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This Girl and That Guy Escape to Peru

By : Jaclyn Sharratt
Trip Begins September 10, 2011
Trip Ends September 25, 2011

Months and months ago, a couple from Chicago decided to take a vacation. That guy wanted to take this girl on a special, unforgettable trip to celebrate a landmark occasion: her 30th birthday. Seeing this girl was never one to make a big deal over the day of her birth, it was quite a surprise when she agreed. With very little muss and fuss, the Chicagoans pinpointed Peru as their destination of choice. After months of planning with travel guru Sullivan of Adventure Life, the two packed their bags and headed to South America for an experience they will never forget..."There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it." Charles Dudley Warner
See my photos : This Girl and That Guy Escape to Peru

Want to go? Manco Multisport

I went to: Peru, Lima, Manco Multisport Campsites, Manco Multisport Day 4, Manco Multisport Day 5, Cusco, Taypikala Hotel Cusco, Machu Picchu, El MaPi, Puno, Q'Elqatani, Uros Islands, Miraflores Park Hotel, Sacred Valley, Amantani Island, Upper Urubamba River - Cusipata Section, Machu Picchu Ruins
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September 10, 2011
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away they go

Chicago, IL

CHECK OUT THIS GIRL AND THAT GUY: THE PREVIEW VIDEO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UErR7QlL4E

This girl and that guy set the alarm clock for 8AM; however, they both were up and out of bed before the sun rose with as much excitement and glee as a child on Christmas Day. This girl spent the remaining few hours before embarking on their adventure reviewing her checklist, double checking their travel documents and burying her nose in their Peru Lonely Planet book. That guy was packing snacks and checking his email one last time (no technology allowed on this journey!). These two adventurers were ready for whatever was in store for them. When the clock struck 12(PM) this girl and that guy shrugged on their packs and headed to the train to Chicago O'Hare airport....

People don't take trips; trips take people. John Steinbeck

September 11, 2011
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airplanes and altitude

Lima, Peru

This girl and that guy had a few interruptions between ORD and CUZ, delaying their arrival by 10 hours. But these two know travel is all about adapting to your surroundings, and they happily spent these extra hours at each airport snacking, sleeping and meeting fellow travelers, including a character named Michael from Australia, who immediately pegged them as bloody gringos (direct quote!) and spent hours sharing his stories and experiences from down under. After laughs and email addresses were exchanged, this girl and that guy boarded their final flight. Destination: Cusco.

Peru book in hand, the two adventurers read more about the city they were about to spend the next four days exploring while enjoying Peruvian goodies such as Inca Kola and unforgettable chocolates. Yet everything came to an abrupt halt when this girl stared out the window and saw the rolling peaks of the Andes. Suddenly the city of Cusco came into view in their little airplane window, but it felt as big as the world. The closer the plane came to the ground the more excited, awake and alert the two became. This girl turned to that guy and said: and so it all begins!

The two raced to baggage claim and, while feeling out of breath and winded from the sudden altitude change, located their packs and made their way outside to take in their first glimpse of Peru. This girl and that guy took one look around and nodded in agreement: they were in for an experience of a lifetime! People were coming from left and right at top speed, speaking in Spanish and English, offering cabs and tours and buses and trains! There were brochures and posters and magazines and booklets. Luckily, this girl has traveled abroad quite a few times and knows how to spot the best deal. Within minutes they are zipping through the streets of Cusco in their trusty hired cab, heading toward their first of many resting places, the Munay Wasi hotel. This girl and that guy are breathless, but unsure if it is caused by the views, altitude or driving!

Upon arrival at their hotel, the two Chicagoans are greeted with cocoa tea and warm smiles. Within moments they are settled into their rooms and discussing how to spend their first evening in Cusco. Somehow, between the talk of restaurants and bars and street names, this girl and that guy fell into a deep sleep. FIVE hours later they awaken, full of energy and extremely grateful the city is open late, perfectly fitting for these two night owls. This girl carefully selects her outfit for their first night on the town (to think in a few days this girl will not even think about her attire based on style but rather smell!) while that guy asks the front desk for suggestions. Just like a romantic chick flick, they meet in the lobby of the hotel with smiles on their faces and anticipation in their hearts and head out into the crisp Cusco evening.

