Mishaps in the Andes as Reminders to Be Grateful
Last Friday, we were ready to leave for a short trip to Trujillo to start apartment hunting on the Peruvian coast. We woke up to news that day about avalanches blocking the central highway. The highway would be closed for five days and bus prices shot up from $3 to $30 per passenger as private cars offered to take people to Lima via detours and backroutes. I thought about all the people who would miss their flights, meetings, dates and precious time with their families.
On one overnight bus ride from Lima to Huancayo, we had chosen one of the more reputable bus companies to make sure we’d arrive safe and sound. Three hours from Lima, halfway to Huancayo, in the middle of nowhere in the Andes with no town in sight, there was a rebellion. I woke up groggily to realize that people were complaining about the bus stopping every half hour. It would stop for fifteen minutes each time. Someone explained that the motor was overheating and it was necessary for them to stop every half hour to splash it with water.
It was going to take forever to get to Huancayo. People shouted that they needed to arrive in time for work, that the bus should have called for backup as soon as they knew about the problem. We were locked in and passengers started banging on the windows, demanding to be let out.
When the driver finally unlocked the bus door, we all scrambled out to find that it was pitch dark outside and no one knew what to do but yell at the bus staff. We were lucky enough to flag down another bus on its way to Huancayo. They only took five of us and we had to sit on the floor in a little hallway behind the drivers. I arrived in Huancayo five hours later, freezing and with a major headache but thankful that we made it.
That’s what happens when things always go wrong — you remember to be grateful.
What went “wrong” this week and how can you turn that mishap into something to be grateful for?
Tags: be grateful, bus companies peru, gratefulness, mishaps andes, reputable buses peru, travel in peru
Kim Davies
Hi, Sam.
Thankfully nothing wrong happened to me during the week but it sure did happen to me almost four weeks in a row recently when my husband, my youngest daughter Elle, my eldest daughter Phoebe and my son Luke took turns in being hospitalized.
You can imagine how weary and down I felt because of everything that has happened, but there were people who lifted me up and reminded me that despite all these, there are still things we could be thankful for. I even wrote about it in my blog.
It seems that many bloggers are feeling pretty grateful these days. Posts are abound about gratitude. Makes me smile. 🙂
Hope you are having a great week, Sam. And, remember, hold on to that dream and I'm here if you need any help or even just a virtual touch of encouragement. 🙂
My recent post What Are the Things You Look Forward to Doing?
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I remember you telling me about that, Kim. How serious and scary to have family members hospitalized. =( You have been so strong in take care of your whole family! And I can imagine how grateful you were to have a support system.
I love the idea of us bloggers supporting each other in reminders to be grateful! =) That’s why this is such an awesome community! =) Happy week to you too, Kim, and thanks so much again for your support!
Tambre Leighn
What went different (I don't see it as going wrong)…hmmm. I went out of town on Sunday for what was supposed to be a couple of days of R&R. For many reasons, when I arrived I did not feel relaxed at all. It really doesn't matter why. It simply became an opportunity to ask myself what I needed (to go home) and give myself permission to be honest and say what I needed. Once I did that, I could relax and enjoy the one night stay instead of forcing myself into two nights knowing I would be heading home in the morning. Being flexible and honest with myself resulted in me having more time to prepare for a big meeting this week. I'm grateful I no longer waste precious time forcing myself to do things that aren't a good fit for me.
Samantha Bangayan
Great way to put it, Tambre! I was toying with the idea of saying something other than “wrong,” which is why I put the word in parentheses.
Thank you so much for sharing that important lesson! I can imagine this often happening during vacations and trips. It sure happens to me and I always try to remain flexible about a return date when I travel. If I’m truly not relaxing, then it’s not the time to force myself into forgetting what’s at the forefront of my mind.
