World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Peru 2012 Expedition
In July 2012, fifteen Year 10 students, one Year 11 student and four leaders travelled to Peru to complete a project at a nursery school in a remote village on the shores of Lake Titicaca, trek over the Salkantay Pass and visit Machu Picchu. This document gives a flavour of what they did. Page 1
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Participants Challengers:
Alex Crellin Jasper Donlon Jonathan Gedlek Helen James Alice Latham Alice Moore Esme Murgett Nelson Nunez-Mulder Jamie Philokyprou Cecily Plascott Phoebe Pottinger Jake Smith Emily Straw Alice Wilde Sammy Wilding Caitlin Wood
School Leaders:
Steve Cheesbrough Cath James Gareth James
World Challenge Leader: Sarah Crowsley
Mon 23rd July 2012
Day 1: Build-up Day
After 21 months of fund-raising and planning, the adventure had finally arrived. The group met at Honley Scout Hut at 5pm, together with their well-packed bags. One small problem, the World Challenge Leader had been delayed in her journey from Wales, but by 5.30pm the group was all together. After introductions, it was time to empty bags. The kit was checked to make sure all the right items were packed, but nothing extra. The essential World Challenge kit was distributed to the group and was squeezed into the already full to bursting bags it is amazing what extra things will fit in an already full rucksack! By 8pm, everything was packed again; the forgotten passport had been collected from home. With preparations well in hand the group headed to the nearby takeaways for something to eat. Page 2
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School Once fed, the group began to sort out their team. Roles were allocated. Each day, there would be a leader and assistant, challengers responsible for transport, accommodation, cooking, shopping, equipment, official photographers and accountants. As midnight approach the tension started to build. By 11.30pm, the Coach arrived and the bags were loaded. Parents arrived for the final farewell and with everyone on the coach. We were ready to go.
Tues 24th July 2012
Day 2: Travel Day
On the stroke of midnight, the coach set off – the expedition was underway. After a stop at Toddington Services in the early hours, we finally arrived at Heathrow Airport at 4.30am. The accountancy team headed to the American Express desk to collect the money for the expedition – nearly $14,000. The money was divided up and distributed amongst the group for safe-keeping. We then checked-in, passed through security checks and into the departure lounge. After some time for window shopping, snacks etc, it was soon time to move to the departure gate. Once boarded, we were ready for our 8.40am flight to Amsterdam. After a fairly short flight, and long taxi to the terminal, we arrived in the Airport building at 11am (10am UK time). We didn’t have a long turnaround and, after the long walk across the airport, we were ready to board the next plane. Yet more security checks, then onto the 12.30pm flight to Lima. The pilot advised us of the 12 hours and 5 minutes, so we were pleased to have the multimedia entertainment system, with its range of films, music and games, along with an animation showing the global position of the plane. Page 3
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School 9 hours in and we passed over the River Amazon far below. It wasn’t long after, when one of the team managed to set off their rape alarm. It was attached to the bag and pulling it releases a pin and sets the alarm off. Unfortunately, in the narrow confines of the plane seats, the pin couldn’t be located and the alarm was taken into the toilet to suppress it siren. After a short while, the pin was located and the noise abated.
Finally, we landed at Lima Airport at 5.50pm (10.50pm UK time). We exited the plane and made our way to the carousel to collect our bags, and for the first long wait of the expedition. One of the main features of a World Challenge Expedition, is that the Challengers make the decisions. Unless there is a safety issue, the Challengers have the opportunity to decide what happens, when it happens and who should do each task. This is a new experience for most Challengers, as they are used to teachers and parents telling them what to do. With the bags collected, it took a while before the group realise that they needed to decide what happened next and where to go. The information pack was checked and the Taxi Company identified. Finally, we moved through the airport and were met by a rep from the taxi company, who took us to the taxis – 3 minibuses. We piled in with our luggage and set off through the busy roads to Miraflores District of Lima. and the Peru Backpackers Hostel. The accountants paid the taxis and we squeezed into the reception area. Page 4
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
By 8.30pm, we were all allocated rooms (groupings sorted by the Challengers), and able to freshen up after the 24 hour journey time from Honley. A group meeting was called to identify what information the group needed to find out in the planning meeting which would take place in the morning and we headed for bed at 10pm.
Day 3: Booking and Planning Day
Wed 25th July 2012
A nice early start at 7.30am. All awake and preparing for the first full day in Peru. At 8.30am, Sarah spoke with the group about health and hygiene – traveller’s sickness strikes many visitors abroad, but taking extra care with hygiene and following some sensible guidelines, the chances of contacting it can be reduced. Breakfast was a bread roll and jam, with a hot drink, for those who wanted one. By 10.00am, plans had been made and Maria Garcia arrived. She is the In-country agent for world Challenge and meets with all world Challenge groups to ensure they understand their itinerary and to give them some advice about what to book. Maria also arrange for the money exchange. A man arrives and exchanged out Dollars for Peruvian Nuevo Soles (or Sols, for short). Exchange rate was 2.62sols to the dollar – about 4 sols to the pound). By 11.50am, after a briefing about staying safe in the City, the group was ready to go shopping. Three groups – one to buy a mobile phone, one to the Travel Agent to book transport and accommodation and the third group for food.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
By 3pm, most were back at the Hostel. The Transport group were still booking the transport. Some of the group walked the short distance to the seafront to see the Pacific Ocean. Dinner was booked by the accommodation team for 6pm. Two course meal, with homemade passion fruit squash for 10sols. There were some western dishes (Lasagne, chicken with chips), but for some it was a chance to try traditional Peruvian cuisine – to start: Papa a la Huancaina (pronounced: wan-kay-ee-na) which was potato slices and boiled egg slices in a peeper/cheese white sauce, then Lomo Saltado which is beef strips, with onions and vegetables in a stew, with rice and chips. The passion fruit squash is made with boiled tap water. Apparently, no-one, including the locals, drinks tap water without boiling it first. By 7.30pm, everyone was back at the Hostel and preparing for bed – still suffering the effects of the long journey, meanwhile Sarah and the accountants sorted out the money and where it would be spent. The accountants are provided with a budget sheet, where World Challenge had worked out what funds are needed for the various activities each day. It is up to the team to manage the budget to ensure that they can afford everything. If they spend too much in one area e.g. transport, then they must save money elsewhere e.g. booking cheaper accommodation.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Thur 26th July 2012
Day 4: Travel to Paracus
5am – yes, that is a five! – wake up. Taxis, booked the day before, arrive at 5.50am and the group sets off for the Cruz Del Sur Bus Station in Lima. Cruz Del Sur is one of several bus companies that specialise in longer distance transfers. Once at the Bus Station, bags are checked-in (airport style) and we settle at the Cafe for some breakfast. Time was short, but everyone is given 10 sols from the food budget, and each person orders some food. We were all served, just in time, then we boarded the bus. Our bags had already been loaded. The bus had comfy, settee-like seats – plenty of room, reclining, with a blanket and pillow. We even got a breakfast (airline style), something the group hadn’t checked about. The bus headed south along the coast towards Paracus – a journey of just over three hours. Paracus Bus Station was a little more basic. Our bags were unloaded for us and were collected in exchange for the receipts collected when we handed them over Lima. Again, we waited for the Challengers to sort out what happened next. While we were waiting, another bus arrived and another World Challenge group got off. We decided that they must be at the end of the Expedition, because within a matter of minutes, they had collected their bags, found their taxis and had set off for their accommodation. Meanwhile, we waited to find out where we were staying. By noon, we had put our bags in the rooms, which were close to the Bus Station. We met for lunch – bread, fillings, fruits etc had been brought with us from Lima. A discussion then took place about whether we would eat or not. After 20 mins discussion, it was decided there wasn’t enough time to have lunch, as we were soon to set off to explore the Paracus Peninsula – the lunch was taken with us to eat later. We boarded a bus and Louis, our Guide, explained what we would be doing. We travelled onto the Peninsula towards the Visitor’s Centre. Louis explained how the area is a desert, receiving less than 20mm rain each year, due to the particular sea currents and winds. The rain from the sea tends to fall in the Andes Mountains, rather than on the area nearer the Coast. Page 7
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
At the Visitor’s Centre, there were various displays about the Peninsula, including its geology and wildlife. As we were preparing to leave, the group prepared for a photo by the Peruvian flag. Two employees helpfully lowered the flag, until we realised that they were not being helpful, instead, they were taking it down as they were due to close.
