The last five days have been intense. After an 8 hour bus ride we were in Huaraz, 3000m above sea level. From this base, a town surrounded by a stunning ice-tipped mountain range, we set off each day to explore what is considered some of the most beautiful scenery in the Andes. We saw lakes and mountains, and climbed to the top of a glacier.
One town we passed through had a fascinating tradition. The women wear red skirts if married and green otherwise. However, if their husbands are away they raise a green flag above their house. I’m sure there’s a tasteful explanation for this…
Another trip took us to Yungay Hermosura; a town that 35 years ago had been covered by an avalanche in a matter of 3 minutes. This place had a particularly sad feel to it. It had never been excavated and only a few remains reach out from below the soil, under which most the town people are still buried. The only survivors were the town’s children who were out of town at a circus for the day.
After the 4th day it all went downhill however. We had all just climbed to the top of a glacier; no one went with the lazy option of a having a porter carry them to the top. At 5000m, altitude sickness hit us hard. That evening 11 of 15 of us were in bed with migraine and vomiting. Two days later I was in hospital connected to an IV drip. I’m sure that’s one of those experiences everyone should be able to tick off before they reach 30. Anyway, I’m currently on an all-soup diet and the doctor predicts diarrhoea tomorrow; another first for me. Can’t wait!
One town we passed through had a fascinating tradition. The women wear red skirts if married and green otherwise. However, if their husbands are away they raise a green flag above their house. I’m sure there’s a tasteful explanation for this…
Another trip took us to Yungay Hermosura; a town that 35 years ago had been covered by an avalanche in a matter of 3 minutes. This place had a particularly sad feel to it. It had never been excavated and only a few remains reach out from below the soil, under which most the town people are still buried. The only survivors were the town’s children who were out of town at a circus for the day.
After the 4th day it all went downhill however. We had all just climbed to the top of a glacier; no one went with the lazy option of a having a porter carry them to the top. At 5000m, altitude sickness hit us hard. That evening 11 of 15 of us were in bed with migraine and vomiting. Two days later I was in hospital connected to an IV drip. I’m sure that’s one of those experiences everyone should be able to tick off before they reach 30. Anyway, I’m currently on an all-soup diet and the doctor predicts diarrhoea tomorrow; another first for me. Can’t wait!
(I love this little guy)
2 comments:
HI Thomas
I am glad someone took care of you. but please read about altitude sickness in the web, before you continue on your trip.
glad to hear you are ok.
lots of love Mum
Hey Tomsi, sounds like you are having a great time, I am very jealous. I was sorry to hear that you weren't feeling very well but mum says your better now :). I've just got back from my first driving lesson and it went quite well, so hopefully I'll be driving by the time you come back. I hope you're feeling alright and that your enjoying yourself.
Love you lots
Hannah x x x x x x x
ps. take care of yourself, I'd like my big brother back in one piece :).
Post a Comment