In the end, I’m so glad that you felt you made a good decision for you. =)
Abe
Scary stuff Samantha. That’s a scary road to travel in the first place. Hmmmm, seems like so many things go wrong where I live that I often feel greatful for the lessor degree of all the probmatic issues I had to deal with. So yesterday a parant of one of our daughters friends came up to me in the store and asked if Karina got in trouble the other night. I said “No!!!! I’m unaware of anything she did for her to get into trouble for.” They proceeded to tell me that she and several other high school kids were caught on OC land (native owned) having a bon fire and party a cuple nights before school started. She the told me, “I don’t know if she was one of the kids drinking.” For the next five hours my thoughts are going a million differant dirrections until I could talk with her to get some answers. As I left work I noticed a dent in the rear hatch door of her mom’s SUV (the car she drove that night). Again my thoughts continued to run ramped. As we talked concerning the matter, Karina looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t do that stuff”. That’s all I wanted to hear. And as far as the dent in the door. She doesn’t need to know I saw it.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly what I mean, Abe! You understand me so well! With all the things that “go wrong” here, it makes me all the more grateful when things “go right” or as I planned them. =)
You always amaze me with your natural sense of leadership and role model status in your work and community, Abe! I’m glad you could be there as a second parent/adult for her. I hope she got the message even without words being said. And thanks so much for sharing this tidbit!
Lisa
I don't think I have any travel horror story to match that! But, even the small things can make us grateful. I tore a shoulder muscle back in June, and then the entire joint became inflamed and froze up. I couldn't move my arm above the horizintal. Suddenly, things I never even thought about – like getting dressed and shampooing my hair – became either excruciatingly painful or outright impossible. I've improved quite a bit, but I look back and think "Wow! I never paid attention to how wonderful it was to wake up in the morning, free of pain, and pull a sweatshirt over my head." Simple things which we don't really value until they're gone. Lesson learned.
My recent post Walter Farley and the Great Dane Thor – Photo
Samantha Bangayan
Omigoodness! What an important lesson to learn, Lisa! I’ve been under the weather on and off over the past few months too as I adjust to the new environment and it has really taught me to not take my health for granted! Thank you for reminding me of this!
I’m so happy to hear that you’ve regained most of the movement in your arm! =) I’ll be moving my arms around today in total bliss because of your story. Thanks, Lisa!
Late Bloomers
Scary, not knowing what will happen next, being stranded in the middle of nowhere within a locked bus. I can relate to the feeling of freezing and a huge headache after having travelled in a bus for hours.
The scariest thing which happened to me on the road was ages ago when travelling with a friend to Southern Israel. It was quite common to hitchhike in Israel and we did likewise. A truck stopped and the driver looked rather harmless, small of frame and friendly behavior, so we accepted the ride. We felt quite safe in the beginning but after half an hour he started to talk about sex and how lovely we were. And all the time there was a watemelon sitting next to him with a huge knife stuck into it! What to do in the middle of nowhere, actually the Negev Desert? What next? Would he use the knife to threaten us? And my Ivrit was not so good, and anyway how can words deter somebody from using force? I do not know why we escaped unharmed, he had his little revenge by dumping us on a dirt road in the desert and we had to walk back to the main road. 1st Lesson learnt: do not hitchhike, 2nd lesson: appearances can be deceptive.
Which brings me around to feeling grateful: experience is when you learn from your mistakes, stupidity is when you keep repeating the same mistakes.
Have a lovely day, Barbara
My recent post Eating Like Three Kings
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I’ve always been afraid of hitchhiking. You were so daring, Barbara! =) With the machismo culture here in Peru, I’ve had old men openly and disgustingly hit on me too. I sure learned my lesson from those minor incidents. Wow! I’m glad you got out of the situation unharmed and that you lived to not only tell the tale, but share what you learned.
Great quote on experience v. stupidity! That one’s going up on my desktop! =)
Virag
Oh, wow! This story of yours shows how much we have to take our destiny into our own hands in order to things should be sorted out for us. Just think about those that stayed on or around the bus, they probably did not make it to Huancayo so "fast" :). Sometimes you have to take chances, I know this by experience. I am happy that you are OK after all.
My recent post Wordless Wednesday – Birthday Wish
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought of it that way, Virag! I think I have a go-getting kind of attitude when it comes to taking care of myself. That’s what traveling has taught me! =) Love your pieces of wisdom, Virag, and it’s great to see you around here again! =)
RAAckerman @ The Adjuvancy, LLC
This is terrible. I've been there in various 3rd world countries. But, it happens with unnatural frequency to the DC Metro system. And used to be the norm on the Long Island Railroad (which Nelson Rockefeller had oft proclaimed was "the finest commuter railroad in the nation"- proving either he was on drugs or was desperate for political ridicule).
