The idea isn't to get lost exactly, but there is a damn good chance of it. Last Christmas, my mother suggested that Paddy and I (Seamus), use up our Air Miles and go to Peru. Waking up one morning in mid August 2004, I decided the trip was on. A phone call later, Paddy was booking holiday time. "I'll leave the details up to you"; he said. If only Paddy knew then what he knows now....
Whilst at Stanfords (fantastic travel books and maps) in London, I discovered the real "Lost city of the Incas". I had head about this place about eight years ago, but didn't know you could actually get to it. The reason this place (okay, its the ruins of Vilcabamba) is the real "Lost City of the Incas" is because Hiram Bingham mistook Machu Picchu as the fabled "Lost City" and the rest, as they say, is history.
More details about Vilcabamba for another blog entry, but suffice to say, it's a nine day trek down into the Amazon basin, a trek very few people do and machetes are sometimes needed as the paths an infrequently travelled.
In days gone by, you used to have to register with the police, just incase freedom fighters took you prisoner......
Paddy took this well when I told him. The $1500 on travel kit didn't phase him much either. Actually, Paddy is one of those guys who is so laid back, he's horizontal.
So, with us both kitted out, the flights booked, the route kind of planned, we are all ready to go. I get to Peru on the 15th September by way of the USA and Paddy gets there on the 17th.
Here's to an eventful trip..…