The area was very windy and we fought our way back to the bus. Louis had explained to the group what the options for lunch were. The Challengers decided they would eat at the restaurant recommended by Louis. We arrived at 2.15pm at La Gunillas, a fishing village on the Peninsula. Most has fish, freshly caught. Some tried Ceviche (Pronounced: say-vee-chay) – Sushi style raw fish marinated in lime juice. After lunch we had the chance to stretch our legs and walked up a nearby hill to look at the view. By 3.30pm we were ready to visit various scenic points on the Peninsula. Purple sandy beaches, due to the iron oxide in the sand, crashing waves, salty spray, high winds. We stopped at a panorama, but the vista was restricted due to a sandstorm. Then visited ‘La Cathedral’, which, until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 2007, was a spectacular arch in the cliffs. The view was still spectacular though – with the Pacific waves, smashing into the cliffs. We returned to Paracus. Some of the group went shopping for provisions. On the seafront, pelican were posing for the few tourists that were around. For a few Sols, a couple of locals would throw fish pieces to get the Pelicans to flat their wings.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Dinner was at 6.45pm. We finally had the bread rolls that were discussed at lunchtime. After Dinner, there was a team meeting to talk about the successes and issues that had arisen during the day, and how things might be planned in the future. By 8.45pm, we were ready for bed – it had been a long day, after our 5am start.
Day 5: Travel to Ica and Arequipa Usually the Rest and Relaxation phase of an expedition comes towards the end, however, our visit to the Ballestas Islands came early. Sunhats would be essential in the burning Sun. After a lie-in(!), we were woken at 6.30am. A breakfast of bread rolls and jam, with tea/coffee came with the room. Our bags were packed, piled into one room and we took a bus to the pier, where a speed boat was waiting.
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Fri 27th July 2012
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Described as ‘the poor man’s Galapagos’, we embarked to a fast boat ride to the Islands to see some rare wildlife. Sea was fairly calm, but at speed the ride was a bit bumpy. We soon passed the Paracas Candelabra – a shape carved into the sandy/rocky hillside. Its origins are not known, but it consists of trenches about 30-50cm deep. First investigated in 1687 and with pottery nearby dated to 200 BC, it can be seen from 12 miles out to sea. After 45 minutes we arrived at the Islands and the boat navigated around the various islands and features, while the commentary identified things of interest. We saw a range of birds and sealife, including Humboldt Penguins, Cormorant, Peruvian Boobies and Sealions. With the boat bobbing around in the waves and surf, jockeying with several other boats for the best views, three of the Challengers succumbed to sea-sickness, while one lucky (apparently) challenger was poo-ed on by one of the many birds flying overhead.
There was some evidence of previous industry on the main island, where guano (bird poo) had been ‘mined’ for fertiliser. Having completed the tour, we headed back to Paracas, racing an number of other boats back to shore. With bags collected, we boarded a bus for the one hour drive to Ica (pronounced: ee-car). Upon arriving at the Cruz del sur Bus Station, our bags were put into a store and we carried on to Laguna de Huacachina (pronounced: wha-cha-chee-nar). Page 10
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Arriving at a Travel agent that had supplied the vehicles, the challengers were subjected to the ‘hard sell’ for the range of activities available – sand buggy rides, sand-boarding etc. With no money allocated in the budget for activities, the challengers eventually said ‘no’ and we walked the short distance to the Lake. We were in an idyllic looking oasis. We found a suitable lunch site by the lake, in the shade of the palm trees and eat of lunch. At 2pm, it was time for some exercise. It was decided that we would walk up the nearest sand-dune to see the view. We set off into the full glare of the hot sun, climbing upwards, the loose, fine sand slipping under out feet. It was energysapping work.
At one point, there was the suggestion that it was easier to walk up the ridges of the sand dunes, but somehow the message didn’t get to those choosing the route. We plodded and slipped our way upwards. Stepping in the footprints of others seemed to be slightly easier and with regular water breaks, we made progress. The final 20 metres was very difficult, with our feet slipping back 30-40cm with each step, but with a final effort, we made it to the top of the dune for a photo. The way down was much easier, using a running technique, and with plenty of soft sand around, there was little danger for those that took a tumble. Page 11
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
By 4pm we were back at the Oasis, hot and thirsty. The challengers decided it was time for a snack and we were treated one slice of dry white bread! After a brief stop for souvenirs, we took the transport back to the bus station and collected our bags. While we were away, the London 2012 Olympics were taking place. While waiting for the bus, we were able to see some of the teams entering the Stadium at the opening ceremony, including TeamGB. Other than a part of the closing ceremony, this would be all that we would see of the Olympics during the expedition. At 7.30pm, the bus departed for Arequipa. After another airline-type meal of Chicken and Rice, we were able to settle down to catch some sleep. There was a TV showing films, for those who were awake and, apparently, bingo at 11pm.
Sat 28th July 2012
Day 6: Acclimatisation walk
By 6am, the sun began to rise and the terrain had become very dry and hilly, with the road winding through deep cuts in the sandstone/mudstone type rocks. There was little vegetation, except at the bottom of the deep valleys. At 7.20am, we arrived at Arequipa Bus Station. We were met by the rep that the Challengers had contacted previously, bags were collected and we loaded into taxis to head for our accommodation. La Recoleta Hostel.
We settled into our rooms, then the group held a meeting to sort out the plans for the day, before heading to the supermarket at 9.30am. Fortunately, it was a well-stocked, modern hyper-market style, selling a wide range of foods, plus everything else from clothes to wide-screen TVs. Page 12
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
The food group had stocked up and we had yoghurt and cake as a mid-morning snack. We then had a bit of ‘down time’ as the accountancy team sorted out the finances. By 1pm, we were ready to head for the centre of Arequipa.
The food team had located a local restaurant and we were booked in. After a brief visit to the main square – Plaza de Armas, we returned to La Bantom Loca Restaurant, which provided a menu of wholesome local foods. Everyone made their selection and tucked in. At 3pm, with lunch over, the group dispersed in small groups – either sightseeing, shopping, or returning to the Hostel, with instructions to go around in group of no less than four and to return to the Hostel by 5pm. Unsurprising perhaps, some of the Challengers, in their effort to savour the local culture, found a nearby MacDonalds for an ice cream.