This girl immediately pulls out her camera, a brand new Canon Rebel T-3, and begins photographing everything around her... the dusty buildings full of life and wonderment, the narrow streets of endless fascination, the brightly colored local wares being sold everywhere they turned. It is a photographers' dream come true. Meanwhile, that guy carefully navigates the street, dodging locals, tourists, dogs, cars, cabs and any other obstacle that crosses their path, and safely leads them to their destination: The Plaza de Armas. Even though this girl and that guy are famished, they both forget their hunger as they take in the massive stone churches, colorful fountain showing off with its changing light display and people from all of the world, all gathered in this one square in a country far from home. While this girl is taking photographs, that guy purchases the first of many llama based items: a pair of fingerless gray llama gloves for this girl, figuring her hands will appreciate the extra warmth, even while poising the camera for the next shot.

After getting lost in the beauty of the city, they realize they must eat in order to go on and stop off at Urpi for their first taste of authentic Peruvian food, and of course a few rounds of cervezas. This girl ordered a delectable potato dish and that guy feasted on the lomo saltado, a meal these two will order plenty throughout their journey. With full bellies and tired eyes, they went back to their hotel to get a good nights rest; they will need it with the itinerary tomorrow!

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. Freya Stark

September 12, 2011
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this girl turns 30!

Cusco, Peru

Happy birthday to this girl! Today she embarks on a new decade of her life, and she could not be happier about it! To celebrate, that guy has planned a day full of activities he knows she will simply love! First on the docket is a mini shopping trip to the small shops around the city in search of a one of a kind, original poncho. It was love at first sight, and she immediately selected a darker blue hooded llama poncho AND two pairs of fuzzy, brightly colored knee high wool socks, all of which will come in handy when they reach higher altitude destinations during their travels!

Next stop, the hike up to to Saqsayhuaman to scope out their first of many Inca ruin explorations . As they begin their journey uphill, this girl realizes what the higher altitude does to your body! After quite a few stop offs, snack breaks and any other excuse this girl could come up with, the the happy hikers finally make it to their destination; and what a sight to see! That guy has seen these exact same ruins on one of his TV shows back in the states (Ancient Aliens) and began talking to this girl about what he learned. This girl tried her best to take in his words, but was overcome with awe while marveling at the beauty surrounding them.

A sudden rain shower hit the area, but this girl and that guy found a few activities to keep busy at the ruins. That guy discovered nature's slide, a slick, smooth rock surface, and this girl came across a hidden cave! The best discovery of the day, according to that guy, was the man selling snacks and refreshments, which led them to purchase a few goodies and enjoy them while overlooking the city. Less than an hour later, the sunshine reappeared and they continued on to Cristo Blanco, the statue watching over the city of Cusco.

As evening approached, that guy was rushing this girl along to a surprise dinner location. Upon entering the restaurant, A Mi Manera, they were greeted with first class service, a window seat table and a bottle of champagne from Adventure Life! After breaking open the bubbly and ordering a classic pisco sour, they selected their entrees (llama, by accident, for this girl!) and spent the next three hours devouring a four course meal, complete with a mammoth chocolate cake with sparklers and a five piece Peruvian band singing Happy Birthday to this girl! With tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, this girl made her birthday wish.

The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes sight-seeing. Daniel J. Boorstin

September 13, 2011
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a day in the life of this girl and that guy, cusco style

Cusco, Peru

With heavy rains clouding the morning sky, this girl and that guy cancel their horseback riding trip and instead decide to spend a day at museums and shopping. After a few hours of hunting down the best souvenirs for family and friends the two explorers spend time at the Inka Museum, stepping back in time and seeing artifacts from this civilization, as well as photos from when Machu Picchu was first captured on film in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. The next stop was the Convento De Santo Domingo Del Cusco, where this girl and that guy spent hours marveling over the artwork and architecture of the space, envisioning what it would have looked like when it was at the height of its glory, lined in solid gold walls and occupied by citizens of Cusco.

After a long, rainy day spent indoors this girl and that guy warmed up with a bowl of soup and Irish Coffee before heading to Paddy's for a night on the town! While at the bar they enjoyed watching a game of rugby and chatted over cervezas, taking in the many languages being spoken around their table for two and repeatedly refilling the beer mugs. The two strolled home under the light of a full moon and could not help but to think about how much they are enjoying Peru, and wondering what is in store for them next....

