After my last visit six years earlier, I'm back in Italy for my first "adult" vacation with "adult money." A ten day trip through the country starts off in Rome where I run into an old friend, dodge sporadic thunderstorms, and visit the heart of the Catholic world: Vatican City.
After two days on the trail, we make the final push to Machu Picchu, eventually reaching the old Incan citadel, getting to lay eyes upon one of the new seven wonders of the world. Trying to get back to Cusco, we get caught up in blockades and come face to face with armed, violent protesters.
Melissa and I embark on our 5 day trek through the Andes and the Salkantay Pass on our way to Machu Picchu but the resumption of civil unrest back in the cities begins to affect our plans while out on the trail.
We celebrate my partner’s 30th birthday in a big way: traveling to Peru to embark on a five day hike to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu, but before our excursion can start, we have to spend a few days acclimating to the altitude in the old capital city of the Incas: Cusco!
A few hours after arriving back on the mainland, we’re back on the road and head to the coastal town of Montañita for some drinking, relaxing, and whale watching!
After a few nights in Guayaquil Audrey and I are off to the city of Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos archipelago. Our first days are spent visiting the Darwin Research Station, scuba diving, and reflecting on mankind’s place among nature.
Audrey and I spend our second day in Munich at the Marienplatz eating a lot of sausage, drinking more beer, watching soccer and getting incredible views of the city.