Memories of trekking in Peru on Inca Trail
Monday, 11th May 2020
When Dennis and Linda Cantwell delivered their talk on Bolivia as part of the Camberley U3A Travelogue, so much of their very interesting presentation reawakened memories of the time when a group of us trekked in Peru.
After the talk I took out my little brown case, searched for my notes, articles, memorabilia and the accounts and appeals that I succeed in having published in Royal Surrey News and The Echo Parish magazine.
It was in 2004, less than a decade after I had recovered from breast cancer, that the newly established Fountain Centre in St Lukes Therapuetic Cancer Centre in the Royal Surrey Hospital, was in need of funds. Grateful for my survival and the support I had received there, I had befriended the founders. One of their three, Charlotte McDowell, had administered my radiotherapy. She and the team were recruiting volunteers who would encourage others to sponsor them climbing from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Once we agreed to take part, it was imperative that each of the thirty-four of us found appealing ways of encouraging family, friends and contacts to support us in various fund-raising activities. Villa Bianca Restaurant in Frimley for instance, offered my group, a three course meal-deal on an off peak Monday evening. They also agreed and contributed to us running a raffle.
We arranged music evenings, walks, quizzes, bring-and-buys, market stalls and many other events. I set up a ‘Just Giving Page’ as well making a personal donation.
Admittedly, it proved to be a real challenge for me. Having been in the convent for thirty-three years, I barely begun to travel in Europe. Neither had I slept in a tent, realised that a harmless pint of Guinness might cause altitude sickness, or that a coach driver would be so desperate to live in England that he would propose to me. I certainly had not surmised that I may have been imprisoned had the sniffer dogs at Lima airport alerted security to the cacao leaves in my case.
So many destinations and experiences followed: Taking the risk crossing a large square stretch of deep water that was covered by planks of wood spaced two feet apart over a salt infused dying process wearing big walking boots. Carefully walking along the edges of the cliffs overlooking the mighty Urubamba river. Visiting the Sacred Valley, admiring The Sun Temple. Learning that while most people understand Spanish the Quechuan language was based on numbers. Being joined by two rather portly Americas in a boat on Lake Titicaca; rising at two in the morning to see the condor; visiting Puno and Arequipa; enjoying the high pitched birdlike singing in their Catholic Church. Then there was the ordering guinea pig, experiencing the result of the potency of Peruvian Pisco sour. Feeling invigorated after imbibing or chewing coca leaves. Being introduced to their coca tea ceremony; watching the bird dance; learning about the space between the Inca buildings and the Spanish architecture to allow for earthquake and volcanic movement. Striving to differentiate between the great variety of grains, pulses and types of potatoes. Trying to dicipher the difference between alpacas and their cousins the llama. Witnessing the gratitude of some children when we presented them with simple stationery and sports equipment donated from an English source. I found it humiliating to have to acknowledge that the Catholic Church was responsible for a great deal that resulted in the Spanish conquest that led to the destruction of so much of native Inca culture, customs, religion and their civilisation.
Thank you so much for arousing so many memories.
Here are the articles 
How interesting Marion! What an exciting adventure and a truly wonderful charity to raise money for!
I often think of the amazing staff and incredible volunteers!
Much love.