Hiking in Peru was an adventure that I would have never imagined myself having. I was at a state of mind where I had many self doubts and physical ability was certainly the biggest one. I told myself just go and you will figure out what you can do when you are there but I was so determined to go just to prove to myself that I can overcome anything. I did not train so hard but certainly increased my exercise routine a bit. Had to go through a lot of paperwork to get the tourist visa – something people in this part of the world have to deal with when they wish to travel – and finally accept that I owe it to myself to spend that money on me and to fly for 24 hours to reach my destination knowing only a couple of ladies. It was the best decision I ever made!
I was the only Arab Muslim woman in a group of strong amazing ladies and I bonded with almost everyone. After all, we are all alike. In Peru, every place we visited was out of this world. Food was exquisite, the hiking was really energizing, the Peruvians, the people, the culture, the history, the rituals and the lamas! Everything was so enriching. I met some amazing ladies in their fifties and sixties but way fitter than me. I was blown away.
I managed to climb the Huayna Picchu which was something that never even imagined that I can do. Overall, I felt that both my body and soul were satisfied. That was my very first hiking trip and I fell in love with it.
Ever since, I went hiking in different places. The latest was just yesterday in Slovakia along with my children and my husband of four months. I am very thankful for everything I experienced during that trip.
Yasmine Naguib