Returning to the Hostel, we had a spectacular view of the cloud-topped El Misti – a dormant volcano that over-looks the City. At 6pm, the cooking team were on task, cooking a very tasty Spaghetti Bolognese. After dinner, there was a group meeting to plan the events for tomorrow, before each challenger was given some personal time to reflect on their experiences so far.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Sun 29th July 2012
Day 7: Acclimatisation walk
This weekend was there were Peru’s Independence celebrations and we were told there would be a parade, so it was a 6am wakeup and early breakfast and a group set off to be at the Plaza de Armas in time for the 7.30am festivities. When we arrived, there was no sign of a parade, other than a couple of police and a soldier, looking like a sergeant major. Eventually a truck arrived at 7.40am and a troop of soldier lined up. Two flag parties started to form and at 7.50am, with a very formal ‘goose-step’ slow march, they carried the two flags to the flagpoles. At 8am, the flags were raised, then everyone dispersed – the celebrations were over! As part of our acclimatisation programme, we were to rise in altitude at each stage of our journey. Arequipa is at 2,400m. Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain is 1,350m. To help the acclimatisation process, we needed to exercise at each stage. We planned to do a circular walk around Arequipa, to a tower where we could look over the City. We headed out of town to a lake, which turned out to be a water feature at an unfinished shopping centre. We then climbed uphill towards the Sachaca Tower. After paying the entrance fee, we climbed the 103 steps to the top of the tower. There was quite a lot of panting taking place, mainly due the reduced oxygen levels at the higher altitude. We were rewarded with a panoramic view of Arequipa and its surroundings. After descending the steps, we continued on our walk. On our way we had stopped for a snack and some water, but were attacked by numerous insects, that seemed intent on drinking our blood. We stopped for lunch in a leafy glade by a railway line and were joined again by the insects. By 1pm, as we approached the Hostel. It was decided that we would have the opportunity to go souvenir shopping, so the group dispersed, in small groups and made for the nearby shops.. Page 14
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
At 2.15pm, we all assembled at the Hostel for more cake and yoghurt. The plan was to have a meeting to discuss what would be happening later. While having the food, some decided that more shopping was needed and small groups headed back into the centre of Arequipa. Everyone headed back to the shops, looking for souvenirs or gifts for family and friends, or to buy jumpers, gloves and hats from themselves. Haggling was the order of the day and some good bargains were sought. By 5.15pm, everyone was back at the Hostel and the dinner crew were on with their task, preparing Chilli Con Carne (both meat and vegetarian versions) ready for the evening meal. After dinner, there was a group meeting to sort out plans for the following day. We would be travelling to Puno, so food, accommodation and transport arrangements were discussed, so everyone knew what the plans were.
Mon 30th July 2012
Day 8: Travel to Puno Another 6am wake up call. With cereal and fruit juice for breakfast, along with our first Diamox tablet. Diamox is thought to help people acclimatise more quickly to altitude.
With bags packs, by 7.30am we were on our way to the Bus Station. Tickets collected, bags checked in and on our way to Puno. Page 15
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
On the way the terrain changed from undulating, windy roads to high plateau, with occasional rural villages. We were treated to numerous grazing alpacas and a hailstorm. The locals mostly wore traditional dress, with billowing red or colourful skirts and hats, with their black hair and well-tanned skin. Things had been a bit touristy so far, but now everything was starting to look very Peruvian. At 3pm, we arrived at Puno Bus Station, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Puno stands at 3800m and the air is much thinner, with even the mildest of exercise resulted in needing to gasp for breath. The pre-booked taxis arrived and we set off for the Hostel Nester. Rooms were allocated and we settled in, carrying our heavy bags up 3 flights of stairs. At 4pm, it was time for lunch! Bread for sandwiches, with a range of fillings, crisps, fruit and fruit juice to drink. Following a meeting to discuss plans, the groups departed around the shops for food, converting more of the group budget into Sols and the transport group to Always Travel to sort out the next phases of the Expedition. A nearby restaurant had been found serving meals at 6 Sols (£1.50), but the food group found an even cheaper one, so at 7pm we arrived at La Wislla Restaurant for a two course meal of soup and Chicken or meat, rice and potatoes, with tea for 2.5Sols (60p). It was tasty and nutritious, and was in a busy local restaurant, giving us a another opportunity to get a flavour of the Peruvian way of living. We returned to the Hostel for a discussion about the Project phase. One or two were experiencing some of the side effects of the Diamox – tingling fingers, cheeks and frequent visits to the toilet for ‘number 1s’. One or two were experiencing a little nausea and mild headaches due to the altitude. Altitude sickness is a big worry on expeditions. With careful planning, rising in altitude over a period of time, completing physical activity at altitude and sleeping at altitude, the body is given time to acclimatise. Unfortunately, the only cure for altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. On a mountain, it means going back down, but on our expedition, it would mean a lengthy drive back to Arequipa. Fortunately, the mild symptoms experienced by a few, are expected as our bodies acclimatise.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Tues 31st July 2012
Day 9: Travel to Project
A staggered start this morning, with different teams having different responsibilities. The Project team were up at 6.30am, and breakfasting early, ready to meet Francesco (an interpreter) and Senôr Simeon, the man who tell us what to do at the Project. The Senôr did not speak any English, so all communication with him would be in Spanish, or using the international language of pointing and gesticulating. In Puno, the shops seemed to group together by type – all the fruit shops together, bread shops together etc, so we arrived at a row of Hardware shops. The Senôr and Francesco nipping into each shop in turn, checking if they had the right items and haggling for a good price. By 9.30am, after much tramping up and down the street, the shopping was finally over, the items loaded onto a taxi and the group returned to the Hostel to pack and prepare for the bus journey. After a short walk to the bus, we loaded up and set off on the 90 minute journey to the Llachôn (pronounced: la chon) peninsula. We arrived at our accommodation – a communal village hall, 100m from Lake Titicaca. We unloaded and settled in to the main room on the first floor, commanding a spectacular view over the Lake. The locals provided some reed mats to sleep on, along with gas fuelled burners and cooking equipment. There were some we also some plastic chairs. There were also two flushing toilets, although, like most toilets in Peru, they had a bin next to the toilet for the toilet paper. Even in the Capital, the sewage system is not able to cope with paper being flushed. After lunch of sandwiches, a meeting was held to plan the few days. At 2.30pm we walked the short distance, across the road, to the Nursery School. Although keen Page 17
World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 to start work, it took a while to sort out what needed to be done.
Holmfirth High School
Along one side of the playground was a set of steps that looked fairly new – it later emerged that there had been another group from Westhill Academy in Scotland, who had made the steps as part of their project. We were tasked with sweeping and sanding the steps in preparation for painting, as well as painting the outside wall with the blue paint we had bought that morning. A hose was used to water the surrounding area, as the wind was blowing the dust from the road onto the steps, faster than we were sweeping them! At 5.30pm, at the sun started to set, it was time to knock off. Dinner was already underway and one group headed to the beach to play football with some of the locals. There were few children about. One was the child of the head teacher (seen on the left with her green shirt and traditional dress).
Dinner was sausage stew with rice. Very filling and very tasty – just what we needed after another busy day.
