In a flash in the blink of an eye...in a second it passes you by**

I’ve often been told by numerous sources that the older you get the faster life passes. To no surprise I find this true. My most recent example of this inexplicable life oddity is the rapid passing of a trip of a lifetime. For months I’d been feeling the anticipation grow towards a trip to Machu Picchu by motorcycle. That sentence all on its own is something remarkable. I’d never heard of the place much less ever considered riding a motorcycle to it. Actually I’d never considered riding a motorcycle much at all through my late twenties and thirties. Now I look back on it all and the challenges and feel a slight glow. While the trip is over, there is still a warm feeling attached to it. It reminds me of a sunset after a perfect long summer day. It just feels good.

By the time the 2500+ kilometres were behind us there had been numerous challenges. For me the biggest was language. This dissolved whenever we were riding. It was then in those moments that we all spoke the same language. Children would wave and stare as the nine motorbikes came into their town. We were greeted by cameras, shoe shine kids, street vendors and the generally curious. To be honest I kind of felt like a rock star.

So many had so little but seemed genuinely happy. To them life appeared more about survival and caring for one another far more than who had the nicest shoes or biggest television. Little ones pedaled trinkets at the side of roads looking to make a little money to simply survive. I pondered the reaction you’d get from a North America kid asked to perform the same task. They wouldn’t make it. The faces of the Peruvian people are dark and full of character, pride and stories. Their eyes speak of wisdom and endurance well beyond anything I could comprehend. The clothing may be dirty, tattered and old but the spirits seem bright, full and hopeful. There are lessons.

While the trip is past and a world away it is still very much alive and well in my heart and memory. It was a gift and a blessing. The dirty towns of Peru are framed by landscapes, scenery and beauty I’ve never had the privilege of seeing before. Even when swallowed by the diesel and dust there was magic in each town. Quickly reminding myself that this is their place and not mine raises my level of respect and curiosity.

Ten days of riding with an old friend and some new ones passed quickly. The memories, sights, sounds and smells will live on for a very long time.

Thank you Chile & Peru.

(** Ben Onono - Blink / Long Way Down Soundtrack)