Monthly Archives: April 2012

  • The flat of the land

    According to the view from my seat, this part of Peru is flat, and by this part I mean the whole West coast as far as the eye can see.  It is a flat, dry, cracked, unforgiving landscape that would chew you up and spit you out red raw and dehydrated.  I’m happy to be …

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  • Cock roaches

    I open my eyes to discover my face is buried in a pile of clothes.  We’re up too late to check out so we might as well stay one more night and use the day to recover and contemplate the utter idiocy that took place previously.  It’s all fun and hilarity now, with Paddy pissing …

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  • A laptop, a guitar and an idiot

    Another mighty effort to drag ourselves up for an early bus into Peru.  As time progresses it becomes apparent that to do this at night would have been pretty damn stupid.  Although the border crossing itself is the fastest and most hassle free I’ve experienced so far, arriving in the arid town of Tumbes feels …

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  • Sinking

    Still a little shakey from the night before, myself and Mike finally begin our training as scuba divers.  We watch very borning videos that put the fear of god into us, before attempting to suit up and get into the water for the first time.  All the gear: no idea. Now I’m stepping outside my …

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  • Break for the border

    We have decided to head towards the West coast and cross the border from there.  With my protests falling on deaf ears, Paddy wants to hit up a beach town and perhaps try some surfing.  We’re going to head to Mancora, Peru, and probably experience something similar to San Juan Del Sur, complete with damaged …

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  • Remembering mum

    Well here we go.  One year on.  365 days ago today mum passed away leaving a big hole and a lot of questions, some of which I don’t think will ever be answered.  I still hear her call my name.  I still don’t understand why I didn’t go straight away.  Tonight I raised a G&T …

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  • Stuff

    Paddy and I are knocking our heads off brick walls wondering how on earth we failed to meet girls last night.  Apparently he made a play for his dance partner and was shown a wagging finger for his trouble, while I managed to get facebook details but that’s not really going to do me any …

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  • 200 days abroad and a crap day out

    I have been away for 200 days.  I just thought I would share that with you.  We’re on the move early to try and make ‘La Nariz del Diablo’ train journey, which we’ve heard is pretty spectacular.  It means rising for 5am, and bussing it to the station town of Alausi.  Since we both haven’t …

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  • All downhill from here

    We’re collected from the hostel by Fernando at 8am in a Chrysler jeep sporting two mountain bikes on it’s back.  The mission today is to conquer Chimborazo, a dormant volcano that has not erupted for 10,000 years.  It’s due one then.  We’re not going to attempt to climb it, as at 20,564 ft we’d be …

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  • The right choice

    I’ve fallen out with myself this morning as I acknowledge coming off the wagon last night was a terrible idea, and one that bore no fruit at all.  I basically undid all my good work with the bike trek and waterfall hikes and I’m turning into a fatty.  I should be ashamed, so to cheer …

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