After dinner, the group relaxed in the communal room, chatting, reading, sorting out their kit. By 8.30pm, everyone settled down in their sleeping bags ready for bed, and before long, everyone was fast asleep.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Wed 1st August 2012
Day 10: Day on Project By 7.30am, the sun was up and everyone was awake. After a breakfast of cereal, there was time to clean up before making our way back on project at 9am. In the absence of locals to guide us, we set about the jobs that had been agreed the previous day – more sweeping of the steps, touching up the murals and digging postholes for the new fence. We took great pride in checking the line of the fence poles and making sure everything was vertical and in line.
At 11am, some of the local men arrived and decided that the retaining wall needed to be built up, so pulled out all the fence posts and un-did all the work done so far! We helped with the manual labour – moving stone for the wall, mixing the cement, using the wheelbarrow to shift the mud, painting the steps. After a brief lunch stop, we were back on Project. In the afternoon, we took a break and most of the challengers took to the water for a paddle in Lake Titicaca. Although it was quite warm in the sun, the water was quite cool, but the hardy souls still ventured in.
At 3.30pm, we were back on Project – the first part of the fence had been completed and the steps had had their first coat of paint. Unfortunately, we were running out of cement and paint already.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Our parents had generously donated additional funds to enable us to complete more activities on Project. Discussion took place to identify where the money could best be spent. Some of the money was allocated for more building materials; the rest was used to buy additional resources for the Nursery.
Unfortunately, at one point, the door to the accommodation was locked, with the key still inside. Fortunately, ‘Ninja Sarah’, as she became known, is a climber and made short work of traversing into the open window to unlock the door from the inside.
At 5pm, we downed tools and returned to the Village hall. Dinner was underway and we had Lentil stew and pasta. Some of the Challengers wanted a bonfire, so some wood was organised and a fire built on the beach. A decision was made to sleep out on the beach. Those who wanted to took their sleeping bags and mats and settled down to sleep on the sandy beach, 30 metres from the lapping waters of the Lake.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Day 11: Day on Project
nd
Holmfirth High School
Thur 2 August 2012 As the sun rose over Lake Titicaca, the hardy souls who had braved the overnight chill woke up, emerging from their ‘mummy’ (as in Egyptian) sleeping bags, to be greeted by the morning frost. By 7.30am the sleeping bags were spread out in the morning sun to dry out.
After breakfast, it was back to the project. Extra cement had been ordered with the money donated, so more sand would be needed. There was plenty of sand on the beach, unfortunately, it was 50m and a steep climb away. And so the chain gang started – walking down to the beach with sand, loading up sacks with sand (avoiding the various animal poo on the beach), carrying the sand up to the school, dumping the sand and returning back to the beach. This physical effort, combined with the altitude made us all quickly out of breath. Meanwhile, the solid mud edges of the playground were being dug out with spades and pickaxes. It was tough going, the soil needing a pickaxe to break it up and the shovels used to scrape up the dirt into the wheelbarrow to be dumped at the far end of the playground. Some of the local men arrive and started mixing the concrete to create a base for the fence. While working, the men would regularly take a leaf out of a bag slung around their necks and chew on the leaves. These coca leaves provide a caffeine-like boost when chewed. They have been classified by the UN as a narcotic, as they can be processed with other chemicals to make cocaine. By 12.30pm it was time for a break, the vehicle from Puno had not yet arrived with the materials. At 2pm, the minivan arrived and was unloaded, including the bread we needed for lunch. Page 21
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012 Holmfirth High School After lunch, the challengers organised a team meeting. On the expedition, the challengers make the decisions and also have to sort out any problems or disagreements that arise. There had been some rumblings about some challengers not pulling their weight and the meeting was set up to air any concerns and sort out a way to move forward. Everyone was able to have their views heard and commitments were made to resolve some of the issues identified.
By 3.15pm, the group was back on project, digging, carrying, painting, sticking the fence etc. With the extra materials we had paid for, we were able to complete a second fence and to concrete the areas of the playground that had mud. At 5.45pm, we finally finished for the day. We had made good progress. Page 22
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
After chicken stir-fry for dinner, it was time for Newsnight. During the expedition, there were a range of strategies used to enable the Challengers to review their progress. Today’s task was for the challengers to create a News report of the events of the day. Everyone was involved and the various news reports were presented with interviewers and interviewees playing the various characters involved, including Snow White and the seven dwarves digging sand, drug taking by the locals and the snotty children. It was good-humoured and well-presented. Another beach campfire was organised, as this was our final night at the Project site. After the tense meeting during the day, the challengers had a more productive afternoon and it was great to end the day with games and challenges as the fire burnt. We also held a ritual burning of the toilet paper to dispose of the waste – the numerous perfumed wipes adding to the smoke of the campfire. As the fire died down, we headed for bed at 10.30pm.
Fri 3rd August 2012
Day 12: Homestay
With a 7am wake up call, we were up and packing ready for breakfast. Some on the group remained in the accommodation to sweep and mop the floors, and clear everything away. The rest of the group put the finishing touches to the project – the murals still needed finishing and the floor of the Nursery needed cleaning. The challengers were getting to grips with the organisation, including making arrangements for breaks and snacks from the group budget. After an ice lolly break, mid-morning, we were ready to move accommodation at noon.
We collected our bags and bag a slow walk uphill to the Homestay accommodation. Most of the group were in rooms around a central courtyard in the accommodation owned by the Senor, while a few groups were sited in nearby houses.
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World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 Holmfirth High School Lunch was provided, with the usual Soup to start, the Fish, with potatoes and rice, flowed be peach in syrup. We were provided with hot water for tea and a range of flavours of team, but also with leaves from local trees to make tea, as well as sprigs of mint. The Lachon Peninsula is a poor rural community, relying on fishing and farming to feed their families. In recent years, they have identified the tourist industry as a valuable source of income and providing tourist experiences, including a night in a homestay (a room in the home of a local). While we were settling in, a German group arrived. Various crafts appeared to sell, one of the ladies produced a loom to weave material, and a meal was cooked in a traditional earth stove, with hot rock buried in a hole in the ground, fish and vegetables placed on top, the covered with straw, cloth and finally mud to back the food. Our group decided that we hadn’t quite finished at the School, so we headed back to fully complete the mural and the other few tasks. Once complete, we were thanked by an extremely grateful Headteacher. She was very shy in front of our large group, but was very appreciative of the work we had done, the resources we had provided and all the gifts that the challengers had brought – pens, pencils, sports equipment etc. Back at the Homestay, the ladies were set up for Volleyball in the Courtyard. Our team took on the challenge and a friendly competition took place. The match ended as the sun went down, along with the temperature.
Dinner was provided – Soup, Chicken or Omelette, rice and a range of different types of potato. Some of the potatoes were much smaller and almost chestnut- like in flavour, while some were more like our English potatoes. Page 24
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After dinner, we were all dressed up in traditional Peruvian attire – the men with waistcoats and ponchos and Peruvian hats, the ladies in heavy skirts and colourful hats. A band appeared, a fire started in the centre of the courtyard and everyone joined in the cultural dancing. By 9pm, we headed to our rooms to settled down for the night.
Sat 4th August 2012
Day 13: Exploring Lake Titicaca A tourist day today. With a 6.30am start and a breakfast of pancakes and tea, were we packed and ready to walk the short distance down to the pier, ready for our boat ride to Amantani Island.
