Peru travel - p2 - Machu Picchu

"Your driver’s name is Kevin. He will be picking you up at the airport with a sign displaying your name. I'll prepare some snacks for you for the journey".

And just like that, the moment I landed in Cusco airport, I was on my way to Machu Picchu. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the wind was crisp. “Engineered for Whatever", read the signage at the airport. Slipping on my puffer jacket, I felt a thrill: here I was at last in Cusco. What a journey to get here.

Kevin asked if I’d like some coffee before heading to Machu Picchu. "It’s a two-hour drive" he said. Just off the plane, I thought I’d stick to water. What a fool I was. Peruvian coffee is a treat! Even the coffee at my hotel was better than most.

Kevin hit the gas pedal hard, racing from the airport to PeruRail station since we were tight on time. My group was waiting for me, as my flight had been canceled, requiring lots of rescheduling to make this trip to Machu Picchu happen. At the end, the sunken cost is too high to give up, despite the fact that I just flew 40hours. "Once in a lifetime trip," they said.

Kevin whisked me out of Cusco's center in a flash, the car's engine humming softly as we sped along. I sat quietly, gazing out at a new land alive with color and motion. As we moved away from city center, the landscape grew more rugged, the mountains loomed taller, the road became bumpier. For a long stretch, I saw no one - just endless parade of mountains. I remembered when the travel agent asking if I was ok traveling alone? Now I understood what she meant. Me alone in a foreign country, going into a no man land with slow internet and spotty signal. I’ve actually never traveled this alone before.

It wasn’t a busy day at the train station. My car had only a few people, and I moved to an empty window seat for a better view. The train ride was spectacular, with large window and a glass ceiling offering view of nature from all angles. The one- hour -and -40 mins ride felt like watching a Nat Geo documentary from the front row of a theatre. At one point I saw people trekking along the Inca trails like ants. One man waved at us frantically. I wasn’t sure if he was excited or signaling for help…Either way, I just sat there and did nothing. Heartless woman.

Bruno, my tour guide, sent me his photo via whatsapp so I could recognize him. He is already waiting for me at MP train station together with 4 other guests from Hong Kong and Turkey. I thought the train ride was the end of the journey, but no - after that, there was a 30 mins bus ride to the magical Machu Picchu. We joined in a long line and waited 30mins before boarding the bus. There I saw a giant cactus tree as tall as 3 stories building and resisted the urge to carve my name on it.

We were lucky. It was a sunny day in Machu Picchu, allowing us to see everything clearly and with Bruno's guide, we all learned something about this magnificent landscape. Picchu means mountain and Machu means old. The site is named after an old mountain guarding it. Built in the 15th century and re-discovered in 20th century by some explorers, the site itself is divided into 3 sections: the agricultural, the residential and the religious area where Inca performed spiritual activities. Each section featured unique architecture, and no one knows how exactly how it was constructed. Stones stacked upon by one another formed a remarkable system.  Seven trails wind through Machu Picchu, believed to have been used by the Inca for trade to survive and thrive. No one knows precisely why Machu Picchu was built yet various theories suggest that different generations and cultures contributed to the site we see today. 

As we walked around, touching the stones, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had been here in a past life. I hadn't planned to visit yet after 2 days on the road, I stood on this land of wonder, history and mystery. I tried to soak in the moment, to grasp its significance impact in my life but perhaps I tried too hard. So, I let it go and simply enjoyed walking with my group. It wasn't an ordinary day - hanging out with people from Hong Kong, Peru and Turkey, learning something fascinating, watching the llamas chewing grass, taking pictures and sharing jokes. Bruno told us a former Peruvian president once spent the night at the Sun temple. Later, he took his own life, though Bruno noted it might not be related. Curious, I asked why the president wanted to stay there overnight. Bruno said, “I don’t do much research into his mind…”

Visting Machu Picchu requires months of planning in advance due to the logistics - train, bus, flight tickets, meals, etc. I simply booked the tour and forgot about it until the day I boarded the plane. Had I planned better, I might avoided altitude sickness and saved some money. Either way, I am grateful for the experience, for being there even briefly, for my boss sending me and for my job that takes me to incredible places. 

The walk through the site was easy though many wonder how to dress. Honestly and proudly, I dressed perfectly for the occasion and returned from the trip in one piece. That's one perks of being an insider for sport industry for a few years, especially for an outdoor brand such as Columbia. Curious about my gear? Here's the list for you!

Columbia longsleeve tee - perfect for hiking under the sun; keeping you cool and protected with UV-resistant fabric 

Columbia insulated jackets - essential for night time travel. Columbia JKTS are top-notched with omni heat infinity technology. 

