sima and duncan

This second installment shows our 4 day trip to Machu Picchu. We started with a 3 day trek starting from Pumahuanca over the Andes passing over 4750 metres above sea level (MASL) to the thermal springs at Lares, taking in stunning views and meeting locals in the villages along the way. On arrival in Aguas Calientes we spent a fantastic day at Machu Picchu and even had energy to climb up Wayna Picchu (the large peak behind the citadel). After taking a rest in Cusco we then jumped on a plane back to Lima to take in some more sights around the old town and Huaca Pucllana and ancient ceremonial site built by the Lima people in the 5th C AD. This brought and end to our incredible South Amreican adventure. Next stop New York!! ... read more

Whilst in Ecuador we took the opportunity to take a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Nothing prepared us for the amazing wildlife, both in terms of its diversity and proximity. Of the 13 islands that make up the archipelago we stayed on one of the largest islands Santa Cruz in Puerto Ayora from where we took day trips to the surrounding islands. On our flight over to the Galapagos islands we got to sit upfront in the cockpit which was a surprise and all thanks to the lady who sold the tickets to us the day before. She had mentioned that her husband was a pilot which Sima had grasped but the rest was lost in translation! We soon realised why the islands are the second biggest marine reserve in the World by the incredible marine ... read more

Week 4 The week started with Duncan and Connie teaming up for their first teaching expererience....very daunting for them but highly rewarding. After the working week fininshed we were rewarded with a trip to Hector's island. Hector is an ex guide from the Yachana reserve who bought the island. It acts as a non-reintroductory sanctuary for monkeys where they can live wild without threat from hunters. He has 9 out of the 17 species that exist in Ecuador. We assisted with some trail maintenance and were rewarded with lunch and a tour of the island spotting the wildlife (including wooly and white-fronted saki monkeys) and being introduced to the useful plants that grow in the rain forest. We also had fun making our own blow darts and getting in some target practice. Then like all Ecuadorians ... read more

Week 2. Our second week on camp began with an enjoyable weekend exploring the local Agua Santa market where we indulged in all the treats we’d been missing including chicken, crisps and sweets! The market also provided beers for our Saturday night pub quiz run by Catherine and Mark. On Sunday we all travelled over to the Yachana College to watch the boys play football with the local students. The conditions were hot and humid so the away team struggled in the first half, but did well to keep their defense together and lost by a close 2-1. Many thanks to Connie Eberl one of our fellow EMs who dontaed the pics of the boys in aciton. Later in the week Sima taught her first English class as the local Puerto Rico elementary school, which was ... read more

Our NZ adventures continued as we crossed from South to North Island on the ferry from a rainy Picton to a sunny Wellington where we spent a few hours in the excellent Te Papa museum - which amongst Maori cultural exhibits also housed the giant colossal squid. We then made our way up to Napier to meet up with our friends from back in blighty, Chris and Rachel, who had been travelling ahead of us. It was great to meet up and also be introduced to Jack Sparrow (or Jackie as it turned out!), a sparrow they were hand rearing. Our following itinerary took us round Napier on an excellent art deco tour, up to some lovely freinds of Chris and Rachel's - Andy, Bel, little Emily and Grandad where we spent a restful night. Over ... read more