With our bags piled on top and most of the group inside, we set off, following the shores of the peninsula. The views were spectacular. The sun was shining on the surrounding hills as we headed north, with Ecuador visible across the lake. After a 90 minutes, we arrived at the island and started to walk up the steep paved route from the water’s edge. After 5 minutes, we were all gasping for breath. It was decided that we would need regular breaks as we climbed up to one of the peaks on the island; we also worked on the pacing for the group to ensure that we could stay together.
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After an hour of walking uphill, a rise of 250 metres in altitude, we arrived at Santuario de Pachatata – a walled sanctuary on top of the hill, providing panoramic views of the Island and of Lake Titicaca. It was an easier walk down! Our guide, Ivan, said that in Peru (when giving directions) there are no left or rights, only ups or downs. He was right – at each junction in the path, the direction taken was either uphill or downhill – fortunately, we were going downhill now. At noon, we had lunch at the home of the boat’s Captain – the usual Soup, fish with rice, green beans and carrots, and a few cold chips. At 1pm we were back on the boat or the 3 hour trip to the Uros Islands. Most of the challengers took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep, as this was our first real ‘downtime’ since we had arrived in Peru. The Uros Islands apparently developed to avoid the Spanish invaders. They are manmade floating islands. The islanders use the reeds that grow in the lake for the buildings. The root systems of the reeds, once cut into approximately 1 metre cube sized blocks, float.
These blocks are tied together to form a raft and the reeds are laid on top to build up to for the Islands. As the reeds decompose, more reeds are piled on top.
Each island housed 4 or 5 families – the one we stopped at included a school building. The floating Island is then staked to the Lake bed to stop it moving away. After a guided tour and an opportunity to buy souvenirs, we returned to the boat for the 40 minute journey back to Puno. Page 26
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We took taxis to the Hotel Inti, which was not far from the Supermarket the group had used when we were last in Puno. The team held a meeting and allocated jobs, and then dispersed to go shopping, charge the phone, book the accommodation in Cusco and to order taxis for the following day. Dinner was booked in a nearby Chinese Restaurant, with everyone allocated some of the budget and they were able to choose what they wanted from the menu. By 9.30pm, we had retired to bed after a long, busy day.
Sun 5th August 2012
Day 14: Travel to Cusco So a 5am wakeup, then, with breakfast of cereal and packed lunches made we departed the Hostel Inti. There was a mild panic and someone realised that the bill had not been paid. The accountants returned to the Hostel to sort it out. It was a short taxi journey to Puno Bus Station. We were travelling with Tour Peru and after the exit taxes were paid we went to check-in out bags, but there is a different system with Tour Peru, and we ended up standing by the bus waiting for an hour.
The bus arrived and we join the mad scrum to get our bags on board. At 8.15am, the bus set off for Cusco, stopping at Pukara for people to buy snacks – there is no food supplied with the bus journey. As we travelled north the terrain changed from the sandy coloured hills, to dark grey/black craggy steep sided mountains of the Andes. Finally we entered the sprawling City of Cusco and arrived at the Bus Station at 3pm. Taxis had been ordered, but we waited about an hour fopr them to arrive. Eventually we made our way to Hostel Casares, which was about 100m from the main Plaza in the old part of the City. Once the rooms were allocated, and after an extremely brief meeting, the challengers the priority was to hit the shops for souvenirs and everyone dispersed.
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World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 There is plenty to see in Cusco, including an Inca wall, with massive blocks neatly fitted together without any cement.
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The Challengers returned by 6.30pm, displaying their purchases, many of them wearing their new alpaca wool jumpers With limited cooking facilities, it would be eating out or cold food while in Cusco. The food team located a restaurant for dinner just 50 metres from our Hostel, so at 7.30pm we arrived for our dinner. In the heart of Inca territory, with centuries of Peruvian history, and evidence of the Spanish conquistadors, we were treated to an Italian Pizzeria! We had a set meal for 15 sols – two courses and a soft drink, but unfortunately, this value meal didn’t stretch to Pizzas. After a meeting to sort out plans for the following day, we headed for bed, after another long day travelling. We were now preparing for the trekking phase of the expedition.
Mon 6th August 2012
Day 15: Acclimatisation Walk A bit of a lie-in this morning – with a 7am start. After breakfast, the shopping team headed to the local supermarket to stock up with supplies. At 8.45am, we made our packed lunches, ready for our day trek. Cusco is at 3,400m, so everyone was getting used to the altitude. The plan was to have a walk up into the local hills to see some of the Inca ruins and to help prepare for the main trek. At 9.45am, we set off on the steep climb up to Sacsaywaman (often called sexy-woman by the tourists, but is pronounced: sack-zay-wo-man). It was a steep walk to this World Heritage site.
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We purchased a tourist ticket, which covered entry into a number of different sites in Cusco and the surrounding area. We then wandered around the site, with enormous carved blockwork and spectacular views over Cusco. The group decided not to have a guide, so we wandered around looking at the various stone walls and evidence of buildings, but it was a bit difficult to work out what we were looking at. We were able to look out over Cusco and see our Hostel (the blue bit on the right, just above the treeline) and could see how close it is to the Plaza de Armas, with the cathedral We did, however, find an area with an interesting rock formation and the challengers had a go on the slides down the rock. At 11.30am, we re-grouped for some snacks and were pestered by couple of dogs. The challengers had been briefed about the dangers of dogs and so did not get any food from out group. After the short break, we moved on to nearby hill, where there was a large statue of Jesus looking over Cusco. The dog seemed to know the route and set off ahead of us as we walk up the paths to the statue. After admiring the view, it was time for lunch, so we found a shady spot to eat, and shelter from the strong sun. After lunch, we headed back to the road and a toilet stop, before moving onwards and upwards to the next site – Quenko (pronounced: kwen-co), 30 minutes away. After a quick walk through, it was on to Salapunco – a large rock, with some evidence of buildings at its base. Page 29
World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 Holmfirth High School The dog we had acquired, was still leading the way – it seemed to know what route we were going to take, before we did. By 2pm, we had walked into the hills above Cusco and found a secluded area to stop. We had reached a point where the purpose of the expedition had changed, moving from the Project phase to the trekking phase; it was time for reflection on the process so far. The challengers took time to discuss the events so far and to record their thoughts about how they had been affected by the experience. At 2.40pm, we started the trek downhill towards Cusco – the dog, now named ‘Paco’ still leading the way. By 3pm, we were back in the main part of town. The guide book said ‘ If you only visit one site in Cusco, visit Qorikancha – so we did. It is a large carved block wall, with a church built on top. The stone wall dates back to about C1450 and was, apparently, a temple covered in gold, with gold corn cobs piled inside. The gold was taken by the Spanish invaders and the first church constructed on the ruins in 1650. On the way here, the ‘guide’ dog seemed to disappear. On the way back to the Hostel, we stopped at the San Pedro Market. The challengers then dispersed in groups for more shopping, while the transport group went to find out about travel options for tomorrow and the food team went to sort dinner. One target for many in the group was to eat alpaca meat. We had been advised by the tour guide at Lake Titcaca that when we had ordered meat, it was probably alpaca, not beef, but to make sure, the food group took the opportunity to buy some alpaca meat. Using the trangia stove we had with us, the alpaca was fried up and shared out. It was very tasty and ‘melt in the mouth’. Page 30
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The food group had located a restaurant that did a set meal for 5 sols (£2.25), so we were booked in and arrived at 8pm. We had soup and a choice of main course. It wasn’t ‘cordon bleu’, but was filling, local food. While at the restaurant, we were treated entertainment from a local 60 year old man with a harp. The music must be a local taste, but he was so bad, it was funny. He seemed to have only one song, and the harp was horrendously out of tune (he seemed to blame a crack in the wood for the tuning). He then sang a song that, itself didn’t seem to have a tune, and if it did, it seemed unrelated to the sound coming from the harp. One of the musical challengers attempted to tune the harp, but with little success. It seemed on only have 7 strings in a scale, rather than the customary 8 strings, and after a good attempt to tune it, the harp still seemed quite out of tune. I doesn’t look as if the musician in the doorway is appreciating the musical accompaniment either! While this entertainment took place, Paco, the dog that had led the way on our trek all day, appeared at the door of the restaurant and settled down to sleep. All in all, it was a great evening and an experience that makes expeditions like this so memorable. We returned to the Hostel for a quick meeting and bed.