Columbia pants - lightweight pants are ideal for September as the weather isn't too cold at noon

Columbia hiking boots - stylish and protective. Ensure your outsoles are suited for multi terrain grip as even in city cobblestones can be tricky with out it. 

Some sunglasses - I chose lightweight Goodr sport sunglasses; perfect for the day. My everyday sunglasses might have been a little too heavy for this but use what works for you. 

Columbia mountain hat - the sun is intense at high elevations so cap, bucket hat, beanies is a must for day and night. I also packed a scarf to shield my neck from burning sun.

Columbia backpack -Mine worked well though a slightly larger one might be fine too. Inside is: 3 jackets (warm jkt, light rain jkt, fleece jkt) and some portable powerbank, medicine, water bottle with some snacks and passports and of course, lipsticks and sunscreen :)

Final tips: layering is always the best. Take your altitude sickness pills to condition yourself prior to the trip. Exchange for some coins and carry spare tissues for bathrooms. Treat yourself to some Peruvian coffee and chocolates from reputable shops - it might be your once in a lifetime trip!  

Peru travel - p1

I am writing this blog at 5.25am in Cusco, Peru all the while having altitude sickness, jet lag and empty stomach. The weather is at 5 degree celcius but feels warmer in the room. Having some chocolate and water, ready to journal.

It took quite a journey to get here from Saigon, with 3 transits, 01 flight cancelled and sleeping over at airport. I even got fainted on the plane due to some stomach issue and when the flight attendant asked "are you traveling alone", a tough girl in me felt a little melted. Yes I am traveling alone. Yet lucky me.

The first two days felt really terrible since altitude sickness made my head explode and my body couldn't function, just lying in bed, rolling all over to get over with it. Barely made it out for lunch and then came back to room again to rest. I think adding to that disaster is the fact I forgot to turn on the AC so apparently the room lacked oxygen...It's just another reminder that once you are in sickness, everything feels irrelevant. 

The third day I felt better and with jet lag, I was able to wake up early and go out to stroll the street, soaking in its crispy fresh morning air. The chill wind caresses my face yet with Columbia fleece jacket, it feels romantic. The sky was blue, the people hurrying to work, children going to school, the usual scene we see in every city. Here and there, the social worker picking up trashes from the street and made me realized why Cusco streets are so clean. No scene of littering. The city design is in square with lots of alley for people to walk around, made short cut easily. I went to the pharmacy to buy some herbal medicine for altitude sickness as tiktokers shared. Fast and pricey hahaha. 

On the street of Cusco, you can see baby alpaca walking together with human. Some even joked with a picture of alpaca getting on a taxi. The animal is just so adorable. Here and there, lots of dogs just lying and sleeping. I walked around "the square', the chic spot in town where all cool shops are and also the spot where you can see the surroundings area in panorama view. At night, it's looking like a Starry Night painting from Van Gogh - where all the lights from houses blink afar from the hills.  For the first time ever I stopped and talked to a local girl selling souvenir.  Her name is Sujey, she is 15 and doing part time job by selling souvenir in the morning and go to school in the afternoon. Of course I ended up buying from her the baby alpaca doll and this will remind me of the connection we shared that day. You know, two strangers coming from different parts of the world, meeting at one place and sharing a simple conversation. Sujey showed me how to pose and said "I love taking picture because there are so much memories in it". Indeed it is. 

the endless journey just started

They say being a mom would change your blood. I took the saying to heart and literally, I was waiting for the moment it would happen. I imagine after a long deep sleep, I woke up and felt a new me. Smiling like an angel. Of course, no such things happened. After 9 months of waiting with so much happening and much changing I do realize though, there is no blood change. People fooled me. 

But something did crack open. 

Mom's journey is waking up before your child and sleep after your child. In between her day is filled with work, cooking and cleaning and worrying and wondering if she did anything wrong. It is too much for a new mom to jiggle the balls and that stress finds way to hide inside. For the first time ever I felt like stress is also a friend. It was born by me, nurtured by me and somehow it feels me. It chose to stay resilient and helps me build up the stamina. Of course it does come to a point though and I have to let it out like now. Mom’s journey is growing with your child step by step. When I walked my baby for the first few steps, a deep gratitude swept over. I am grateful for this journey, for being a mom to my baby. Every night I cradled him to sleep, I adored him. Baby adoration is a thing one would never get tired of. Playing with baby is entirely different though. Of course now I have a newfound respect for moms. I want to be the best mom ever however knowing myself I think it’s best for my child to take the lead. It’s too early to say anything but my story would be no different to any other mom. On a scale of being a worrier to a warrior I think I am at both ends and being in the middle would be nice.

Hot like Indian summer

Breakfast at Oberoi

Arriving in Delhi on a summer night, it was scorching hot, like you were in a boiling kettle, evaporating each single drop. Across the street the dog is barking at 2am. Not strange of course, in the middle of airport. People are chatting around. The smell of the street, the dog and the sweat blended into the air. And then you said to yourself. Welcome back baby. 

