Quest Overseas - Gap Year Travel

They've been cursed many a time back here in the office - when will they write, do they not remember us??? But at long last, we have an update from the hard working, hard playing group in Villa Maria this summer - enjoy!

Villa Maria Invierno Group Update

So Villa Maria Invierno 2010 begins: some arrived on a measly bus whilst others arrived in style after being upgraded to business class. Some even decided to get a taxi from the airport leaving the rest of the group waiting for over 2 hours at an unearthly time in the morning; the quote "Chantel got a taxi" is still being used. Lucho hermoso bello lindo guapo.

We're keenly waiting for a written update from the guys out working on our project in Lima this summer (they claim they are working too hard...), but in the meantime here are a few photos to give you an idea of what is to come.

Here we have a demonstration of the professional blueprints they are working from!

Monday 12th

After an exhausting day of ice climbing and bellies full from the monstrosity of a pizza that Rob so kindly ordered, the gang were very much looking forward to tackling the world's most dangerous road on two wheels. As ever, an early start to the day followed by more pancakes for breakfast and an introduction to our biking guide for the day, Justin. a.k.a. Rob mark 2. After an hour or so ride to the top, we set off on the 5 hour ride down death road. As biking goes, it wasn't that strenuous seeing as 99% of the ride was down hill. However, a quick look over the edge focused the mind and nearly brought back the morning's pancakes for all to see. The highlight of the ride was probably when Rob fell off his bike whilst trying to show off his skills to Justin the guide. The ride was good fun though and we ended up in an animal reserve near Coroico at the bottom of the road.

EXPEDITION PART TWO
SUNDAY 4TH APRIL - SUNDAY 11TH APRIL, AREQUIPA TO LA PAZ, written by Alice Machin.

HAPPY HAPPY EASTER! Oh it was rather sad not be eating hot cross buns and missing out on the traditional Easter egg hunt. However, when we heard the bells of the cathedral ringing at 8 o clock we had a sudden urge to go to mass and leapt out of bed and ran all the way to to the Plaza. The cathedral was packed so we perched on some railings near the front. It was in true South American style, very unlike the conservative well organised mass in England, but the priest was passionate and it was enjoyable. The ususal happy verging clappy Catholic music! It lasted just over an hour after which we had a peaceful wander in the deserted cloisters before going back to the hostel to pack and have the last shower as we weren´t sure when we would be seeing another bathroom of that sort in the near future. The rest of the day was spent as we liked, pottering around the beautiful cobbled streets and buildings of Arequipa, which we were quite sorry to leave. After a delicious Mexican supper we boarded our night bus to Tacna at 10pm. I foolishly got rather excited at the prospect and thought of taking pyjamas and my sleeping bag. Alas, it was not such an excitement. It was a double decker affair, quite comfortable enough. We awoke in Tacna at 4.55am ahead of schedule.

Our Villa Maria team have been on the road for a few weeks now, enjoying the wonders of our expedition. Today is a rest day in the Bolivian cloud forest however, so they've very kindly taken the time to send a couple of photos of their exploits. The one above is taken on the magnificent Bolivian Salt Flats, interesting group photo...

As for this one, taken in the Bolivian altiplano at around 4,900m - I thought a gap year was the chance to grow up???? Very envious though!