Tues 7th August 2012
Day 16: Travel to Pisac Time for a serious walk. An early start with a 6am wakeup, then ready to go at 7.30am. The plan was to find the bus stop and get a service bus to Pisac. Following the guide book and directions we had been given, the challengers navigated around Cusco to where there bus stop was. Unfortunately, when we struggled to find the right bus stop and after about an hour, and several conflicting sets of directions from the locals we asked, we eventually arrived at the bus station, just as our bus was leaving. Page 31
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We climbed on board, filling up the remaining seats, but the bus still stopped and picked another 10 or so passengers who squeezed down the aisle. The poor conductor was squashed against the door and seemed in danger of falling out. An hour later, we arrived at Pisac and our first sight of the Urubamba River – this river flows around Machu Picchu. We headed to the Plaza where there was a massive tourist market and while we wandered around, a number of other coaches and buses arrived, trying to park in the square, unloading the tourists. We weren’t here to shop, but to walk to the Inca Ruins at the top of the nearby hill. At 10.40am we started our trek upwards, stopping regularly for water breaks and to catch our breath. Our tourist ticket covered this site as well.
It was a hot day, with clear blue skies, so it was hard going walking up the steep windy paths. After over 90 minutes we reached the first part of the ruins. We looked for a shady spot for lunch, and found it in the shell of one of the buildings. The high walls provided some respite from the burning sun. After lunch we continued on to the main part of the ruins, with the carved rock neatly fitted together. We had probably climbed a vertical height of around 400m. We could see further ruins higher up the hill, so most of the group headed on upwards to the higher part, traversing the hill to find a spectacular view of large terraces.
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At 2.15pm, the group started to descend back to Pisac, first visiting the lower part of the ruins, before following the path down the steep hillside, re-tracing our steps back to the main Plaza for a last look at the market The group then looked for transport back to Cusco and waited for the Bus. Much discussion took place about whether to use minibus taxis or wait for the bus. Eventually, a bus with enough space for our group arrives and by 4.20pm, we were on our way back to Cusco Bus Station. The route passed close by Sacsaywaman and the other ruins we had visited yesterday. We were due to meet the guides from Wayki Trekking at 7pm, so it was a power march back to the Hostel. The food team has chosen pizzas for dinner, and at 6.50pm, were able to eat our half of a Margarita Pizza at the Hostel. The guides arrived and gave a full briefing about the trek – what was involved, where we would be going, what we needed to take and all the transport arrangements. After a final group briefing at 9pm, we prepared for the main trek before getting some sleep.
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Day 17: Travel to Trek
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Wed 8 August 2012
Another early start – 5.30am. After breakfast, we needed to be ready to go at 7.00am. Our kit was loaded onto the roof of two minibuses and the group climbed aboard. We had packed our Trekking kit, while the rest went into storage at the Wayki Trek office. Once the bags were sorted, we were on our way to the start of the trek. We headed for Mallepata, a small village in the mountains. We stopped for a toilet break and stock up on snacks, before moving off tarmac roads onto a dusty, bumpy gravel track. We were taking part in a four day Salkantay trek. Those doing a five day trek would start from this will, with the long walk along the track. As we were shaken and bumped along the track, we passed a couple of groups with large packs on the trek. After 2, rough, hours, we came to the end of the track. There were a couple of groups already set up. We were on a supported trek. Ponies are used carry the heavy bags and catering equipment. The support team moved into action, setting up a cooking tent, eating area, with tables, plastic stools and table cloths. This area would be the campsite for the groups walking on the track After a 3 course lunch, at 2pm, the group was ready to set off towards our camp, close to the Salkantay Glacier in the distance. Our starting altitude was about 3800m. We took a steady pace and quickly got into a routine of walking for 20 minutes of so, then a 2/3 minute break to catch our breath and take on water, before continuing. We had two guides, Ivan and Franklyn, and were accompanied by two ponies, in case of injury or illness. It was a steady uphill climb, following a wellworn path, but it was hard going. On the way we passed through the steepest section – the ‘Devil’s Switchback’, a part of path that zigzagged upwards. Even traversing the hillside, it was tough going. After about 2 hours, we were able to look back down our route to where our trek started.
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World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 Holmfirth High School By 4pm, the sun had disappeared behind the high mountains and the temperature started to drop. At around 5.30pm. the terrain levelled off and we arrived at the campsite. The groups we had seen at the lunch stop, were already set up. We quickly set up our tents as darkness fell. At 7pm, dinner was served. Wrapped up in our fleeces and warm clothes we huddled in the catering tent and had another three course meal. By 8.30pm, we headed to bed, to snuggle up in our 4-season sleeping bags. Most of us sleeping in our thermals, hats and gloves.
Thur 9th August 2012
Day 18: Over the Pass
We were up at first light at 6am. It had been a chilly night- we were at an altitude of 4200m. The Salkantay Glacier rose high above us. Those awake during the night had heard it creaking. Facilities were basic – two toilet tents had been erected, with a hole dug out of the hard turf. The cooks had boiled river water for our water bottles. Tents were dropped and bags packed by 7am. Breakfast was freshly cooked pancakes (american style), with hot chocolate. The bags were piled up ready to be loaded on the ponies and the group prepared to set off. Unfortunately, one of the challengers had woken with stomach pains and the symptoms indicated something more serious. We were heading further into the mountains, so the decision was taken to send the Challenger back to Cusco. The Challenger was helped onto one of the ponies and, along with one of the School Leaders, headed back down the trail, with Franklyn. We would find out later, that after a 2 hour pony ride back to the gravel road, 2 hour taxi back to Mallepata, then the 3 hour tarmac road to Cusco, the challenger was taken to hospital and, later that evening, underwent emergency surgery to remove their appendix. At 8am, the rest of the team set off onwards and upwards. It was a cold start, but as the sun crested the mountain tops, we were able to remove layers as we arrived at the Salkantay Pass. Standing at 4600m, it would be highest point on our expedition. Like the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek was a route followed by the Incas on pilgrimage toward Machu Picchu. Ivan explained about the cultural and religious significance of the route and the piles of stones that had been made all around the Pass. Page 35
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At 10am, we started our downward trek, following the frozen stream. The pace quickened and we were able to make better progress. The terrain, changed from bare rock, to being similar to being high on the moors in the Dales.