Or, travel in America on 9/11/01. Or on I-95 between DC and Fredericksburg or in that ridiculously run stretch in Delaware.
In other words, places where the government that is supposed to protect us with standards either fails miserably or lies to its citizens.
My recent post Whither? Wither?
Samantha Bangayan
Eek! I had no idea, Roy! I took the LIRR for the first time last year and it seemed super smooth and reliable to me. =) I can’t even imagine how it must have been before. =P
It’s such an important point that this doesn’t just happen in third world countries. Unpredictability is everywhere! =)
Chrysta Bairre
Another wonderful post, Sam!
I like to think of turning a negative into a positive as choosing to see an opportunity.
If someone is driving slowly in front of me, I can choose to embrace the opportunity to take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy life!
When the job I loved no longer existed after my company was acquired, I realized I had an amazing opportunity to transition to the type of work I really want to do.
I choose to see life as a wonderful adventure, taking what I get and making the most of it!
My recent post 10 Tips for Effective Communication
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Chrysta! =) You are truly an expert on turning negative experiences into positive ones. What a great example about someone driving slowly in front of you — an instant reaction would be to let that incident be a source of frustration. I imagine it takes practice to turn that around and make it something worth enjoying. =)
Likewise with losing your job! That could have been disastrous, but I’m so inspired by how you picked yourself up and chose to see it as an opportunity instead! =) You are my hero, Chrysta! =)
Vinny T
This week was a pretty sad one for me. My Mom finally passed away after a long debilitating illness, and I was determined to have a wonderful funeral service for her. The Limousine that we hired to take us to the cemetary never showed up, but that turned out to be good luck for us since we saved $500 and drove our own cars to the event instead.
Samantha, did you finally give up on Huancayo and decide to move to Trujillo? If yes, I know some people there who may be able to help you out.
Samantha Bangayan
Vinny, I am so, so sorry to hear about your mother. =( From what I know of you, it sounds like you were always there for her and I’m so glad you could spend one more beautiful Mother’s Day with her this year. =) Way to turn that potential frustration around with the limousine into a positive perspective!
As for Trujillo, Roy and I are still set on moving there, but it might be more delayed. We’ve tried to head there twice now and it’s seeming like the universe is just against the idea right now. =P First, there were avalanches and just this past week, an earthquake near Pucallpa! We’re going to try again next week, but if it doesn’t pan out, we aren’t going to be in a rush anymore. Roy’s classes don’t start until March, so we have some time still! =)
Marcus Baker
Always love reading your stories Sam. I am sure it was a little daunting at the time but how exciting too!!
One day you will remember all these stories because it's often in times of uncertainty and danger that we are most present in the moment and despite the risks we are free.
When we can accept that everything, especially that which we don't want happening to us comes for our highest good in some way, and that we don't have to know the reason why, then it becomes much easier to say thank you for all experiences regardless of how we judge them.
~Marcus
My recent post What’s the Difference Between you and This Baby?
Samantha Bangayan
I have to admit, it was kinda exciting, Marcus! =) Haha! You just looked into my heart right there. =) I’m always up for a mini adventure.
I sure hope that I do remember these stories and blogging has helped me document them. I’m notorious for having the worst memory when it comes to the simplest things and events, so my blog has been a really valuable tool for me as it has been for you I imagine! You always seem so present in every single one of your posts and it has been so helpful for me to learn from them.
That’s exactly what I meant to say but didn’t have the words to, Marcus! It’s about having that flexibility to accept life as is and moreover, to be thankful for everything, not just the so-called good. Hugs! Thanks for “getting” me, friend! =)
Deeone
Hey Sam,
You know… you never cease to amaze me on how much humility you possess. Same scenario here in the states and I know many who would've started a mini riot on that bus. I am however glad that you and Roy arrived there safely without harm or any other kind of disturbance.
