I have just returned from the Amazon. I flew into Lima and cabbed it out to my hotel in Miraflores. The next day I flew an hour out to Cuzco and ventured through The Sacred Valley of the Incas; then I journeyed trance like through the majestic Machipichu. I felt the affects of the high altitude here, but I soldiered on as the views were too beautiful to miss -and this is an understatement. The next day I set out with cook, guide and driver to scale the altitues of the Andes. We entered at the Amazon Basin via Manu in South America. This 5 day trek through the jungle was an awesome experience rendering many epiphanies.
The most pressing thought that kept dancing through my head was how blessed I am. I saw how desperately poor South America is. I was reminded every step of the way, from the Magnificent Andes to Lima and Cuzco in between, how blessed I truly am. I enjoy my basics, hot water and electricity almost to the point of expectation! I am embarrassed to even say that.
I have travelled wide and far and into many so called third world countries, Timor, South East Asia, India, and I have always experienced the gentle tenacity and spirit filled people of the villages and towns. But here, it is so -in your face- obviously poor and crime ridden.
These people work like Trojans, children and all! Rounding up cattle, digging soil, carrying massive loads on their backs, fixing the roads where land slides has corrupted their daily flow. They dressed like urchins, yet others were adorned in their traditional dress blinding with colour. Some sort of smiled while others looked through me like I was an alien. Inquisitive searching looks upon thier weathered little faces with red crusty cheeks and big brown eyes, while others put their hands out for food or solos. Most of the time I saw a reputable trade going on. These people would offer their wares for money, not simply expect a free handout. The entire experience had a humbling impact on me, it soon got the -psychological- monkey off my back!