We still needed regular stops to catch our breath. At 12.30pm, we met the catering team, who were set up for lunch. Along the route, there are various stopping points the trekking companies use. This one had tap water, sinks and a covered to set up the gas stoves. After lunch, Franklyn returned, with the support ponies. He and the 16 year old horseman, had set off at 8am from the camp, back to the start of the trek, sorted the taxi and then retraced their steps back up to the camp, the over the Salkantay Pass and down to our lunch stop. Incredible fitness. At 2pm, we set off on our route downwards. On the way various flora and fauna were identified by the guides as the terrain became more forest-like, as we entered the upper cloud rain forest of the high jungle. It became warmer, but the trail was much dryer, with a cloud of muddy dust appearing as we trekked through. On the way, the catering team, horsemen and the ponies with all the kit passed us at speed, heading for the camping area. At 5.30pm, we arrived at Ccolpapampa – a busy camping area, with 5 or 6 trekking teams already setting up camp. The catering team was well into their routine and we were quickly sitting down to ‘happy hour’ – snacks of wantons and crackers (with margarine and jam), rice pudding with sweet sauce (made from corn) and drinks. We set up our tents and sorted our kit. Dinner was at 8pm. Our group was now helping with the washing up and setting tables. The site had flushing toilets (still with the paper in a bin) and a shower, albeit a cold one. By 9.30pm, we settled to bed after a long, hard trek. Page 36
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Fri 10th August 2012
Day 19: Travel to Project Another 6am wakeup, with everyone up an packed by breakfast, at 7am. Scrambled egg and French bread. By 7.45am, we were ready to go. After a steep section crossing the valley, we followed the Rio Santa Teresa along its route. The path following an overall downhill direction, but actually rising and falling along the valley sides as we went. With regular breaks, we made good progress.
At 11.30am, we arrived at a shop selling fresh passion fruit. The group bought a load and we all tucked in. many of had had passion fruit drinks, but few had eaten the actual fruit. Once through the pomegranate-like outer shell, there was a juicy, frog-spawn like mass inside, numerous crunchy pips, surrounded by the fleshy, juicy fruit.
Refreshed after our break and time in the shade, we continued on the trail. We had to watch our step on the rough path and, at one point, had to cross a trickey section, where the path had been washed away, leaving a sharp incline of mud and rocks down to the river, perhaps, 100m below.
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We arrived at the camp at Lucma Bamba early in the afternoon. This site had enclosed camping areas, hired by each trekking group, with a cooking area, tables for dinner, flushing toilet, an electric shower (costing 1 sol each – 25p for the hot water), as well as a small shop selling drinks and snacks. It was time to say goodbye to the horsemen and they were given tips (about £12 each). They had worked hard helping the cook, setting up and breaking camp, packing and loading the horses as well as guiding the horses on the same trek we had followed. They were heading back to the start of the trek to pick up the next group. We took the opportunity to sort ourselves out. Some washed clothes, showered, sorted kit, others played football at the nearby school with some of the locals, some just chilled in the warm sun. At 6pm, it was time for ‘happy hour’ – this time popcorn. Before dinner there was time for some reviewing activities, to reflect on the expedition so far and sort out arrangements for the next few days. After dinner at 8pm, we washed and tidied up. We then had fun and games, playing various card games and including ‘spoons’, which is a fast game involving passing unwanted cards around the table, while trying to make sets and then grabbing a spoon – sounds strange, but is great fun. Not only do you have to concentrate on what you are doing, but if someone else grabs a spoon, you have to grab one as well. It is a very addictive game. We finally headed for bed after 10pm.
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Day 20: Trek to Aguas Calientes
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Sat 11 August 2012
The final trekking day was a challenge, involving a 6km steep walk up to the top of a mountain and 6km walk down the other side, followed by a 12km walk into Aguas Calientes. The Challengers chose whether to embark on this strenuous final stretch over the hill. Some had struggled with the pace or had picked up minor injuries, so the group split, with one doing the mountain and the other part heading for some nearby hot springs. The walking group awoke at 5.45am and set off within the hour after a hearty breakfast. It would be a long hot day for them. The hot springs group were up at 7am, packing and breaking camp. After the breakfast of pancakes. The process of dropping tents and helping to pack all the kit was well underway when the minibus arrived. Bags and kit were piled on top and strapped in. At 9.30am, the minibus setoff down the rough roads along the sides of the valley, before descending to the valley floor, at one point travelling along an area that would be completely submerged in the rainy season. At 10.30am, we arrived at the hot springs. Heated by geothermal energy underground, the naturally crystal clear waters are formed into manmade pools and we chilled in the warm sun, immersed in the hot waters. Bliss! By 11am, we were back in the bus. At this point, we had our first mobile phone signal for 3 days and were able to hear the news of the emergency operation that had taken place. At 12.45pm we arrive at the hydroelectric plant, where the walking group were waiting, looking very hot. It had been a fast pace and definitely only for the fittest in the group, so it was just as well some of the group followed ‘plan B’. It was time to say thanks to the Chef and the other helpers. They had done great work and produced nutritious meals for us, as well as sorting out all our bags and racing between camps. We then walked next to the railway line, heading upstream, following the Urubamba River.
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World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 Holmfirth High School As we approached the lunch spot, we spied some tiny buildings, perched on the hilltop in the distance – it was our first sighting of Machu Picchu. We ate our lunch under the shade of the trees. A number of trekking groups passed us - all trails leading to Aguas Calientes. The town can only be accessed by foot, or train.
Soon we were on the final leg of the trek. We had been told by Ivan, that the final 12km were flat. As we were walking upstream, it turned out to be a shallow climb, following the railway line along the side of the river as it followed its windy route around the precipitous hills on either side of the valley. At 4.30pm, we arrived at our accommodation in Aguas Calientes – the Hostel El Tambo. The group had planned to visit the hot springs here, so we set off. The waters of these hot springs were more sulphurous (smell of bad eggs) and it was packed with tourists. At 7pm, we headed for the restaurant for the final dinner provided by Wayki Trek – Everyone made their selections and enjoyed a relaxing 3 course meal in comfortable surroundings. By 9pm we were back at the hostel - time for bed!
Sun 12th August 2012
Day 21: Machu Picchu Whoopee – a new record – Wake up at 4am!!
In order that we maximise our time at macho Picchu, we needed to be arriving there as early as possible. With breakfast at 4.30am, we then walked to the bus stop for Machu Picchu and joined the already lengthy queue. After about 30mins, we boarded one of the buses and started the 30 min bus ride, up the windy road, to the entrance to Machu Picchu. On the way, we passed a number of groups who had started much earlier and were walking up the steep mountain, wanting to flag down the already full bus. The walk up takes about 3 hours.
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We passed through the turnstiles with our pre-booked tickets, and walked along the path until we emerged into the light to see Machu Picchu spread out before us. Most of us have seen photographs, but they do not compare with seeing it ‘in the flesh’.
Edgar, our guide, gave us a short tour and explained the cultural significance to the site and its buildings, including the relevance to the Sun, coincidentally, just as the sun crested over the hilltops. It was soon time to say goodbye to Edgar and Franklyn. They had done a great job, keeping our spirits up and helping us through the trek. They were catching an early train back to Cusco, as they were starting another trek tomorrow! At 8am, we passed through the gate to Huayna Picchu (pronounced: h - as in hello, way–na pee-chew). Huayna Picchu is the large green hill in the background of those classic Machu Picchu photos. Its sides are very steep, and the path zigzags its way up to the top, affording a panoramic view over Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.
