A dusty Combi hurtled down the winding mountain roads of Peru, jam packed with 10 backpackers and their gear. It was seven hours until midnight, and the impending start of 2012. As the mountains rose and fell with each peak, I felt dwarfed by not only the landscape, but by my existence in the world. If the Mayans were right, and the world really will end this year, then my decision to backpack through Peru was the right one. Seize the moments and all that.
I had joined a group a fellow couchsurfers to ring in the new year in Lunahuana, a small town off the southern coast of Peru, renowned for its Pisco distilleries and adventure sports. Alcohol and thrills, the perfect way to usher in the new year. Continue reading
