MAIWAR & TOM ARRIVE IN PERU
Those of you who read our January article about Tom Robinson and his quest to row across the pacific, might be interested in his latest update below. Of course the hard part is still ahead, but even to get to this stage is a rare achievement. His mix of innocence and determination is mildly fascinating. And he writes well!
Dear Sponsors, Supporters, Family and Friends,
I am pleased to be writing this update from beautiful Peru. I arrived here a few days ago, 40 hours after leaving Brisbane airport.
My first ever long-haul flight, from Brisbane to Los Angeles, was enjoyable and meditative. Between sleeping, reading and pondering I was regularly fed and watered. At one point they even handed out chocolate paddle pops, ice cream on a stick, hey, what a clever idea.
My biggest fear for the journey came in the form of 5 suitcases packed full with speciality expedition food, obscure electronics and a pretty serious array of prescription medication for the first aid kit. I was armed with a 2 inch thick folder filled to the brim with letters of recommendation from two embassies, yacht clubs, rowing clubs, doctor, along with as much information about the journey as possible, in both English and Spanish. Imagining the inside of an interrogation room, I was planning for the worst and hoping for the best. The success of this journey lay in those suitcases. Amazingly, it all went through customs without a hitch, not an eyebrow was raised. What a sigh of relief after months of concern.
I was picked up at the airport and driven straight to the Yacht Club of Peru, where I was introduced to some of the managers. We then walked 100 metres down the road to 'Club de Regatas Lima', an iconic Peruvian rowing club. Here they have basic accomodation for travelling rowing teams. This includes a small room with 2 bunk beds - my new home.
These two clubs are based in La Punta, an old, wealthy district in the very north of Lima. Being here is a truly authentic experience. The colourful architecture is quintessential Spanish colonial, quite the treat for a misplaced Australian. La Punta is home to the best bakery in Lima and some nice eateries. It seems that very little English is spoken here; combine that with my total lack of Spanish and life gets a little interesting. Ordering a meal involves pointing at something and hoping for the best. Peruvians are very proud of their food, I now understand why.
The past few days have been spent finding my feet and exploring Lima. The geography, topography, climate and culture are all completely new to me. Days are easily spent basking in the richness that surrounds: new sights, smells and sounds greet me with every turn. The lack of communication heightens these senses and sharpens the eye.
A note on new experiences: I naively expected to go the rest of my life without ever using a communal locker room shower. Alas, it wasn't to be. No matter how hard I try, each morning I enter the bathroom at the same times as the Lima Masters coxed four. There are six showers, we all have our spot. With an average age of 80, and a gold medal in their sights, these men are as confident as one hopes to be. Although the language barrier hinders all communication, needless to say we are all getting to know each other pretty well.
La Punta is one of the safest parts of Lima, due mostly to the extra security. These men and women patrol the streets in military garb, complete with their pants tucked into high, lace up boots. I would be intimidated by these guards were it not for their choice of transportation. The full force of La Punta's security is exercised from the padded seats of single speed beach cruiser bicycles. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the geometry of the bike, meaning the rider is forever 'laid back'.
There is of course, something much more important than bakeries, showers and bicycles: my dear Maiwar and our overdue reunion. I was told to wait 3 weeks for her to get through customs, which was last Friday. So, we'll see. I'm not holding my breath. However, I am getting understandably excited about what lies ahead.
The club I am staying at has a number of rowing boats for the membership. I now have a nice French coastal rowing boat I am using to explore the bay and toughen up my hands again. Watching the sun set over the horizon, while pulling at the oars is a delight, and one that will soon become a regular feature.
Wandering the streets of this strange and beautiful little slice of Peru, knowing nobody; the absurdity of it all finally struck me. At no point up until now has it seemed unusual to send a rowing boat half way around the world to an unfamiliar, developing country, only to row it back home. But now I understand; it puts a smile on my face.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Robinson