Only 200 people each day are permitted before 8am and 200 later in the morning. We had prebooked this additional opportunity. This was probably the hardest climb we had done so far. The path was narrow, the sides steep, and the valley bottom a long way down. It was hot sweaty work climbing upwards for just under 2 hours. There were numerous steps and wire handrails on the steepest parts.
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We took our photos over-looking this Wonder of the World, before climbing to the top of the mountain. We took time to take on water and eat some snacks, before starting the long descent.
The trickiest parts were at the top. Long, steep narrow steps, with precipitous drops to the side. Even though there were support rope on some sections, it was slow going, particularly for those who were not too comfortable with heights. By 11.30am, we had returned to Machu Picchu. We took some time to walk through the site, before heading for the classic, postcard view, photo. It was a bit of a rugby scrum at the thatched building, but there was plenty of space elsewhere It was time to return to Aguas Calientes, so we returned to the bus stop, to find an enormous queue. There were probably 20 single-decker buses that spent the day going to and from the site. After about 45 minutes, we boarded a bus and followed the road back into town.
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World Challenge Expedition Peru 2012 After some searching, lunch was booked in a suitable restaurant – offering the choice of meals we needed to accommodate the dietary requirements of everyone and at the right price.
Holmfirth High School
At 2.30pm, we sat down for lunch at the Inti Apu Pizzeria. We were able to choose local dishes or the usual classics of ‘Spag Bol’ or Chicken and chips. The group enjoyed the meal so much, they decided to re-book for dinner! At 5pm, after some chilling time, the group was back at the Hostel and had a chance to catch som e of the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games. Without access to TV for the last 3 weeks, we had missed the Games completely. At 6pm, we returned to the Pizzeria. After dinner, we returned to the Hostel to wait until tour departure. At 8.30pm, we set off for the train station and caught the last train out of Aguas Calientes, having made the most of our time there. At 11.15pm, we arrived at Ollantaytambo Station to meet the minibus taxis we had pre-booked. They returned us to Cusco, collecting our bags from storage at Wayki Treks at 1am. Once back at the Hostel Carares, we quickly found our rooms and bed – a long day, after our 4am start.
Mon 13th August 2012
Day 22: Chilling in Cusco At last, our first lie in. The planned wake up time was set for 10.30am, but most of the group were up and about by 8am. The group was back together. The challenger and school leader, that had returned to Cusco earlier, were back with the group. After their operation, the Challenger was recovering well – still a bit tired and sore, after the keyhole surgery, but, according to the hospital, was well enough to return to the UK with the rest of the group. Page 43
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During the expedition, the group work to a strict budget. If they overspend, they have to save money elsewhere, but if the manage to save money, they can use it to make slightly more expensive choices. It was decided that everyone could sort out their own lunch and everyone was issued with 20 sols. Some chose restaurants, some went to MacDonalds, the choice was theirs, so they dispersed in small groups, for sightseeing, shopping and lunch. At 5pm, the group was together again at the Hostel, before heading to a nearby restaurant for Dinner. It was the birthday of one of the School Leaders, so a surprise birthday party was arranged, with cakes, snacks, balloons etc. It was a time for fun and games, as well as our final day before starting the long journey home.
Various presentations were made – certificates to recognise events during the expedition, significant photos, as well as the original aims that the Challengers had two years ago when the first embarked on the planning for the expedition. Speeches were made and thanks given. Time for party games, songs and fun, before heading for bed at 10pm. Page 44
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Day 23: Travel to Lima
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Holmfirth High School
Tues 14 August 2012
After breakfast at 8am, bags were packed ready for the taxis to Cusco Airport. We arrived at 10.15am and the bags were quickly checked-in. While waiting in the departure lounge, the challengers were given a task to reflect on their experiences during the expedition. The World Challenge Leader was to have individual reviews with each challenger about how things had gone and about what they had gained from their experiences. At 12.15pm, we boarded the small plane for the flight to Lima. It was only a short flight and the group quickly organised themselves once the plane had landed. When we had arrived at the Bus Station in Paracus early in the expedition, the leaders had commented on the noticeable difference between our group, as we waited for the challengers to make the decisions and take action, and another World Challenge group that had arrived and disappeared in a matter of minutes. Our group was now a well-tuned machine. Directions were given, bags collected, taxis found, hotel booked, and the group checked –in, all completed by the challengers, with the need for prompting by the Leaders. At 4pm, we arrived at the Gran Hotel Bolivar. It was on the list of accommodation that the Challengers use, but it all seemed too good to be true. We were allocated out palatial rooms and congregated in the lobby of this 3-star Hotel, built in 1924 and styled with elegance and distinction, wearing walking books and clothes that probably could have done with a wash! We headed out into the pedestrian shopping area to explore and find a suitable restaurant for dinner. For some, the first order of the day was to get a fix of KFC, that was next door to the Hotel.
There was great competition between the restaurants touting for our custom, but the friendliness of the waiter resulted in the choice of Los Escribanos Restaurant.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
It was a good choice and the food was excellent. We enjoyed a 3 course meal, selecting the dishes from a wide selection on the menu, with a drink, all at the reduced price of 20 sol, that the Challengers had negotiated earlier in the day. At 8.30pm, we returned to the Hotel and arrangements were made for our last day in Lima. By 9.30pm, we retired to bed.
Wed 15th August 2012
Day 24: The long flight We could get used to these lie-ins! 9am breakfast in the restaurant – scrambled egg with cheese or ham, bacon, tea/coffee and toast. At 10am, we had a group meeting and the final budget money was handed out for lunch. Then everyone headed out to explore the shops or sights. Everyone sorted their own lunches – and for some, the inevitable MacDonalds.
Everyone returned to the Hotel for 3pm, then collected our bags ready to depart for the airport.
At 4pm we climbed into the taxis and whizzed through the busy streets of Lima, back to the Airport.
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World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012
Holmfirth High School
Once checked-in and through the security checks, we had some time for our final meeting. A chance to reflect and share experiences, a chance to think about the achievement of completing a World Challenge expedition and an opportunity to recount the various phases and activities that had been done. Finally, we were called for boarding. At 8.15pm the plane took off and we said farewell to Peru, embarking on the 7000 mile return flight to Amsterdam.
Thur 16th August 2012
Day 25: Going Home We arrived at 3.30pm local time in Amsterdam. It was a quick turnaround and we were soon boarding the 5.15pm flight to Heathrow. Once through the bag collection, we met the rep from World Challenge who collected the bag of kit we had to squeeze into or already full bags on Day 1. After a short delay, our Coach bag to Holmfirth arrived and we loaded up and set off north.
Most of the Challengers managed to grab some sleep on the Coach. It was 9pm before we stopped for a break at Tibshelf Services and were soon back on the road. We arrived back at School at 10.45pm. Happy faces greeted the group as parents welcomed back their children, eager to hear about their experiences. Well done to everyone who took part, supported the Challengers, raised the money and supported the fund-raising efforts. The Challengers had the opportunity of a lifetime - to visit a Country on the other side of the globe, to experience a different culture and to visit some iconic places, as well as sharing the experience with others, who started as participants, but finished as friends. Page 47
World Challenge Expedition
Peru 2012 Our Travels
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Holmfirth High School