This post also allows me to take a real good look at myself. And how I handled an incident that happened to Tim and I on this week. I wrote about it in a post named "Future Criminals…Perhaps".
What your post shared with me is that we all have really bad experiences, it's not the experience that we should concentrate on; but to find the expression of gratitude in the midst of the situation. Which if you've read the post, I did not do. I was just so angry, and allowed the situation to get the best of me. We've never lived in a neighborhood such as this one, and every single thing the neighbors do seem inconsiderate and thoughtless to me.
I know it happens from time to time, but that was an opportunity for me to be the bigger person. I thought all day yesterday, about taking that particular post down… but this morning I'm leaving it up as a reminder to myself of your lesson here in humility and gratitude. Thank you friend for sharing this with us. I can see a little bit clearer because of your post. 🙂
My recent post Whose Label Are You Wearing
Samantha Bangayan
Deeone, all I can say is “Wow!” It’s something so humbling and amazing to think that a question here could help you reflect and take action on something that has recently happened in your life. I hadn’t thought about it too much, but that was truly an underlying purpose in starting this blog. Giving examples and providing reflective questions to help both myself and others take a hard look at our lives and be more conscious about how we live! That’s for helping me to clarify that!
What’s so amazing to me, Deeone, is how you were able to open your heart and mind to take this information in and make a change in your life! As a Scorpio, I’m the type to get overly passionate and caught in my emotions. I don’t know if I would have been able to pull myself out of that cloud. Thank you for inspiring me with the actions you take in your life. =)
Deeone
Well, my only response to that Samantha, is that we were meant to enter into one another’s lives at this particular time in our lives. We sharpen one another more than the other could ever begin to imagine. So Thank you for those kind words and sentiments….but please know that the feelings are so very mutual. 🙂
Meghan
How true, Sam! I couldn’t agree more. So many times, as I have been adjusting to the unpredictable nature of just about everything in Peru, I have had to stop and simply be grateful. Be grateful that it will eventually work out. Be grateful that it’s not something much worse. And even simply be grateful that I am here experiencing all this. It’s hard to remember that, especially while sitting on the floor of a bus, but when you can find the gratitude the experience is that much richer.
Samantha Bangayan
You express it so, SO well, Meghan — that’s exactly how I feel! =) There IS definitely much to be grateful for and Peru has helped me open my eyes to all of it, even in those moments when it might be hardest to remember! =) Thanks for identifying with me on this, friend!
Carolyn@ The Wonder of Tech
Hi Sam, I am so very glad you are safe. What a harrowing experience.
I am a firm believer that you have no idea what will happen to you when you wake up in the morning. You may think you know, and may have your day scheduled to a T. But you really don’t. I’m serious, you don’t have a clue.
Sam, I’ve frequently gone indirectly from point A to point B, but your experience reminds all of us to appreciate our safety.
Again, glad you are okay, my friend.
Samantha Bangayan
That is a line that I *always* want to remember, Carolyn — “you have no idea what will happen to you when you wake up in the morning.” I identify with this line even more so now that we had an earthquake only 250 miles away from here just a couple days ago!
And I love the lesson you pull out of this post! I am wholeheartedly grateful for safety as well. Many people in the world live in fear every day — it makes the “fears” in my life fade way.
Adrienne
Wow Samantha,
The way I look at this is that everyone arrived safely and although I’m sure some people were upset they were late, wouldn’t it be something if right down the road something happened and they would then be thankful that the bus had to stop every 15 minutes. They can gripe when it’s inconveniencing them but they should just be thankful they arrived safely.
Glad you and Roy got their safely although it probably wasn’t the most pleasant ride you’ve ever had. Also glad you guys are safe and nothing drastic happened in your immediate area with the recent earthquake.
Yep, you are truly blessed.
Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly so, Adrienne! This has me thinking about my supposed travels to Trujillo. We’ve had to cancel our trip twice now — two weeks ago because of avalanches and last week because of an earthquake 250 miles away in the Peruvian rainforest. But I’m currently grateful because it has given time for me to finish up some interviews that I couldn’t and Roy was even offered a job here during the time we were supposed to be traveling!
