Climbing a Rainbow

(22 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Aimee Langlas

Cedar Rapids, IA

African Safari & Custom European Specialist

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page." -St Augustine

To better understand what travel means to me, here are a few pages from this travel girl's journal...

Europ...

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page." -St Augustine

To better understand what travel means to me, here are a few pages from this travel girl's journal...

Europe’s Enchantment:

The history soaked ambiance of Europe will mesmerize your spirit immediately. From the very first step I took in Europe, I felt like I was walking into a fairytale. I haven’t decided which captivates me more, the grandeur of centuries old architecture, the maze of cobblestone streets each leading to a different adventure, the smells and tastes of epicurean delights along the endless rows of cafes, the awe-inspiring works of art and invention found at countless museums, galleries, cathedrals and basilicas, the congenial hospitality of villagers anxious to share the richness of their unique traditions, or the enticing music of romance echoing around every corner. Whether one prefers bustling city centers, quaint medieval villages, peaceful country sides, serene rivers, towering mountains, or rolling hills of vineyards, I love creating a personalized road map enabling the traveler to discover and experience the endless treasures of Europe.

Journey through History:

I very rarely take a vacation that isn’t based on some type of learning. I remember visiting the Netherlands, France and Germany shortly after watching Schindler’s List for the first time, and I made it a point to visit some significant sites along WWII’s destructive path. Normandy’s Omaha Beach with its 9,387 white crosses were a chilling reminder of the sacrifice made by so many. Viewing firsthand the haunting remains of the concentration camp near Dachau changed my life forever. Strolling through history by literally walking in another person's footsteps has taught me many things and has altered my perception. I love that about travel...imagining what life was like in another era for another person traveling along the same unfamiliar path...it leaves an imprint on my own journey.

Becoming One with Nature:

I sometimes find myself needing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That's typically when I begin to hear the call of nature ushering me into the wild. Forget the city, I want to roam with the animals and escape to the forest. From Costa Rica to Canada, Switzerland to Peru, Rwanda to Bali, nature has everything my mind, body and soul needs to rejuvenate. The adventure of safaris, zip lining, caving and hiking helps me recall the invigorating excitement and wonder I felt as a child. On the flip side, the adult in me longs for the peace and quiet nature provides, allowing me time to focus on my overall wellness by incorporating things I don't always make time for like personal reflection, meditation and yoga. I've found that taking time to travel for my own well being is one of the greatest gifts I can give myself.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry:

Like most people, I love to eat! From seafood to pasta to cheese to chocolate to WINE, BEER and more WINE, sampling the "best" another country has to offer in terms of their culinary scene is essential for me when traveling. I'm the girl that has to do extensive research on local restaurants before going anywhere. Beginning each day with a delicious energy packed breakfast, knowing the perfect spot to grab a baguette and some olives for lunch, indulging in a scrumptious dinner then rounding out the evening with the best gelato around...these are essential details one should never overlook when planning travel. I even have a "bucket list" of restaurants around the world to discover. Top any meal off with the merry company of others and...Bon Appetit!

All Aboard:

Everyone should experience an iconic overnight train ride at least once in their lifetime. One suggestion would be to hop on VIA RAIL through Canada.The trek from Montreal to Nova Scotia is one of my most memorable excursions to date. It’s difficult to choose a favorite among whale watching off Brier Island, eating the best seafood pasta I’ve had in my life in Digby, sampling craft brews in Wolfville, tiptoeing through a centuries old cemetery on a ghost tour in Annapolis Royal, driving the breathtaking Cabot Trail of Cape Breton, enjoying the nightlife in Halifax or stepping into the eerie fog covered seaport of Lunenburg. I experienced Scottish, Acadian, French and German culture all in one fabulous trip. I must also note that I can't recall a better night's sleep than the one I had onboard...slept like a baby!

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I remember the first time I saw an image of the Rainbow Mountains,"I have to go there," I declared impetuously, so I built it into my group as an optional excursion. However, as the time drew nearer for me to actually climb this beautiful beast, the reality began to sink in.