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign. Robert Louis Stevenson

September 14, 2011
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too much of something is never a bad thing

Cusco, Peru

This girl and that guy spent their final full day in Cusco exploring various sites, including the Cusco Cathedral, then spent time in the markets around the city, feasting on passion fruit and Sublime bars, two new favorites of this girl. They enjoyed a day full of delicious meals, including a pizza at Babieca, gelato from Dolce Vita and pastries from Panaderia El Buen Pastor. Needless to say, this girl and that guy splurged on every delectable treat they could find! The perfect way to end their time in this magical city, and to prepare for the adventures that lay before them.

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. James Michener

September 15, 2011
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hold on tight!

Upper Urubamba River - Cusipata Section, Peru

Not even a 6AM wake up call could dampen the spirits of this girl and that guy! After a few days of continuous rain and cloudy skies, the two travelers wake up to a warm and sunshine-y day, and just in time for their first excursion, white water rafting, with their tour guide extraordinaire, Juan. Their bags are packed, water shoes are on and they are ready to go! Upon arrival at the launch site, this girl and that guy suit up in wet suits and windbreakers and strap on their helmets. They know they are in a for a good time! Juan and that guy put the raft into the Urubamba River and the three are off! The rapids started out as Class I and II, then quickly escalated to Class III. This girl even fell, backwards thankfully, into the raft! The thrill of the rapids splashing up their faces while taking orders from their leader Juan, was an adrenaline rush! In between the sets of excitement they saw turtles, birds, ducks, snakes and even a bat cave! After a few hours, with the sun still shining bright, they came to their picnic area, where they shared one of many meals in their dining tent. With full bellies, and memory cards from their cameras, they began the drive back to Cusco to pack up for the next three days of mountain biking, hiking and camping. Now this is their kind of trip!

The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. Samuel Johnson

September 16, 2011
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donkeys and pigs and llamas, oh my!

Manco Multisport Campsites, Peru

All their bags are packed and they are ready to go! Another early morning wake up call, extreme breakfast feast and this girl and that guy are scooped up and off to village of Chinchero. During the demonstration they learned about the time, effort and skill that goes into the handmade items, particularly the process from making and dyeing the yarn to weaving it into intricate patterns. This girl purchased a table runner that took one of the villagers 8 weeks to create! After their brief shopping trip, it was time to mountain bike the 10 miles to the first campsite. Geared up and ready to go, the bikers begin their four hour ride around Lake Piuray and visit various farm communities along the way. They stop and chat with locals heading on a 25+ hour bus ride to Lima to put on a cultural show at a festival, hand out candy and sweets to local children and visit with farm animals. This girl felt like she was at a petting zoo! After a few grueling hills and steep turns they park their bikes at their campsite in Kuper Bajo. This girl settles down under a tree and takes a deep, calming nap while listening to the sounds of the village around her. Upon waking, this girl and that guy are presented with a lunch fit for royalty! Three courses later, and after many thinks to the best cook ever, Josef, the happy (and full) adventurers set off to explore the farms surrounding their temporary home. It felt like a treasure hunt, finding new and exciting animals, people and even Inca ruins along the way! A few hours later, following tea, biscuits and jam, soup, chicken wrapped in ham, rice, rolls and flan, this girl and that guy close out their day, bundled up in fleece and layers, watching for shooting stars and pointing out constellations in the sky. Life is good.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted. Bill Bryson

September 17, 2011
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and those were the best days of their lives

Manco Multisport Campsites, Peru

This girl and that guy have traveled quite a bit. They have had experiences that have rocked their worlds, changed their lives and made them appreciate life; however, this day will be forever remembered as one of the best days of their lives.

This girl and that guy awoke to a wake up call of hot tea, farm animals and a hearty breakfast. With another early start, the happy hikers set off with Juan to hike up the massive peaks they viewed while biking the day before. Needless to say, neither one realized what hiking up 15,000 foot mountains would be like! The trip started with passing the sheep herders escorting their animals to the grassy areas to feed all day. This girl met a few young girls along the way, giving them items such as hair ties and headbands, demonstrating how to use them since most have never seen such accessories before. They stopped frequently to catch their breaths, enjoy the snacks from Josef (the wonderful cook) and take in their surroundings. That guy made a deal with himself to not stop until he reached the top, and he sped on ahead. This girl decided to take it at her own pace, making stops as she saw fit and observing the stillness around her. Living downtown in a big city like Chicago, one does not hear utter silence; this girl could only hear the breeze rustling the grass, the sheep talking to each other and the sounds of her hiking boots crunching the dirt. They were on the Inca a trail, a path traveled by thousands of people over half a century ago. A roadway used to take them from Cusco to Machu Picchu. A journey without bikes and tents, cars or buses, airplanes or even a good shoe or backpack. Yet these people from long ago made this trek, and this girl and that guy were now a part of their path forever.

