A dam, a desert, and a drink

18 April, 2015

Las Vegas, Nevada

The trip to Vegas has been planned for a while with the focused activity of racing in the desert. The trip had a brief detour to Chicago for some late night sandwiches and an overnight visit with some friends. 

Friday afternoon, we arrived to Vegas and were greeted by friendly people, a clear blue sky, and absolutely zero humidity. Packed into the little rental car, we maneuvered through the highway and down the scarce, brown roads to a small airport in order to squeeze in a helicopter for the one hour ride over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon. The views were incredible. We saw Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah all at the same time because of the clear day. 

Hoover Dam/ Grand Canyon

Saturday morning, we woke up bright and early for the Spartan race, applied sun screen, and filled ice water in the camel pack. The 45 minute drive south to Jean, Nevada revealed the true images and feeling of a desert. The air was so dry and sandy that I couldn't control my coughing and my skin tensed up like a lizard preparing to die. Luckily, the temperature was a nice 75 degrees at the moment, so I didn't fear for the worst (but still didn't know what to expect). The 10 mile course started with at least a mile up a small, rocky mountain. By mile two, my knee was bleeding. By mile four, I realized the high value of the water packed on my back. At mile seven, I had tripped from a cramped leg (adding more cuts and bruises). At mile nine, I was wet with mud. The last obstacle of the race ended poorly for me (but successfully for Pedro) with a rope swing across a mud pit. Two bananas and a beer later, we were back in the car to return to the hotel. 

The final hours of the trip were spent by the hotel pool drinking excessively large cups of mojito and cucumber soda while people watching the stereotypical guests enjoy their afternoon.  

The Amazing Amazon

23 April, 2015

Iquitos, Peru 

The adventure started Wednesday afternoon with Pedro and Kelly. We caught a 5 hr flight to Lima, Peru-- which started off with a picnic of freshly (self-)made gourmet sandwiches, fried plantains, and mixed drinks. After a brief night in Lima, we jumped on a morning flight to Iquitos. Within minutes of landing in the jungle, Pedro found a guide with a plan for the weekend.

Thursday, we visited an animal refuge (Amazon Rescue Center), where we got to play with spider monkeys, manatees, and parrots. The second stop was a zoo with hundreds of different animals-- varying from monkeys, hogs, pink Dolphins, electric eels, ants, etc.

 

The third stop was Belen. We took a boat ride to see the flooded neighborhood (it is completely flooded about half of the year) and walked through the market learning about all the medicinal herbs, and new fruits and spices they had to offer.   

Belen (Iquitos, Peru)

The last stop of the day was dinner. Multiple restaurants recommended this restaurant on the water, "Al Frío y Al Fuego." . This was an amazing experience! The 5-star experience match the 3-star prices in Miami. 

Al Frio y Al Fuego

Friday started at 9am with a mototaxi ride through the busy streets to the port. Near the port, the streets were lined on both sides with blue tents made of tarp about 70 squared-feet large. The government has helped out the people who were affected by the flood. Families were hanging out in the hammocks, grilling food, or just people watching. Once at the port, we walked on makeshift bridges made of logs and table tops to the boats. The guide had a man waiting with his boat to drive us to the various destinations. The first stop was Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm. The place started as a butterfly garden but has expanded to an animal refuge and orphanage. When waiting for the tour to start, we were innocently sitting on a bench watching the monkeys play. Unfortunately, one monkey was too hormonal and pounced on me from behind. Once the excitement calmed, the tour started and we saw a variety of cool animals. 

Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm

The second stop was a native tribe that lives two hours up the river. Upon entering, the painted our faces and performed a song and dance. Immediately after, we were swarmed by all the tribe members to buy their crafts.

 

Stop number three was an animal center with cages built on a platform over the water. We got to hold Toucans, monkeys, a tortoise, an alligator, a sloth, and an anaconda. Talk about fear and thrill! 

Stop number four was lunch on the boat in the middle of the river. Stop number five had a tall look out over the enclosed pond with lily pads about two feet in diameter. We fed the fierce pirañas, strategic alligator, and massive paiche. After learning about all the scary things that live in the Amazon river, we all declined the opportunity to jump in.