I returned to Los Angeles on Sunday after 14 days of hiking, biking and action-adventure in Peru. The trip was organized by ACTIVE South America, and now I know why ACTIVE is in all caps! Starting next Monday, I’ll share all the intimate (and sometimes hair-raising) details in 3 parts: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; exploring the Amazon jungle; and living with the people of the Alto Plano (high plains) of Lake Titicaca, the world’s largest freshwater lake at an altitude of 12,628 feet.

One of the most amazing parts of this trip, however, was meeting the people who signed up for the adventure. All were singulars, and with the exception of myself and SingularCity member, BT, each came to Peru by themselves, totally willing to take the risk of not knowing who else would be on the trip or what kind of challenges they would face in the days ahead.

There was Aydin, an engineer/project manager from Irvine; Melissa, an attorney from Washington D.C.; Brandon a Navy vet from Alabama; and Kat, a production manager for a theater company in Chicago.

Besides being single, the only thing we all had in common was a love for adventure – and in the case of the people I just mentioned – the willingness to take the risk to travel to a “third world” country and spend 14 days with people they’d never met.

I wave the flag for singulars everywhere, but  my hat is off to these four individuals who had the courage to take this trip on their own – and thus, were rewarded with new friendships and an experience they will never forget. It reminded me of how important it is to take risks, to venture out of our comfort zones and open our hearts and minds to life. Those are the kind of risks that reap huge rewards.

Mimi

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Wow! Looks like that was quite an adventure. Can't wait to read about it!

Monday 07 December 2009, 12:09

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Juli

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AMEN sista!

Monday 07 December 2009, 15:30

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Samantha

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Yipes! I would have had vertigo!

Monday 07 December 2009, 17:48

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mm

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Dead Woman's Pass... I think I likely would have been dead just getting there!! I'll take my adventure on a more sedate level.. I'm sure it was incredible though.. Tell me when it is on National Geographic!

Monday 07 December 2009, 17:56

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Emma

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I suspect those Quechua outfits are not going to take off in LA. A different kind of courage wearing that garb but no doubt part of the spirit of the trip.

Monday 07 December 2009, 18:15

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evanz

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Wow, can't wait to see the pics!

Tuesday 08 December 2009, 10:39

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Fabiana

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You may have not like the Machu Picchu experience much, but I would have loved to trade places with you at any time. Peru' is on our list of trips to take in the near future . I will certainly remember to check up on you when we'll be ready to go. It sounds exactly the kind of adventure that we would like to have. In spite of cold weather, wet hair and all that, you look fabulous as always. Lots of love...Fabiana
P.S. Thank you for sending your newletter, I always enjoy reading it !

Wednesday 09 December 2009, 03:28

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Kim at SingularCity

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The hike to Machu Picchu was a bitch! Not only exhausting, but sleeping in a cold tent at night with rain soaked hair -- oh, and no showers for 4 days! Cream puff Kim hits the wall!

Tuesday 08 December 2009, 12:36

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mm

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LOL... I don't envy that for sure... I would love to go, but is there a Lazy Person's Tour?? What about those cute little llamas?? Nice and warm.. and a RIDE. Or maybe even a BYO donkey/mountain goat??

Tuesday 08 December 2009, 12:43

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BT

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I thought I was in pretty decent shape, but the inca trail kicked my butt! I was reduced to taking one step, and then spending 2 minutes trying to recover! My hats off to "trekkers" who routinely go hiking at altitude. I didn't think it was a legitimate sport, but it takes a whole different kind of athleticism!

Tuesday 08 December 2009, 16:41

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Clara Berta

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Thanks for sharing with us, what a cute photo of you guys. You look like a Hungarian lady in that costume. I am sure it was not an easy hike, but I'm happy to hear you made it home safe. Perhaps next year we could join you on a relaxing cruise.

Thursday 10 December 2009, 16:41

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