Assembling the Group in Paris on Thursday 12th April 2012. The 18 members have travelled from different parts of the UK. Dave Raine and Disco Dave had to be mindful of their delicate constitutions by travelling from Newcastle airport to get to Paris some time before everyone else. It's claimed that as they boarded the aeroplane at Newcastle chimes of 'Dancing Queen' could be heard in the background. This reminded Disco of mishaps on previous treks and could be a preminition of what is to come. James and Catherine travelled down from Aberdeen, along with Amanda and Jenny, joined by Katrina from Dublin, who lives in London. Confused? The main gathering was at Paris airport where Liz, our group leader, tried to introduce everyone to one another. We gave up on names and agreed to call everyone Dave, or David. Sharon took this to heart and used the mens toilet before boarding the plane. Jenny has announced to everyone that she has brought a video camera. How it will be used we're not sure yet, but we'll see.
The flight from Paris at 10.40am launched off with little mishap and our bright yellow T shirts en masse required all other passengers to wear shades throughout the journey. Hysterical laughter has come from Sharon, Deb, Dianne and Ann on the plane, and we think it's because they've finally read the itinerary for the trip. The start times in the mornings are crazy, and Liz has made it clear that no shirking is allowed. 12 hours through, with good catering from Air France and we landed in Lima at 10.00pm, UK time, many of use having travelled for about 20 hours non stop. Perfumed, fresh and ready for Peru we danced onto the awaiting coach, some of the younger women have a final drag of their fags as essential preparation for the traumas to come. Liz, our leader joined them. The bus took us through some of the poorer parts of the city, on to the Pacfic coastal route and finally into the centre of the city to the hotel. After hosing down and changing into our dresses and other dinner attire Liz gave a rousing speech about why we're doing this and times for getting out of bed in the mornings. It is clear the 5.30am start is non-negotiable. Graham Hill had a birthday today that has lasted for 36 hours. Extra bubbly on the plane and the group signed card dutifully handed over. Worries about altitude sickness to come but Liz's solution is well received of acclimatising, gritting teeth, and doing everything slowly.
Room allocations have gone well with the two Daves having two double beds in their room. We're wondering who is going to use the other bed. There's a rumour going round that at the end of the inca trail trek, just as we prepare for the truely awesome expeerince of witnessing dawn looking over Machu Pichu, we'll encounter a Starbucks on the Trail. We'll tell you how that goes. Tomorrow up before dawn, breakfast available at 3.20am, to catch the plane to Cusco and joining the Inca centre. All the best for now. David A (Fluffy Towels)
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