As you say, I am truly blessed! =) And I continually learn gratefulness from you too, Adrienne. =) Thank you!
Adrienne
See, everything turned out the way it should be. That’s how I chose to look at things. So is Roy going to take the job or are you two still moving? If so, everything will work out the way it’s suppose to. I truly believe that and once again, you guys are safe. That alone was worth it!
So glad something I share is rubbing off on you Samantha. You have SO much to be grateful for and you are truly blessed. That I do know for sure. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
That’s actually our predicament right now! =) We already have that trip planned to Trujillo and we want to carry it through, but we won’t rush things if we don’t find an apartment this time. His classes in Trujillo don’t start until March anyway, so if we can save up here in Huancayo, it might be worthwhile! =)
Thanks for asking, Adrienne! =)
I've Become My Parents
I remember spending a night in a broken bus travelling across the altiplano. The windows iced over inside and out. It was a long, cold night.
This week, I lost some colleagues, and a friend lost a granddaughter in a plane crash. It was a big shock for many. Of course I look at my family and recognize how fortunate I am.
My friend and his family have been truly, deeply hurt. But within all that was also a remarkable blessing: his other, 7 year-old granddaughter was one of only three survivors of the crash.
Samantha Bangayan
Holy mackerel, Eric! That sounds like an equally freaky bus horror story! And I’m so, so sorry to hear about the plane crash. =( Life is way too short. Thank you finding the positivity in this very unfortunate incident. Remarkable indeed that your friend’s granddaughter came out of those alright! I will be valuing life for sure.
Stuart Nager
Hi Sam..glad you came through. As one of my favorite online people/friends, I am always wishing you happiness.
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks, friend! =) You are one of my favorites too, Stu! Sending and sharing happiness right back your way!
Hajra
Thankfully nothing wrong this week but I did have bad journeys and there is so much I can talk about. I was once travelling to meet my best friend for her birthday and being winters, the trains were delayed too long and had to take the bus – a 4 hour long journey turned into a 6 hour long series of mishaps. It rained like crazy and the roof was leaking… yes it was and the windows were jammed so it was very suffocating! Thankfully I made it but it scared the life out of me; I still do take bus rides but after making sure the bus is all well 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Omigoodness! That certainly sounds like a travel horror story a little bit, Hajra! =P Sounds like you’re a veteran and the adventure you shared sounds like something that could definitely happen to me here too. =P You’re so right that that’s when planning becomes so important. =)
Sherry Zander
Love it when you share your (mis) adventures in Peru. I am grateful that nothing really bad happened to you. You and Roy are very fortunate. It could’ve been even worse and I see why that makes you grateful. I think we have mishaps happen quite often throughout life. Those who have good attitudes and grateful hearts (like you and Roy) find it relatively easy to dismiss them as simply “life.” Others walk away from situations like the one you just described in this post angry, with a sense that nothing good ever happens in life. It really is all in the perspective, and it’s a choice. Will you choose to accept that misadventures happen in life, or will you become angry and bitter? As for me, I choose to let it go and move on.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s right, Sherry! When things go “wrong,” I’m always grateful that things didn’t turn out worse than they did. =P And you’re so right about the attitude. We try so hard to make life comfortable when it would just be so much easier to let go and realize that things can’t be perfect the way we imagine them to be. =P Love that we have the same perspective! =)
Sherry Zander
That’s one of the many things I love about you, Sam — 😉
Adam Sokoloff
Hi Sam, thanks for sharing that terrific story! These past couples weeks have been filled with reminders to be grateful. Last week I had a major flood at my business. We had only moved into this new building two months prior. I was grateful for employees that care and having sufficient insurance coverage.
This week we had a minor earthquake on the east coast of the US, which we are not accustomed to having at all. That is being followed up by a very large hurricane. I am grateful that as Irene moves in, no one has been injured and the damage has been minimal here.
I am also very grateful to have loved ones to share these experiences with.
Thanks again Sam. -Adam
Samantha Bangayan
Adam, it’s SOO great to meet you and thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! I have never had a flood happen to me yet and it sure does sound like a test of your gratefulness, especially having only recently settled in! How beautiful to hear how your team truly cares. =) That’s something worth seeing.