Upon reaching the top, they settled down to snack, explore, reflect and live in that moment of utter beauty before staring the hike down the other side of the mountain, where lunch would be waiting. After over an hour of solitude, each hiker came away from what they were doing: that guy was hiking up other surrounding peaks, trying to get higher and higher with each step; this girl spent her time soul searching, envisioning the lives that have passed this very spot; Juan, the native Peruvian and outdoorsman, napped. Once all three came together again, they started the path down, listening intently as Juan shared stories and information about everything around them. Not one question went unanswered. It was as though they had a walking encyclopedia by their side!

Step after step, moment following unforgettable moment, this girl and that guy made their way to the other side of the mountain while exploring old Inca rest stops and alters, petting llamas, alpacas and sheep and climbing over large rocks adn boulders on the path. They stopped enjoyed another feast in the midst of a former Inca farm before finishing the hike to their next campsite... the ruins of Huchuy Cusco, or Little Cusco. When first approaching these ruins this girl could hardly believe her eyes. Looking down on history, the two made their way down, never taking their minds off of where they will be resting their heads that evening.

One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. Henry Mille

September 18, 2011
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ruins and railroads

Sacred Valley, Peru

This girl awoke to the sound of their tent rustling. Unsure of what it could be, she gently unzipped her side and peered out. She was immediately distracted by the fog sitting low, slightly covering the Inca ruins that were a mere 100 feet away. This girl began envisioning what it would be like to live in a time where this was civilization; a world without cell phones and internet, computers or cars. To wake up and worry about gathering food for breakfast, not checking your blackberry and picking up the morning paper. As if by plan, that moment one of the horses, the culprit for the tent rustling, decided to pick the tent opening as his new eating grounds. Truly, life cannot get better than this!

After breakfast Juan took this girl and that guy around the ruins of Huchuy Cusco, showing them the single family homes, gathering rooms for guests, meeting halls and other small details. There were even bones being excavated from Inca burial grounds. Juan believed the Incas quickly buried them in this resting place before abandoning the town to escape the Spaniards. While walking along Juan even found a piece of pottery and handed it to this girl as a souvenir! You cannot buy that at a gift shop! After an hour they were on the road again, this time hiking down to the Sacred Valley where they met back up with their team for one last meal. It was a sad day, knowing they would not be with their beloved cook or gentle horsewoman. Yet they trudged on, trying to focus on what is in store for them the next day... Machu Picchu.

This girl and that guy finished their lunch and said good bye to their team and headed to the train station in the magical town of Ollantaytambo to depart for Machu Picchu Pueblo via PeruRail, a train with full panoramic skylights! They even had snacks! The 1.5 hour train ride was luxurious and they passed the time staring out at the Sacred Valley and all of its beauty. This girl also realized that they may not smell the best to their fellow passengers!

Once at MP Pueblo this girl and that guy checked into the nicest hotel, where they were handed the sweetest juice and welcomed with the biggest smiles. And the best part: a hot shower! After cleaning up they headed out for dinner and drinks, pisco sours of course, and walked the streets of the quaint town.Both were slightly distracted, but not from the sounds of children playing football, live music from bars but rather from thinking about what tomorrow will bring...

Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. Miriam Beard

September 19, 2011
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how is this even possible...

Machu Picchu Ruins, Peru

As the alarm clock went off that guy looked out the window into the rainy, cloud covered day. They have had so much luck while hiking and camping, it perhaps was too much to hope for bright blue skies and sunshine. Rain or shine, today is the day to visit Machu Picchu.

