¨Too hard¨, she replied.
Pedro looked at Fiorella and says, it´s time to go to the next level. I mention that technology is a great thing and helps couples feel closer than they are, but I also mention that it´s definately not the same. ¨...of course not¨, Pedro says.

Cesar y his Girlfriend (her name slips my mind)
This Peruvian couple is possibly the more Lovey Dovey of all the couples. They are always touching, snuggling, or kissing. They have been together for 4 years and only in the last 2 months they´ve been apart. This is also due to work. She works in Cusco, and he works in Chiclayo (near Ecuador). ¨Isn´t it hard¨, I said to her. ¨It´s still really hard¨, she responded. I didn´t want to break it to her, but it doesn´t get any easier as I´ve learned from Fiorella.

Andy y Samantha
These two are from the UK. They´ve been travelling together for the last 11 months and have had no choice but to be together, no matter what the situation. They´ve got 5 weeks left on this tour and she mentions that she is not excited for it to end. Not quite as public with their displays of affection, i catch them sneak kisses and hugs every so often.

As I´ve mentioned, there´s been a re-occuring theme with this trip; I have been surrounded by couples in Love. No distance, no crazy circumstance, nothing...seems to break them.

So what makes it work?
...I didn´t get to ask them that.

This will have to be something each person will have to figure out themselves with their Loved one.