The lady walked me to my room and asked if it was my first time in Delhi. I was so tired but she kept asking. I said no actually my third. Lived here practically for a month. Washed my face in the Ganges river. Walked through the rain cover with cows dung and all that. I used to think I was Indian in my previous life. But yeah, no. 

During the short stay, I tried to eat most Indian meal I can, soaking myself in the aroma. I don’t know if I liked it for itself or for the people I was with. It’s kind of both I guess. I do like the food but I wouldn’t try it if not for the people I loved. For the friends who cooked me the meal, got me watch Hindi movies together, stayed with me through the thick and thin, made my heart broke, made my heart full. Places are created by people and so are food. In a way, eating Indian food allow me to reconnect emotionally with my friends, to transport to the multiverse where I am a different person. So yes it is not a shame to like a food because of whatever so long as it brings me good feelings. It felt so good that I ordered myself room service with fish curry. Best ever. And it is such an quite luxury thing to do. I was sitting in the room a lone and having all the food for myself while no one watching. And it feels nice. It feels home.

Quiet luxury - in room dining 

While in Delhi, have some pizza :D

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Birth

I am writing this piece at 2am when my baby is sleeping and I am in a pumping session. All made possible by a hands-free breast-pump. Better late than never I guess. 

So here we go a reflection of the year end. Brand new is the key word.  A brand new baby and brand new mama. We’ve been together for almost 3 months. From rocking him to sleep for a few hours to putting him to sleep independently (almost!) for the whole night, mama is now having the time for her own. For the first time I feel like I can enjoy a moment of peace with my baby since he was born. Yesterday I was able to look at the sunset with him before putting him to bed for the night.  Lots of building with the pinkish sky as the canvas. Down there, cars moved slowly as people have been out for the holidays. It seemed quiet and relaxing. I am pretty sure he wasn't feeling that as the crankiness before bedtime just arrived. 

My first massage client :)

Needless to say my daily schedule is all about the boy. Feeding, burping, nappies change, napping, massage and bath and then bed time. My party only starts after 7pm when he is down for the night. Watching Netflix while pumping has become my night routine and then go to sleep.  Looking back, first month was horrible with all that struggle from milk supply to taking care of the baby.  Second month is a bit better where I got to figure out how to survive and glad I did with all the help from family and friends. I love the visit actually as my friends helped me bit to bit from feeding him to nursing him to sleep or just sharing their experiences, encouraging me to let go. And the fact is that I am not afraid to be who I am, talk shit and show how stellar I look in front of them is already a therapy session. I remember when the lady who came over to give Tom a bath, I was able to share with her my struggle and she helped me take care of baby for 30 minutes and that felt good. My family even flew over from Hanoi to help me for a few weeks. Baby brings family together indeed. So in retrospect, it's been a life changing experience. 

Now he is almost 3 months and showing us a little attitude already. Yet seeing him smile and ah goo with us kinda made all the struggle worth it. It's gonna be a long journey but glad it's already started. I've become a mom now.

3rd trimester or Your mama is a worrier

 

Leaving work early, I came home and crawled onto the bed though it was just 6pm. A sigh of relief. A milestone at work done. House renovation done. Shopping for baby almost done. Shopping for house... never enough! What else? Shopping for our cat to prep for baby arrival also done. Third trimester with all its triumph such as insomnia, leg cramp at night also adds "flavor" to the mix. Needless to say I felt exhausted and have become a cranky bitch. With all that is almost over, lying in bed with the cats by my side, a sense of stillness suddenly arrives. 

So yes 3rd trimester is quite special. 

A trimester where I feel visibly pregnant. Baby kicks anytime he wants as if my tummy skin is his canvas. Eating? No issue, let's kick. Walking? Doesn't matter, let's kick. Too noisy? Let's kick. I am the boss! Of course baby, till you come out... The funny thing with 3rd trimester is when people keep telling me my shoes lace are undone and I just keep smiling. You know what, trying carrying 10kg and a big water melon in front of you and tie the lace! Same feeling when I drop something on the floor, I look at that for a good minute and prepare for my perfectly fast squat to pick it up. I feel so proud of myself. 

3rd trimester, everywhere I go, people know I am pregnant without asking if that lady is fat or not. Believe me, it's a privilege that I don't have to prove. Company also gives me lots of perks during this 3rd trimester like leaving work earlier, transportation and flexi time. That's a lot to appreciate for. I just hope my cats see the same but they certainly don't...

