In six days I will be going on my second vacation of the year. While going on vacation is something I do on a regular basis (well, whenever I have vacation days) – this is the first time I will go on an outdoor adventure type of vacation. It’s completely new to me – backpacks, hydration systems, gore-tex, wicking – these terms used to mean nothing to me. Now they matter more than ever, a strange case since hydration systems on my previous trips just meant finding a bar with good music.
My chosen destination for this trip is the South American country of Peru. It seems to be a country of destination for young adults in North America who want to experience some culture while being one with nature and getting good photo ops for their Facebook profiles.. While the mystique of this once proud Incan country has slowly eroded with the overabundance of tourists (and subsequent default pictures), it still remains something I have on my bucket list. Since a few of my friends have expressed interest in what I’m actually doing there (and really, it’s the only thing I’m thinking about), I’ve decided to write a vacation preview! I’m also writing this for security purposes – in case I’m kidnapped or something, you’ll know where to send Russell Crowe.
Not just a below average Strokes song, indie music fans will be pleased to know it’s actually a Unesco World Heritage site. Machu Picchu is one of the former homes of the ancient Inca civilization. One of the premier civilizations in pre colonization South America, the Incans were sophisticated, smart and probably a little too trusting. Still, what remains of their civilization is a spectacular view to be seen. It involves a four day hike in high altitude without a fancy bathroom, martini bar or Uniqlo in sight. Probably the most challenging part of my trip, even more difficult than trying to get Frank to go to a nightclub in Barcelona.
The Strokes – Machu Picchu by UKPlaylist
Despite the best efforts of pretty much every country in South America, the ever shrinking Amazon Rainforest is still there and I’m definitely looking forward to going into this mega forest where a single mis step can result in death via Jaguar, Anaconda or those tiny frogs. In preparation for this leg of my tour, I’ve been watching that Duran Duran video on repeat. Just realized that took place in Sri Lanka. Crap.
Probably the most relaxing part of my tour is also my last. A short bus ride from Lima will find me in the town of Huaraz. From there we will go to some mountainesque lodge that seems rather relaxing and will allow me to try all kinds of outdoorsy things that I see in those advertisements for Mountain Equipment Co Op, I’ll probably feel more manly because of it.
Anyways, that’s my trip. I am excited to travel to a new continent and eat some good ceviche.
Stay tuned for a review in a few weeks
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