Machu Picchu: one of those magical places that will either render you speechless or cause you to instantly want to put your experience into words. Sean Kennaway was so inspired by his Intrepid adventure that he penned this ode to the Inca Trail…
“The dawn bus rattled over the cobblestone streets of Cuzco
As we ventured towards the Inca town of Ollantaytambo
A trek to the mythical citadel of Machu Picchu was set
Day one of the Inca Trail lay ahead
How many New Year’s resolutions have you managed to keep? Within weeks we’ve normally reverted to our old habits and forgotten our new plans. But for Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil a promise to themselves on January 1st led to the race of their lives across Africa and now an exciting new challenge in 2011…
“We had been avid travelers for a few years by the time we made that momentous toast in the early hours of New Years Day 2007. However, we hadn’t been on a significant journey for nearly two years and lately we’d been working too hard, sitting on the couch too much and over indulging in the unhealthy pleasures of life that can make us all so plump and lazy. The year 2006 had been one of those times we were stuck in a rut, but after watching an inspiring interview with Ultra Marathon Runner, Ray Zahab, we decided to change our lives once and for all.
While hordes of travellers visit Africa each year, few get to see the amazing mountain gorillas. Kate West expected this to be the highlight of her trip of a lifetime, but getting off the regular tourist route had greater impact than she anticipated…
“My trip to Rwanda was in search of the mountain gorilla. The mountain gorillas opened their home to us and allowed us to spend an hour with them, but my time in Rwanda was much more than that experience with those majestic creatures. Rwanda has touched my heart and I will carry her with me everywhere I go.
With a reputation for being bad, mad and potentially dangerous, Colombia isn’t high on most people’s travel agenda. However, look beyond the scuttlebutt and you’ll discover a country brimming with life, music and welcoming locals. Cassie Harrex took the road less travelled to this fascinating country and discovered one of South America’s best-kept secrets…
“I had heard the rumours, I’d read the facts, I thought I was prepared. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After two weeks of travelling over emerald mountains and dancing until my feet ached, Colombia had me completely hooked. Instead of conflict, I’d been swept into a world of festivals, colour and incredibly friendly locals. What’s more, I hadn’t encountered any of the sinister problems my friends had warned me about. In fact, I could not have felt more looked after; Colombia had certainly been treating me well.
India has been offering travellers life-changing experiences for centuries, so it’s particularly special when we have the opportunity to return the favour. We are delighted that now one remarkable traveller will help bring positive change to the lives of many young Indians.
A great friend of Intrepid, Allan Watt, passed away too young, two years ago. In Allan’s memory and recognising his wonderful contribution to The Intrepid Foundation’s work in his position on the management committee, we chose to fund the building of a primary school in one of the neediest areas of India, Bihar, through The Intrepid Foundation partner Plan.
We all have those rote learned phrases from our school days that we can miraculously still regurgitate on demand. Most of which we remember for inexplicable reasons, but some of them actually resonate and stay with us for a reason, like the verse of Robert Frost. The Road Not Taken, Frost’s renowned work, is one of those poems that probably isn’t fully comprehended by rambunctious teenagers, but we come to realise later the wisdom in his words. Reaching a crossroad in our lives and having the courage to take the less conventional route can result in great rewards…
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
One of the best things about arriving in a new city is to discover it awash with festivities. Not only is this a chance to join in all the fun, but as Sean Kennaway discovered on his Intrepid Patagonia trip, it also gives you an ideal opportunity to sample some mouthwatering food…
“I was lucky enough to be in Chile between 18-19 September, during Fiestas Patrias, the country’s most important national days. This is a time when the whole country erupts in celebrations to remember the beginning of their independence process in 1810.
In the world of travel, Los Angeles suffers from an image problem. Visitors often complain of lacklustre attractions, inaccessibility and aloof locals. Yet this often-misunderstood city is actually exceedingly interesting and as Jo Stewart discovered, “you just have to find the organic heart that lies beneath the glitz, glamour and silicon!”
“If you find yourself in LA and don’t want to be disappointed, why not step away from the usual tourist traps, hire a car and scout out more authentic experiences? Authentic may not be a word typically associated with Los Angeles, but remember, there are millions of citizens who call this vibrant city home, who don’t frequent Hollywood Boulevard or Universal Studios.
There is something about travelling from Delhi to Mumbai and throughout the whole fascinating country that stirs our senses and taps into our spirit of adventure. Diane Turner puts her experiences of India beautifully into words…
“The sound of prayer
The smell of spice
The colourful culture
The taste of rice
