Darci's blog

Welcome to my adventures. Happy reading!

Machu Picchu

Last night I could barely sleep in anticipation of a dream come true – seeing, touring, and photographing Machu Picchu!! While the trek sounds like a great adventure, albeit grueling, we didn’t have the desire or time to do that. 4 days of walking with a myriad of bugs and no running water – hmmm, hard pass. So, we stayed in the quaint town of Aguas Calientes last night, at a lovely hotel. Had a great dinner, and are well-rested for today’s adventure. Our hotel arranged a guide for us and we’ll be off on a bus shortly. Sure we could have walked a couple hours in the forest to get there, but that bus looked much better and easier. The bus ride was very easy and we were there in 25 minutes, with what looked to be near-misses on a narrow road.

It was overcast and a bit foggy as we entered the gates. We were so hopeful it wouldn’t rain! The steps approaching the top were narrow, uneven, and at some times nonexistent. After an hour of walking, we encountered alpacas – a strange surprise! And moved towards the plateau to overlook the citadel. Our guide was a wealth of information and regaled us with great stories, interesting tidbits, and pensive theories. We waited on the plateau for over an hour, with groups of others, each quardened off in a white circle on the ground for COVID measures. As the fog cleared and the sun peeked out, we got our first view of the citadel – and it was breathtaking. I may have teared up! Our guide captured this pic and it captures the slow reveal of the treasures beneath.

Oddly enough we have better cell service up here than at my house. Can’t wait to share more of this fab day!!

Peru – here we come!!

A dream come true happens today! Michelle and I planned this trip for over a year, and it was upsetting to have it cancelled in 2020 – understandable but upsetting. We’ve planned every detail and the excitement is uncontainable!! Today we fly from Denver to Houston, then onto Lima. We’ll nestle into our lay-flat seats for the 6.5 hour flight and arrive into Lima around midnight. Luckily we passed our COVID tests and are prepared for our adventure! Oh the sights we’ll see: Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Paracas, and so much more. And, the adventures, laughs, and awe we’ll share! Paddington Bear was my absolute fav book as a kid… and I’ve long imagined what Darkest Peru will be like. Now, we’ll find out. Hopefully my Spanish skills aren’t too rusty!!

Be Your Best Advocate

I tell this to anyone and everyone who will listen – be your best advocate! Demand help. Put yourself first. There’s a deep reason behind this, and while I’m largely private about my illnesses and struggles as the sick kid… I feel this is so vitally important for everyone to hear.

October 12, 2012 was the date I found out I don’t have cancer. Thank the lord!!

After battling doctors to find one that could help me, and suffering for four months, I underwent surgery to remove an ovarian tumor. It was 5cm in diameter and luckily it was benign. However, had I not had it removed, it would have ruptured and caused more harm.

Recovery was easy (for me) since I went back to work in 4 days and ran agility two weeks later (despite doctors orders for an eight week rest and no driving.) No one keeps me down for long! I even drove to Omaha to go coursing and pickup a Pharaoh Hound rescue named Siris the same weekend I ran agility.

I know I am very lucky and beyond blessed to be here. I strive to do something each day that scares me. Time is precious and I try not to waste it.

Listen to your body. If your doctor isn’t helping you, find another one. Be your own advocate. And be loud. Your life is worth it.

Serengeti

Even the best planned trips will hit snags. About a week before I left, the airlines contacted me to let me know that the two smaller airports we were planning to fly into both were still closed. I was offered a few other options, but all were too pricey or too long. So, I contacted Serena Resorts and when I say they’re rock stars… they really are…coming through for us by arranging transport. The Serengeti is not that far away from the Masai Mara. But, getting there is a challenge. Mara Serena Lodge arranged for a driver to take us to the Kenya/Tanzania border. Our driver is not allowed to take us into Tanzania (something about tour guides & drivers being restricted to their original countries – and that this has not always been the case.)

After our 3 hour drive replete with a lasting glimpse into the lives of the Maasai people, and seeing the vast countryside, we finally arrive at the border crossing. Our driver helps us get through customs and taking yet another Covid test. After an hour or so, we meet our next tour guide, Zakariah, who will take us to the Serengeti and also the Ngorongoro Crater.

It’s another 3 hours from the border to our lodge in the Serengeti. We chat with our guide, check out views of local life, and I napped. We are looking forward to a beautiful day on Safari. The views from this lodge are incredible!

July 6, 2021
Countries, Friends, Thoughts, Travel

Let’s Normalize Traveling with Friends

If you’ve followed my angst over traveling to Africa, you’d know that it was a last minute addition of my friend Curtis to join me.

Since inquiring minds want to know, here’s some answers to your questions.

1. Am I still married? Yes. And no I’m not leaving him or dating – it was cute to get some messages inquiring though.

2. Who’s that dude? His name is Curtis, he lives in Montana, and he’s the partner of a very dear friend of mine.

3. Have you traveled together before? NOPE! It’s a big, huge gamble to travel with someone for 13+ days and not know whether you are compatible travel companions. But, I’ve known Curtis almost 15 years and have stayed at his house countless times — he’s stayed at mine countless times, including when I’ve been out of town. We have mutual respect, a shared love of animals, and of course we are both crazy dog people.

4. Why? It has been Curtis’ dream since he was a young child to see Africa and go on Safari. The timing, opportunity, and cost were right.

5. How did it go? OMG – it was awesome! Curtis was so helpful with me (see post on my illness before the trip), he was FUN!!, we laughed SO much, and guess what? He’s Jack Hanna – no, seriously. He knew every animal and all about them. I’m still in awe at the depth of his knowledge. Best of all Curtis was OK with my organization, planning, and schedule. My vacations are often called amazing races… and this one was no exception.

Back to the title of this post – we seriously, as a society, need to normalize traveling with friends. Let me start: it is OK to travel with your friends. Go as far as you can, on as many adventures as you can, and just dive in! Life is meant to be shared and lived in community. Also, stop judging people. I’m not a bad person/wife for traveling. My husband didn’t want to go, and that’s OK too. It is NORMAL for married couples to have other interests and still be married. Sharing my adventures with my friend were wonderful. If travel renews your spirit, like it does mine, then do it!

In closing, get out there!! I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and we are already planning the next one.