After breakfast this girl, that guy and Tour Guide Juan were at the entrance. It was chaos, so many people going in, trying to go in or buying tickets to go in. Yet Juan guided the travelers (this girl was still trying to get her legs back after the death defying bus ride!) easily through the gates. Their first glimpse of Machu Picchu was indescribable. The clouds and fogs clung to the mountains, making it appear as though the entire Lost City was floating in the air. They could not see down or up, only straight in front. Even after having seen the classic photos of Machu Picchu in guide books, Web sites and postcards it is impossible not to be impressed by the awe-inspiring ruins. As the time ticked by, the clouds started to slowly part. Each time this girl raised her camera to take a photo, the view changed. It was like twirling a kaleidoscope, each time there was something new, and even more magical, to see. After the detailed walk thru with Tour Guide Juan, this girl and that guy set off on their own to further explore the ruins.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. Mark Twain

September 20, 2011
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time for a road trip

Puno, Peru

This was the day this girl was not looking forward to: the road trip. Seeing how on the go these two have been for the past few weeks, sitting still on a bus for 9 hours was going to be a challenge. Of course, their travel guru Sulilvan would never fail them, and as this girl and that guy boarded the two story bus in Cusco they settled in to the best seats in the house (well, bus): front row with a view! Imagine the top of the bus with the entire front being a window! Who could ask for a better way to travel?

To this girl's surprise (after the amazing VIP seating!) there would be many stops along the bus ride, giving passengers a chance to get out and explore parts of Peru they otherwise would miss out on! First stop was the Sistine Chapel of America, a massive church full of ornate structures and artwork, along with a little market to purchase snacks and gifts. The next stop, and that guy's favorite of the bus ride, was at Raqchi, a town where the villagers still use the terraces from the Incas, with a tour of the ruins and time to spend in the plaza. Not only did that guy get an endless supply of Inca Kola on the bus, but also a lunch in Sicuani, where a few trips were made to the buffet line! Next up was the town of Puncara, where they marveled at not only the artifacts in the Museum of Pucara Incan Aymara, but also an old church, full of hidden corners and secret stairways. The last and final stop of this journey before the destination of Puno was La Raya, which offered views of the glacier snow capped Andes rising high above alpaca farms.

The journey came to an end at the bus terminal in Puno, where a driver was waiting to escort this girl and that guy to their hotel for the evening. The two tired travelers were going to stay in for the evening, but upon driving through the town this girl perked up and started consulting her travel book for places of interest! They dropped off their bags at the hotel and set out on a mission to find Tulipans, a cozy restaurant with a menu ranging from cuy to vegan burgers! After yet another delicious meal (how will they ever survive without Peruvian cuisine?!) they wondered aimlessly around the streets of Puno, meandering in and out of shops, exploring sights and people watching. This girl looked around and realized she somehow became to see Peru as not a foreign country, but rather someplace she felt comfortable and secure. She even left her camera at the hotel! This is always the best moment for a traveler; then their surroundings stop being foreign and instead feel like home. This girl and that guy strolled down the street not as a couple on vacationing, but two people simply enjoying their evening.

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. Seneca

September 21, 2011
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gilligan's island

Uros Islands,

Today is a day full of new and exciting adventures! Upon waking in Puno we were whisked away by a chariot... a Tuk Tuk. That guy was thrilled by this particular mode of transportation! After picking up a few things at the market by the pier, this girl and that guy boarded their personal boat for the next day. The sky was a brillant shade of blue and the water was crystal clear. The first stop was floating islands of the Uros. This girl felt like she was walking on a water bed as she stepped off the boat and onto the island home of the islands. Each one of the 60 islands housed a family of 10-30. They lived, worked, hunted, fished and were schooled on their island. These islands are made and re-made from the totora reeds which provide home, sustenance and transportation for their residents. Every morning the islands have visitors, then in the afternoons the residents go about their daily lives. The leader of the island this girl and that guy were visiting, Lorenzo, was a gracious and caring host. He took them around his home, showing so many details of their lives with pride. This girl and that guy sampled local cuisine, tried to pet the flamingos, and even were invited into the living quarters of each hut. This girl could have spent all day learning more about their culture and way of life, but the clock was ticking and kayaking in Llachon was awaiting them! Two hours later, and ready to relax after spending time on Lake Titcaca, this girl curled up with a book while that guy got some sleep on their boat ride to Ticonata Island, a small paradise in the middle of the world's largest navigatable lake. Upon docking, this girl could not get over the beauty surrounding them. It was magic. The sky was warming up to let the sunset, but not before this girl and that guy explored the island and all it had to offer. Starting from the bottom to the top, the two journeyed through time... the mud huts they would be sleeping in, no power, sheep calmly enjoying their dinner. The only sign of civilization was the museum built at the far north corner of the island, housing female remains of its inhabititants from 1100-1400BC, pre-Inca times. The skeleltons were found just 4 years ago while digging out a new harbor. After spending time learning about this history of the island, this girl ventured back out near the coast, delicately selecting a few rocks and doing the best not to disturb this untouched part of the world. As if this day was not special enough, the travelers know they will be exploring Taquile Island for a day hike early the next morning. With thoughts of the past dancing in their minds, they drifted to sleep in their mud hut, and could not imagine being anywhere else but here.

