by Julie

On putting down the camera

'If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound?' This is an old philosophical question regarding the nature of reality - if things aren't witnessed do they actually happen? I was reminded of it when thinking about today's writing prompt, which was a selection of photos designed to stimulate some reflections. I love looking at my own photographs from my travels and I am so grateful to have them as a visual reminder of my experiences. However, if I had no photos of my…
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by Julie

Why I write

As a returned traveller, right now I write to help myself remember. To remember the places I have been and the experiences I have had. To secure them in my mind and heart so I will never forget.  I have lots of photos, but someone I met along the way told me that the best memories are in your head and in your heart.   I write because I want to consider and reflect on the things I have learnt, fascinating things about other cultures and peoples, their history, and how they live. I write…
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by Julie

Camino Inca

The highlight of Peru was going to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and doing the Inca trail, finishing at Machu Picchu. I was very nervous about it because climbing at altitude is no joke - your lungs feel like they are going to explode. The Inca trail is 45 km with 40 km of it done over 3 days, with the lowest elevation at 2,700 m. The first day is lovely, 11km, mostly flat with only a bit of climbing. The second day is 12km and mainly uphill which was very tough in spots - there…
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by Julie

Una irlandesa en America Sud part I

It's been a busy month in South America, where I have been on two tours covering Chile, Bolivia and Peru. I am heading into my last few days in this continent and the Southern Hemisphere and it is very sad, as it is signalling that I am coming towards the end of my travels. In Chile we went to the desert and observed the beautiful clear skies from the Vicuña observatory. The night was cold but I experienced the South American version of the mistral, the destral I think it's called, which is a beautiful…
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