I especially like your final sentence on gratefulness about the loved ones in our lives. I’m realizing more and more how relationships are the foundation for what makes life meaningful and fulfilling. I mean, do we really need all those material things? =) What uplifts us and motivates us is love! =)
Thanks so much for your thoughts, friend! =)
Evelyn Lim
What an adventure! It sure sounds exciting! I am glad to know that you made it finally. It’s also wonderful that you have turned it into a lesson on being grateful at the end. It made me think how I lucky I have always been.
Thanks for a beautiful post!
Samantha Bangayan
It was definitely an exciting experience to say the least, Evelyn! =) You know, I thought about how it would make a good story as I was going through that fiasco. =)
Aww, you’re welcome! I also love any reminder of how lucky I am! =)
Thanks so much for stopping by, friend! =)
Bryce Christiansen
Hi Samantha,
Thought I’d meet you personally after reading your comments on Adrienne and Carolyn’s sites.
You have an excellent positive attitude. That’s really hard to do.
This weekend, my friend had a sports party that I was supposed to go to, but I already had a previous engagement at the same time. I was hoping to make it to both, but by the time I got done with the first event, the game at my friend’s house was over.
To make up for it, I looked up when the next tournament would occur so I could block off the time to have another party in the future.
Hope to be back soon,
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Bryce, it’s SOO great to meet you! =) Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences! =)
I have a feeling that having a positive attitude can be made into a habit. =) If we make the point of being grateful all the time, whether “good” or “bad” things happen, the positive attitude seems to come more naturally!
What a bummer that you weren’t able to make it to both events that night, but I love how you remedied the situation! =) It just goes to show that if we’re flexible, there’s always a solution. And sometimes, the alternative solution is even better than we ever had imagined. =)
Thanks so much again for reaching out, Bryce! =) Heading over to your blog right now!
Sonia Marsh/Gutsy Living
Oh how this reminds me of the adventures we had in Belize where you never know what to expect. In a way it’s part of the excitement of adventure; not knowing what’s going to happen next, although I don’t think the scary incident about being lucked up in the bus was something I’d enjoy. Glad you got there safely.
Samantha Bangayan
I guess mishaps are pretty common wherever we travel, eh? =) I love your attitude about it — if we consider it all part of the adventure, it never has to be a “mishap” at all! =) Loved your thoughts on this, Sonia, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Dennis Salvatier
Wow what an amazing story. You always have a way of putting things back into perspective for me when I read your blog. You’re definitely leading a life of adventure. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Aww thanks, Dennis! =) I hardly feel like I’m living a life of adventure, but maybe you’re right. And then again, maybe we all live a life of adventure. =)
Rachel Lavern
Gratitude almost sounds too simple to be so profound, however, it can change our attitude…and thus your life, forever. I stumbled across the following quote just today: “When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present… We experience heaven on earth.”
Samantha Bangayan
Isn’t that true, Rachel! I was recently looking up happiness in research studies and gratitude seems to be a key factor! =)
Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful and eloquent quote! I’ll be putting that one on my desktop! =)
Penelope J.
What a story! What a trip! The awful thing is that I was about to say that kind of thing “used” to happen in Mexico and now bus travel is very comfortable – legs up, in-house TV etc. Then I remembered a recent dreadful accident my ex was in, how narcos are stopping buses, putting up obstacles that they run into at night, and sometimes taking hostages; how many untimely little incidents turn bus travel into a nightmare; how many Mexicans are now scared of traveling on certain routes because of what they may encounter. So instead, your story took me back to the good old days when buses overheated, turned out to be milk runs with chickens and locals sharing space, and people got mad or rebelled against the often poor driver for taking too much time or having a blown tire, etc.
You got home, late, cold, miserable and intact. That’s what really matters.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I can totally relate, Pennie! This has been happening mostly in the north where bus drivers have deals with violent robbers and actually stop to let them on. This is why Roy and I pay for the most expensive buses when we travel up to Trujillo and when we visited Ecuador last month!
This just goes to show how much *more* have to be grateful for! =)