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. Martin Buber

September 22, 2011
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bright lights, big city

Lima, Peru

After spending the two days on an island using solar power, sleeping in a mud hut and visiting with sheep, it was a stark contrast when this girl and that guy landed in the sprawling city of Lima. The lights were bright, the stars were hard to see, the noise was loud. It felt like being back in Chicago! This girl marveled on how easily it is to fall back into habit. That guy picked up his pace, city walking is what this girl calls it. They immediately looked out of place with mud on their hiking boots, dirt smeared on their jackets and unshowered hair. Yet after a quick stop at their hotel in Miraflores, the two were back on the town. This girl put on her best clothes (that did not smell) and off they went to enjoy a late dinner at La Trattoria di Mambrino, followed by a (second!) dessert at Dunkin' Donuts (yes, guilty.).Knowing they wanted to wake up early to spend some time in Lima before the bus ride to Ica, they called it a night after the 3rd donut and dreamed of the next, and last, destination.

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable. Clifton Fadiman

September 23, 2011
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chillin' like bob dylan

Ica, Peru

This girl and that guy spent this glorious day living the lap of luxury at the Las Dunas resort. They strolled the lush and landscaped grounds. They sat poolside and read their books. They spent time at the outdoor bar and sipped cervezas. They played a few games of table tennis. They went to the spa and got a massage. They ordered room service. They soaked in the hot tub. They ordered room service again. They went to bed.

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one. St. Augustine.

September 24, 2011
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the coolest desert sport

Ica, Peru

The sole reason for this girl and that guy to make the 6 hour bus ride to Ica was to sandboard/dune buggy. And boy, did they ever enjoy this crazy time!

The day started out like any other day in Ica... sunny blue, cloudless skies, time spent lounging at the pool, a nice lunch of fresh seafood, more time playing at the pool and perhaps a Peruvian cocktail or two. Around 2PM this girl dragged that guy away from the lounger and up to their room to prepare for sandboarding.... with day packs packed up they headed down to the lobby...

Fast forward: what does it feel like to ride a rollarcoaster, but not a a track, with sand flying everywhere, your heart in your throat and feeling exhilarated and scared and happy and freaked out all at the same time? That is called dunebuggy riding.

How about flying (on a wooden board) down a sand dune so big you cannot make out anything at the bottom? Your hair whipping you in the face, sand flying your mouth (because you are screaming!)? That is called sandboarding.

That is the adventure on this day. This girl and that guy loved it. every. single. minute. And at times I felt like I was in the movie Star Wars... which is just plain awesome!

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. Jawaharial Nehru

September 25, 2011
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a sad goodbye

Lima, Peru

this girl and that guy spent the morning and afternoon lounging poolside, sipping on fruity drinks, devouring scallops and cerviche and reliving the adventures they shared together over the past 2 weeks. It has been unlike any experience they have ever had and both wished they had just one more week in this amazing country. Peru offered them such a wide range of experiences that it was difficult to pinpoint their favorite day. There were museums visited, lake kayaked, rivers rafted, sand dunes boarded, cities explored. As they loaded up their backpacks one more time, this girl looked at that guy with tears in her eyes, and right before they started streaming down that guy said he knows they will be here again in Peru. But for now, these two Chicago explorers have memories to cherish, Peruvian dishes to learn how to make, pictures to ogle and llama clothes to wear! This girl and that guy hope you enjoyed their Peru. Until next time, as Tour Guide Juan said everytime they left a location.... vamanos!

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey. Pat Conroy

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