From the Pennines to the Andes
Wed, 09 May 2012 12:01:00 BST
Business School Marketing Assistant Shannon Berry is near to completing a round the world trip with close friend Lucy Senior (we think they will be even closer now having spent a year and a few challenges together!).
Shannon sent an update to the Business School from an orphanage in Peru where she has been working as a volunteer, and getting to see a side of the country many backpackers wouldn’t see.
"Our trip has been so diverse,” Said Shannon, “one week we're diving on the great barrier reef, or sleeping in a swag under the stars in Uluru to jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft in New Zealand or sipping the milk from a fresh coconut under a palm tree in Fiji. The 9 month round the world trip we embarked on last September has certainly allowed us to tick off plenty from our 'Bucket Lists'.
“The past month in particular has been the most surreal. We went from the favelas and Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to battling altitude sickness as we made our ascent up through the Andes to the poor city of Huancayo, Peru. The reason we traded our bikini's for thermal alpaca socks being that we had arranged 3 weeks volunteering at the largest orphanage in the city, Coto Coto Orphanage.
“We are working with Mosoq Ayllu, a non profit organization based in Huancayo city in the highlands of Peru which aims to help people in economically depressed communities to improve their living conditions.
“Our 3 weeks have been spent entertaining the babies to 3 year olds. A challenging job at the best of times but when you speak no Spanish like the two of us 'Gringos' it becomes even more of a task!
“The orphanage itself houses children from 0-16year olds, many having been abandoned or having parents that are alcohol dependent. Some of the older age groups stories are less simple and a little more harrowing.
“Although difficult at times and tiring always we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here. You develop a real bond with each child and it's going to be very difficult saying goodbye. It's been one of the hardest yet most rewarding periods of our trip and it's an experience we would encourage others to embark on if they ever get the opportunity.
“Needless to say after our stint in the orphanage, although humbled, we are ready for some more R&R in the form of Miami at the beginning of June! First the small matter of a trek up to Machu Picchu and an expedition into the Amazon before we hit South Beach”.
We think that’s a well deserved climax to an eye-opening trip!
