Chasing the Andes: A Journey of Resilience

The Andes are unpredictable. One moment, the sky is clear; the next, a storm rolls in like an uninvited guest. Flight TACA 009 was descending into Cusco—the gateway to the Inca Trail—when the clouds thickened, swallowing the valley in an eerie embrace. The pilot had no choice but to abort. Instead of stepping into the land of ancient empires, we found ourselves banking back toward Lima.

The airport was a chaotic symphony of frustration—travelers stranded, plans unraveling, dreams momentarily grounded. Cusco was so close we could almost taste the crisp mountain air, yet it remained impossibly out of reach. As night fell, hope dimmed. Some curled up on hard airport benches; others lay sprawled across their backpacks, claiming whatever space they could. Conversations turned into strategy sessions. Would we ever make it?

At dawn, a second chance. TACA 007. The flight was packed—shoulder to shoulder with hopeful passengers, each clinging to their own adventure. As we taxied down the runway, anticipation buzzed like static electricity. Please, let us make it this time.

Then, the announcement. Flight canceled.

A collective sigh of disbelief swept through the cabin. Faces fell. Tempers flared. Two days, two cancellations. Cusco felt more like a myth than a destination.

But adventure isn’t about ease; it’s about persistence. The roadblocks only fueled our determination. Giving up was never an option.

With little time left on our schedule, we pivoted. The alternatives weren’t pretty—a brutal ten-hour bus ride through treacherous, landslide-prone roads, or another roll of the dice with TACA. Instead, we took a calculated risk: a last-minute flight with LAN Airlines.

Barely an hour later, we were in the sky.

As we broke through the cloud cover, Cusco revealed itself—golden rooftops glinting in the morning light, the majestic Andes standing guard over centuries of history. The plane touched down smoothly. We had made it.

More than just reaching a destination, we had embraced the journey—the uncertainty, the setbacks, the resilience required to push forward. Travel isn’t just about the places we go; it’s about the determination to get there.

And in that moment, standing on Cusco’s sacred soil, we knew: some adventures are worth the fight.

Comments

Our Journey to the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon

Race Day: Embracing the Challenge, and Pushing Limits Today was the big one—the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon. We stood at the starting line at 6:30 AM, under heavy skies and cooler air. No blazing sun today, just a thick layer of cloud cover—a welcome gift for runners like us. This wasn’t unfamiliar ground. We’ve run these paths over and over—Crown Point, De Anza Cove, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach. We knew every twist and turn. But that didn’t make it easier. Michelle almost didn’t start. Her back pain had lingered all week, stubborn and unpredictable. But she showed up, like always. Quietly determined. By mile 3, she was locked in. By mile 6, she was flying. But then came mile 10—the farthest we had ever trained for. That’s where things started to change. Breaths became heavier. Footsteps, slower. At mile 12, we hit the wall—hard. Every stride turned into a battle of will over body. And yet, somehow, we kept moving. Michelle crossed the finish at 2:28. I followed just a minut...

We’ll Always Have Morocco

Day 3: From Blue Dreams to Golden Walls-Chefchaouen to Fes Morning in Chefchaouen felt like waking inside a watercolor. The town, cloaked in every shade of blue, shimmered quietly beneath the watchful Rif Mountains. Before the day stirred to life, we wandered its labyrinthine alleys with Abduh Lah—our local guide, warm, funny, and full of stories. With a twinkle in his eye, he led us through the peaceful Kasbah gardens and hidden corners bursting with color and culture. His pride in his hometown added a heartbeat to every step. Eventually, we bid farewell to the Blue Pearl, carrying its serenity with us as we began the journey to Fes—Morocco’s timeless soul. About an hour into the drive, we stopped at La Pergola by Hôtel Rif, a quiet roadside gem where we shared a fragrant chicken tagine, a fresh mixed salad, and steaming mint tea. It wasn’t just lunch—it was part of the rhythm of travel, unhurried and full of flavor. We grabbed coffees to go and rolled onward. Chicken Tajine The road ...

Into the Wild: A New Zealand Adventure

This past holiday season, Michelle and I decided to break away from the familiar. Instead of the usual family gatherings in Bay Area, we packed our bags for New Zealand—a land of rugged beauty, epic adventures, and just enough unpredictability to keep us on our toes. Little did we know, this trip would push us out of our comfort zones and into the heart of an unforgettable adventure. The Start of Something Big We left San Diego with excitement buzzing in the air, cruising up to Los Angeles for a late-night flight. Parking was smooth- thankfully, I’d planned ahead- and soon we were boarding a 12-hour journey to the land of the long white cloud. As we flew across the Pacific, I kept imagining the landscapes ahead: towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and surreal geothermal pools. Michelle, ever the planner, was busy double-checking our packed itinerary. We touched down in Auckland mid-morning, and the adventure began right away. After grabbing a rental car and stocking up on snacks, w...

Hobo Lolo

Search This Blog