biz's blog

Snippets from the trail

Because it´s impossible to describe the travel thing in words, here´s a David Letterman approach....

18 Images & Thoughts From the Inca Trail

Going up is a lot more fun than going down!

Porters are superhuman. As well as gentle, diligent, always smiling and humble.

If you ever have, never - ever - again look down on anyone who uses walking sticks (da bomb)

What canto of hell are we in now?

Psalm 121. All of it.

Thank you thank you thank you Nautilus, Inc.

¨20 minutes...maybe 30...up...then flat...then down...¨ (tour guide snowing us with ¨Peruvian time¨ to allay our dread on the trail)

¨So let´s see...if we´re here...and want to get to that place straight across this huge mountain pass...then why are we going DOWN so steeply? Seems like they could´ve designed this a bit better...¨ (me, several times)

Food...food...more food...such as: quinoa, pancakes, coca tea, huge plates of rice topped with a cucumber or tomato carved into the shape of an exotic bird. All served in a tent in the middle of the Andean mountains!

Washing your hands in red bowls of freezing water and ¨drying¨the with thin, rough cloths hanging from the tent that never seem quite dry.

The privilege of hearing every frog, cough and snore within the campsite (ask me about the Seinfeld incident when I get home).

Thin ...very thin...toilet paper. And squatting because the duress on your quads is far less egregious than the consequence of sitting.

Trying not to look too far ahead because it is discouraging...while at the same time, reminding oneself to stop and look around you so you don´t lose out on the majesty of your surroundings and why you are doing what you are doing, providing new depth and significance to the one-step-at-a-time approach to life.

Sharing the trail with llamas, horses and pigs.

Slithering around like Gollum to traverse the wet rocks.

Your only responsibilities being: get up to fresh air and mountains, coca tea and pancakes so you can walk amidst some of the most majestic places on earth. Oh yeah, and roll up your sleeping bag.

The beauty, strength and character of Peruvians forged by the harshness of the elements as well as their political and economic history.

The majesty and power of the land...and yet, Psalm 97:5

¡Yo soy Rebekah Spencer!

Si si si...that is what I was instructed to say Tuesday at Kilometer 82 - the starting point for most intrepidous souls venturing onto the Inca Trail ...this unknown 28-year old American woman happened to have cancelled her trip, but she was still on the official list of tourists who register to go on the trail (so Peruvians can regulate the number of people who go each year).

Alas, my name mysteriously was NOT on that list (despite having registered nearly 5 months ago...yeah I know some of you are laughing about that). So after doing a moral inventory, I now feel somewhat of a kindred spirit with Rebekah, as I have memorized her passport number by heart (I don´t even have my own memorized)...and a certain indebtedness, as without her, I would not have been able to experience the incredible beauty and splendor of the Andean jungle and mountains (for anyone planning to come, please note that other than this registration glitch, my tour operator was perfect!).

The rest of the trip was truly spectacular (except for the grueling stress placed upon certain muscle  groups!). In fact, it´s pretty impossible to describe all the images, sensations, experiences and things I learned whether on a physical, emotional or spiritual level...so I´ll post a few concise words and wait ´til I get some photos to share with you (I haven´t quite reached the digital age yet!).

agradecido para todo su ayuda y amor!

a Cusco...

la vita es bonita

¡hola de Hotel Marqueses a Cusco Peru!

Es claro that God has already answered many prayers in my short time here....not only have I arrived safely and soundly (no small feat!), but I was able to meet 4 travelers from Austin TX and spend the afternoon with them....and: they are also believers! And 2 (Sulma and Harold) are native Peruvians who will be getting married next year. They were able to share the ¨Peruvian perspective¨ on Cusco, Macchu Picchu, and faith...Jim has also lived in Tunisia as part of FOCUS missions (so I´m looking forward to connecting him with the Caters who will be moving there next year!).

I have also been spared (thus far!) the dreaded "altitude sickness" that did strike Frank of the aforementioned group...and feel great! Yes, definitely absolutely another answer to prayer.

Cusco is absolutely stunning -- the rolling mountains and imposing cathedrals and thick clouds...the brick,  1500s Spanish style churches make one think one is in Italy when they are lit up at night...but the people with their flat, brown features and short stature remind one that it is not Firenze (let alone Kansas :)!

As I wander around I am reminded that as much variation we can have in history and culture, people's needs are essentially the same...we all need grocery stores, bakeries, clothing and security....but most importantly, we all need Christ. It will be an illuminating time to see how ancient traditions and Christianity have fused together to bring His presence to this part of the earth.