THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
MACHU PICCHU AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS APRIL 2017
1. It all began twelve month ago, a seed took hold and grew,
Why not take a holiday to Ecuador and Peru?
We all took to the air to both Madrid and to Brazil
But an iPad was abandoned there left on the plane by Gill!
2. The group formed up in Lima and became the Magnificent Seven
We came from Reading and Shropshire, from Kent and Knowle and Devon.
Our leader was Juan Carlos, who led our merry band,
From Lima up to Cusco across the Inca Land.
3. An early flight to Cusco at 11,000 feet,
Where the fabulous Camilla was there on hand to greet.
With coca tea and info we hit the Inca trail,
Heading for Machu Picchu by road, and bus and rail.
4. We lodged near Ollantaytambu with a birthday cake to share
Before eagerly seeking a condor or even a spectacled bear!
But the altitude took its toll on Gill and poor young Sheri
When a dose of Incas Revenge made them both feel much less merry!
5. But Machu Picchu beckoned with so with eager expectation
We struggled up the tortuous route to reach our elevation,
We gazed in awe and wonder, for there in all its glory
Lay the city in the clouds with its ancient Inca story.
6. Descending through the ruins the Inca tale was told
Camilla brought it all to life, its magic to unfold.
On the homeward journey, Sheri hatched a cunning deal,
In the honour of her birthday lets treat Pam to a meal!
7. We shared two cakes amongst us, saw a condor flying high....
But all too soon Peru goodbye ... and to Ecuador now hi!
In Quito Fernando awaited us, a veritable vision in blue,
Over dinner at La Cuchina he imparted all he knew.
8. Clear sky meant a change of plan, the cable car it beckoned -
Later on the cathedrals and the city tour came second.
In her search for fabric to make some quilted bedding
Be-shorted Sheri stayed in town and took communion at a wedding!
(For she is a judge and a good judge too!!)
9. Puddings served by monks to give us all a fright
Was followed by a drive from hell involving traffic lights!
Onward to Galapagos the epitome of peace
To follow Darwins footsteps, the origins of the spec(ies).
10. With resounding cries of vamanos and boobie talk galore,
Jeanette was heard to mutter, Theres been much poop talk on this tour!
With Christines timely questions and Davids mighty lens
We may have come as strangers but were leaving here as friends.
11. Deep sea snorkelling brought chaos against a choppy tide
It put Sheri into panic mode; Gill and Ed hung oer the side!!
But here upon the Legend our trip has reached its peak
Weve ventured far and wide, new creatures for to seek.
12. As part of Joselyns dolphin group weve really been the biz
Despite a brave attempt to win, we came second in the quiz.
Weve managed to observe so much of nature in its glory
From giant tortoise to boobies to follow Darwins story.
From iguana, crabs and albatross and many coloured fishes
And frigates, owls and mocking birds to satisfy our wishes.
13. But all good things come to an end, its time for us to part,
Forever Peru and Ecuador will have a place in our heart
So thank you to Fernando who will send us on our way
Lets raise a glass to one and all for a super holiday!
Pam and Gill