I got up at 3:30 that morning, taking the bumpiest car ride I've ever experienced, to travel several hours and several thousand feet up to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead. At 15,200 ft elevation I stepped out of the van. Only another 2000 ft up to go, ha! On the initial climb to reach the area where I hoped to rent a horse, I ran into a familiar face, one that has haunted me for years. Like the time I struggled to complete my swimming test at summer camp, but I couldn't catch my breath, FEAR, I remember you.

Suddenly, I was throwing my walking sticks, dropping my pack, ripping off my hat and coat, almost falling to my knees. My native guide approached me quickly, asking if I suffered from asthma. "I have an oxygen tank if you need it," he said. "No, not yet," I replied. He grabbed my hands, and poured several drops of liquid from a strange bottle. "Rub it in your hands, clap 3 times then lift your hands to your face and breathe in deeply." Almost immediately my airways cleared, the air was crisp, fresh and invigorating. "What is this stuff?" "Condor pee," he replied (it wasn't really) "Now let's get you up that hill and find you a horse."

An Andean Rainbow Runner will rent you their horse to walk the first 40 minutes of the trail. While only climbing 400 ft in elevation, this allows a rider precious time to regulate their breathing. "What's your name?" I asked the elaborately dressed mountain man. "Joaquin" he replied, "my horse is Amore." So, I'm being led up this daunting mountain by WALKING LOVE? Ok, I can do this.

I spent the next 40 minutes getting in the zone. Breathe in through my nose for 3 seconds, breathe out through my mouth for 3 seconds, pat the horse with my left hand, inhale the condor pee with my right hand, connect mind with body, focus, relax. At 15,600 ft, I thanked my horse and watched as he trotted back down the path. The rest of the journey would be made on foot.

I knew there would be many places to stop along the way, several switchbacks, then about 4 platforms on the ascent to the summit. I told myself it didn't matter how slow I went. I was going to take things one step at a time. I found I could actually take about 15-20 steps before I'd have to stop for a few minutes, rest my forehead on my sticks, lower my heart rate, and calm my breathing.

My group had passed me long ago and my guide kept a watchful eye on me from above. Every now and then I'd hear "Aimee, you can do it" from somewhere up the mountain. Periodically I'd see someone sitting, crying and gasping for air, people with oxygen masks on, and others being carried down the mountain. I just kept going.

3 days earlier I was introduced to The Professor, our National Geographic guide for the Sacred Valley. He said something the first day that really resonated with me. "The faster you live, the faster you die. Slow down, live in the moment, enjoy the experience." I kept saying these words over and over in my mind as I looked up and walked some more.

It had been raining and snowing, making the path muddy and slick. The steps were huge and irregular, my legs felt like iron. I could only walk about 10 steps at a time, but I maintained my focus. Before I realized it fully, my group was rushing over to hug me, congratulating my success. Somehow I had done it. I had reached the summit.

I spent 20 minutes up there just taking it all in. The views, the air, it was more spectacular than I could have imagined. We built a cairn, each of us discarding our troubles and worries as we placed our stones on the tower. We gave thanks to Pachamama and promised to take the mountain's love with us to share with the world.

I left the mountain that day with an overwhelming sense of pride, and throughout the next 48 hours, I began sporadically crying. I didn't anticipate how this experience would affect me. In the days preceding the journey, while my fear prepared to get the best of me, it never occurred to me what it might feel like if I were to actually overcome it. Anxiety has beaten me in the past, but this time I found an inner peace I haven't felt before. Perhaps I just needed to be a little slower, a little older, and a little smarter in order to defeat my foe.

Climbing a mountain is a test of will. While I was able to reach the top, it wasn't my greatest accomplishment that day. On November 11th, 2022, at an elevation of 17,060 feet in the Andes Mountains of Peru, I let go of my fear, and let in all the air I needed. I love this life!