It has been a tradition for ten years or so for Marie and me to go on a trip together during the dead of winter. As business partners working full tilt together we knew we needed some time together and away from our school. (kind of like the Democratic party retreat?) I had been to South America on a business junket with my husband and I was entranced. Had to get back there! Marie had spent her teen aged years in Lima, Peru. We were good to go!
We scoured the internet and researched our options. We wanted to see the natural world of Central and South America. Mostly we went alone, not with any group. Our first trip was to Costa Rica to the Osa Peninsula, a remote part of the country. Getting there was hairy to say the least. We were hooked, loved everything about it- sloths, birds, orchids. In subsequent years we went to Peru twice, Equador, the Galapagos, Panama. We rode horses in the Pantanal of Brazil, paddled in canoes on Amazon tributaries, looked for and saw the rare Harpy Eagle in Peru, observed parrot licks, climbed to Machu Picchu, ate guinea pigs for lunch, danced to pipe bands, chewed coco leaves, walked on the canopy walkways in the rainforest, caught bats in mist nets, heard howler monkeys and learned how to call birds. We met many interesting people in our travels together. We were in love with this primitive world! We came back with our luggage stinking of tropical sweat and the odors of adventure.
Our families and friends wondered about this and were worried about us. They had a right to be: we were in dangerous circumstances many times, more than I have ever told. My daughter, however, was proud of us.
Marie's daughter lives in New Zealand and was getting married. So, one of our latest trips was going to the South Island to the wonderful wedding, and then on to explore this fascinating island where the topography changes by the minute.
But tonight I am packing my bag to go to New York City! Marie is excited to be going on a five day cultural binge. We decided on this because we didn't have ten days, only five, not enough time even for Panama. It is very cold in New York, especially for us tender tropical flowers. But we are hardy souls! If we can boat down the Amazon in an el nino year, we can surely take on NYC. below freezing. We've got our warm clothes and the New York Times guide to the art galleries, and a good place to stay. No spouses, no shopping. We'll have a fine time. You only live once and maybe New York City is even more of an adventure than an equatorial rainforest.
I'll be back next week.
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