It's Brazil baby!

James and I have spent our last week chilling out in exotic Brazil. We spent the first 2 nights on Ilha Grande. The island was the perfect getaway after the trek. The scenery was a lot like the Whitsundays. Staying at 'Pousada do sol' hotel we were treated to a private beach and free snorkelling and kayaking equipment. We kayaked to a deserted island and walked around its perimeter watching the crabs and fish in the shallows. 

Our final days were spent in Rio de Janeiro City. This is one of my favourite cities I've ever been to. We visited the must sees- Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar loaf mountain- and the views did not disappoint.  This city has literally been built in a mountain range, surrounded by Jungle and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It's the perfect mix of exotic wilderness meeting exotic culture and business opportunity. Our hotel was a 2 minute walk from Copacabana beach where we watched Brazilians play beach soccer after dark. Copacabana beach reminds me of Venice beach in the USA- bustling with joggers, skateboarders and markets selling vibrant paintings and trinkets.

Overall this trip has exceeded my expectations. The anxieties of completing the public health study tour in Mexico City became triumphs. The diverse landscapes of Peru and Brazil have amazed and excited me. As always when travelling, I've learnt a lot about myself and new places and cultures. I feel small in this world but my desire for adventure and new challenges is large. I definitely need to come back to South America again someday to discover Chile, eat steak in Argentina, see the salt flats of Bolivia and more. However for now it's homeward bound.

Until the next adventure...

Lauren Allnutt x 

Following in the footsteps of the Inca's

During the past week I have been physically and mentally challenged, forced to put mind over matter on a pilgrimage to the great Machu Picchu mountain in Peru. 

James and I joined 10 other fit and adventurous on a trek along the classic Inca trail. The ancient Inca's built a road of stone through mountainside and valleys from Ecuador, through Peru, and down to Chile some 400 years ago. The trail connected their various settlements for religious, military and trade purposes. On our 4 day journey we covered 42km, climbing 2000metres into dangerous altitudes. The trek was undulating, with the hardest day being the second. On day 2 we climbed a mere 1700m to the highest point at 4200m above sea level. The scenery was breathtaking. I felt completely at mercy to nature, so small against the giant cordillera mountain range that form the Peruvian Andes. Snow rushed from the highest peaks in powerful waterfalls and fit porters ran past us in sandals, carrying 20kg packs on their backs. 

Day 3 bought a new challenge. As we awoke stiff and tired, we were forced to start trekking at 6.30am in chilling rain. We were soaked through, unable to see more than 10m ahead. The stone track became a river. At this point I wondered why I chose this as a holiday activity. However moods swiftly turned when the afternoon sun broke through the clouds, just in time to see the epic view from the Phuyupatamarca Inca ruins.

The 3.30am start on our final day was definitely the 'Gringo killer'. Although well worth the effort to be at Machu Picchu just after sunrise, before the bus loads of fresh faced tourists arrived. The ruined city of Machu Picchu is the most beautiful historical site I have ever seen. Standing literally on the side of a mountain, the city was built and inhabited by the Inca civilisation. Everything about Inca architecture is centred around the natural environment, mimicking the landscape, seasons and elements. Windows and temples are designed to capture sunrise, sunset and winter solstice. The sun was worshipped as a god.

Upon return to our comfortable hotel I felt I had completed a pilgrimage of my own. The closing of a chapter, the ending of an adventure. There is much to learn from ancient civilisations such as the Inca's. Their respect for the environment enabled their settlements to stand the test of time. Hopefully there will be something sacred of our civilisation to be left for future generations. Something to learn from and be in awe of. Perhaps the lesson from the Inca's is to be respectful of your surroundings, incorporate nature rather than resist it. 

Adios Me-hi-co, Hola Peru!

The fun has truly begun! 

After my travel buddy, James, met me in Lima, we spent the day exploring this amazing city. Similar to Mexico City, the Spanish influence is strong in the city square where cathedrals and ornate facades are in abundance. However once we crossed the bridge we were in a very different side of town. The colorful Peruvian slums that cover the mountainside are bustling with kids playing in portable swimming pools in the street, skateboarders and stray dogs. After some glares from big men hanging on street corners we decided to return across the bridge. 

On Tuesday 23rd we flew from Lima city into the depths of the Amazon. It was like entering Disney's 'The Jungle Book'. From the air we saw the river weaving like a snake through the dense, green Amazon jungle. We landed in Puerto Maldonado and transferred by motorized canoe to Amazonia Ecolodge. The Ecolodge was a jungle paradise. Resident animals including 'Migul' the Howler monkey, and a colorful Mekaw bird welcomed us. Amongst a tropical garden of papaya trees and birds of paradise, the lodge consisted of 70 private bungalows and large communal dining area. On our first day we were taken to monkey island, home to 60 monkeys of 3 different breeds. We only saw spider monkeys. But saw them we did. Somehow I ended up with one inquisitive monkey climbing onto my head and reaching for my plastic drink bottle. He unscrewed the cap, finished off my water and threw the empty bottle onto the ground. Between him, and 'Migul' cuddling into my neck, I became some sort of monkey magnet.

On our second day in the jungle a local guide took us on a private walking tour to a bird watching observation deck. We spotted turantula, giant butterflies, tapir tracks, birds, and a speedy whip snake along the trek. That night we floated with the fast current down river, observing the stars, owls and bats. On our final night we fell  asleep listening to the insect symphony and spooky echoes of the territorial Howler monkeys. 

For a change of scenery, we took a bus to Nazca on Friday. For 7 hours we saw nothing but desert and shanti shacks erected by villagers trying to make a claim on the government land. The next morning we took a flight over the ancient Nazca lines. The lines are thought to be signs to the Gods created by the Nazca people 1000years ago. The lines consist of a series of rocks stuck into the earth, taking the form of various animal and triangular symbols. From the air, the expanse of the desert, and contrast with the green valleys was astonishing.

We concluded the day on a high. A sand dune buggy drove us over and down steep sand dunes. We stopped to sand board and see the dry oasis. 

Jungle one day, desert the next, I've never experienced such intensely diverse landscapes. Now to trek the ancient path of the Incas!