3rd trimester is also a shopping frenzy time to prepare for nesting. Friends and family gave me lots of stuff from their well-kept vault and it certainly helped a great deal. I have also developed new shopping skill: thrifting! Most of my baby's stuff are 2nd hand and I had the chance to meet many moms from different countries when they handed their baby's things to me with careful instruction.  One mom even gave me contact of a breastfeeding specialist who could help with milk supply later on if I get any issue; one mom gave me lessons on how many bottles I should need. One lady even self-delivered the soft book for me for free and she said "you are glowing". I really don't know if I was glowing or sweating. I hope that baby could appreciate it though I didn't really have time to read books and listen to music like other moms. 

Time flies and my prenatal journey is far from my imagination of what it should have been from the start. There was a lot of things happened in between and I've tried my best but reality hits which is for the good end anyway. I am sitting here in our "new" living room with lots of light as I ever wanted, baby kicking as if he agrees. 

What pregnant woman wear

Pregnant or not, you are still a woman. Even though 75% of the time we dress like walking straight out of bed in a less than stellar outfits; 25% left we do want to look good and feel well just for the sake of vanity; for the sake of indulgence or just for the sake of being in control. You know sometimes life may go different way than your plan but you are in control of how to dress. 

Pregnancy more or less will be a test of your wardrobe - what will stay and what will leave. The judgement day will be by the end of your first trimester - the time when I gave away lots of my clothes as they no longer flatter my growing bump. There was tightness everywhere from the thighs to the tummy, making me feel so hot yet in another sense of that word.  The ones going away are mostly bottoms: shorts, pants, jeans - you name it. The ones that stay are not that something you would feel hot in though. These are mostly tees, floating dresses - the "nerdy" stuff, the ones who stay through thick and thin with you throughout the 9 month+ journey. There is one exception, that slip dress will stay too. You could be a sexy and cute mom in this dress. So yes, slip dress should be in your capsule wardrobe haha. 

My forever slip dress

Pregnancy will also be a chance to welcome new arrivals. It could be something of a surprise - which refers to items that are given to me from friends/family. Say a sexy dress that reveal all my boobs which I eventually chose to wear in bedroom and then forgot it at the hotel. Or an official workwear in silk with open neckline and a long bow at the waist. I felt royal wearing these. It was nice experience to wear something from someone.

The smocked dress my sister gave me

The lady boss dress my friend gave me

What I found so universal amongst us the bump ladies are the baby doll dresses and the knit dresses. The other day when I was in a prenatal class - about 100 pregnant women walked in and they all dressed in the same uniform. Guess what! Baby doll dress! It was indeed overwhelming but luckily I wasn't wearing one. I felt proud of myself...But I got it. Lets call them the B dress. They are cute and just downright comfortable. They let your bump breath and people won't notice your bump that much and that you can wear till your n-trimester!  So in the case you want less attention to your bump, the B dresses are the choice. I also picked these for the easiness as these require no effort, just put them on with some accessories and you are ready to go. 

The baby dolls collection

Yet, I feel knit dresses are more of my likings as they accentuate my curves which were hidden most of my life. We often hide our belly as these are less than perfect and there is no better time than now to let them float, let them free, let them go wild. Hence knit are it! The K dresses require a little more effort in coordinating your outfits though since you would want to make sure no panty lines visible to the mundane eyes. Lingerie is another story but let's not go down there now. The issue with K dress is that they might be a little tight when you get to your 3rd trimester so make sure you pick the knit with good stretch. Lots of moms also choose this as their uniform but sometimes it could get a little too much so I got them both. The K and the B - the best of both worlds!

The knit dresses collection

There are other options less popular than the above two such as dungaree/jumpsuit and wrap dress and shirt dress. These are also really cute and nice alternatives to the K & the B. Luckily, I work in a less formal company where we can wear sweat pants to work so I could have a little more freedom in my style in case you were wondering. 

The overall!

The shirt dress

Of course, some pants still work. For me, cotton leggings are the best. They can come in both maternity or non maternity version. Make sure your bump is comfortable in them. And let me tell you a secret trick!  Pick a dark color as we sometimes might pee ourselves and my dear, it's no embarrassment. We peed in bed when we were kids and now we pee standing up as a grown woman, bearing a child. It's the nature taking its course. It happened to me once after a sneeze and luckily I was wearing the black leggings and in the mall so I quickly recovered by buying the pads in the nearby supermarket. So much appreciation for the supermarket in the mall! 

Bump friendly leggings for workout and go out

As mentioned from beginning, most of the time I am just a cat mom, wearing cat printed clothes, watching the cats licking themselves or sleeping as if there is no need to dress up. Like everything, dressing up takes effort and one might feel too lazy, too tiring to think of something to wear, not to mention to wear for both you and the bump. But for me, it can make me feel better and it is also a nice way to celebrate a different stage of life, a new stepping stone in my womanhood.