It’s Throwback Thursday!
Side Note: Apparently, the #tbt hashtag was in use since 2011. I think I’ve only heard of it last year. Makes me feel so dated.
Another note: I’m stoked to learn the abbreviation tl;dr, which means “too long; didn’t read”. It was used on a Google documentation to summarize important points. So cool! (Yes, I know, so geeky too.)
I have promised a friend I would post about my past travels. He’s a secret agent– maybe not literally but close enough. He can’t let me know where’s his next mission is, so I tell him I’ll post about them so he can inquire freely about them. I also have a friend heading over to Perú, so it’s the perfect time to #throwbackthursday to Perú!
This post is dedicated to Secret Agent #114425 and CM.
The inspiration: Los Diarios de Motocicleta
Why do I want to visit Perú? In 2004, our Spanish class watch Los Diarios de Motocicleta in theatres. It’s a movie about Ernesto Guevara (Che) before he began the political revolution. The plot: he and his buddy Alberto go on a motorcycle expedition, and one of the places they pass through is the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. That panoramic shot is… breathtaking: I am sold.
Long story short, October 2012, Miss K, El Sugi, Baño Cheng, Miss L (now Mrs. Cheng), Christopherrr, and I set foot to hike the Inca Trail.
By the way, if you haven’t, you should watch the movie, aka Motorcycle Diaries.
The itinerary: From Lima’s city life to crapping camping along the Inca Trail to hammocking in the Amazon Jungle.
| Day 1: Lima |
Day 2: Lima |
Day 3: Lima – Cusco |
Day 4: Cusco |
Day 5: Wayllabamba (Inca Trail) |
Day 6: Pacamayo (Inca Trail) |
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna (Inca Trail) |
| Day 8: Machu Picchu (Inca Trail) / Agua Calientes |
Day 9: Agua Calientes / Machu Picchu – Cusco |
Day 10: Cusco – Puerto Maldonado |
Day 11: Puerto Maldonado |
Day 12: Puerto Maldonado |
Day 13: Puerto Maldonado |
Day 14: Puerto Maldonado – Lima – Vancouver |
Travelling Tips
- Money: Bring USD to exchange for Peruvian soles. Make sure they are new bills; they have refused my old, crumply bills.
- Meds: get your yellow fever shots, malaria pills, elevation pills, allergy pills, Advil, etc. Our local Peruvian guide said from experience that Advil is more effective than elevation pills. We have encountered mosquitoes and bed bugs (or something that gave Chris rashes) so the allergy pills / antihistamines are useful.
Learn some phrases
- ¿Donde está … el baño? [Don-day es-ta el banyo] – Where is … the toilet?
- ¿Hablás-tu inglés? [Ablus too ing-gless] – Do you speak English? Although, I guess if they don’t then you’re out of luck.
- ¿Cuanto cuesta este? [Kwan-toe quest-a es-teh] – How much is this?
Bargain in bulk
Learn your Spanish numbers so you can bargain. One of our guides says the locals are happy to sell their goods with 10% discount. If you enjoy the bargaining process, then maybe start at 20-25% lower than their asking price. And with all bargaining, if they agree to your asking price, then you should buy the product. If you’re not interested, don’t bargain.
Funny story– Chris and I bought some souvenir pens at the marketplace. I helped us bargain with my broken Spanish. When we got back to the hotel and showed the others, Baño Cheng wanted to buy some too. I led him to the stall to make sure he got the same deal. The lady owner recognized me and gave me a few extra pens as a kickback.
Best. Bargaining. Experience. Ever.
Alright, getting tired. Will try to post more photos tomorrow.
¡Buenas noches!
