Following their vacation to Brazil and Peru and once they had returned home and recuperated from the long journey back to Singapore, we caught up with Nellie & George Lee. They kindly agreed to share their unique story, thoughts and experiences with us about their South America vacation.
Double rainbow & Nellie on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls / Source
Why did you choose to travel to Brazil and Peru?
Both Brazil and Peru are destinations that we hadn’t traveled to before yet we had heard so much about them which is why we had to visit them.
What was your favorite part of the whole trip?
Our favorite part of the whole trip was being able to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain to witness the spectacular site of Machu Picchu from 300m (984ft) above. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to complete the climb with its tricky corners and thin stone steps, but we made it!
Which was your favorite hotel you stayed in and why?
La Cantera Iguazu Hotel on the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls was our favorite hotel. Located in the jungle, the hotel’s surroundings showed nature at its best and it was a quiet and very relaxing place to stay.
Nellie with some llamas relaxing at Machu Picchu / Source
Who was your favorite guide and what did they share with you that added to your experience?
Wilson at Iguazu was incredibly accommodating, patient and knowledgeable and our guide, Pascual at Machu Picchu was very experienced and had great facts and knowledge to share with us. He was also able to show us the best spots for taking photos which was great.
Which is your favorite photo that you took from your trip?
The shot taken of both of us at Machu Picchu with backdrop of the mountain is our favorite photo. Seeing it for the first time is a surreal experience and no photo can really do the beauty of this place justice. Machu Picchu was one of our highlights of the trip and this photo captures this great moment.
Nellie & George’s favorite photo at Machu Picchu / Source
Which moment of your trip will you never forget?
For me (Nellie), the climb up Huayna Picchu was a special moment and thrilling experience. Reaching the top of Huayna Picchu signified a special symbolic victory over cancer as my numb toes from the chemo, even today make my footsteps and grip difficult.
Nellie, what inspired you to write about your travel experiences with us on your blog “Beating Cancer Now: 10 Things We Did Right”?
I wanted to capture all the wonderful moments that I have experienced after my (successful) battle with cancer. Hopefully, my travel stories and I will be of some inspiration for those fighting cancer today and also to show them what beautiful places and experiences can be ahead of them, when they beat cancer!
What would you recommend or suggest to other people traveling to Brazil and Peru?Traveling from Singapore, I would recommend to be prepared for the long 33-hour flight. However, no matter where you are traveling from or how long your journey is, what awaits you is something which will be well worth it and simply extraordinary.
The view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu Mountain / Source
Where else in Latin America is on your list of places you want to discover and why?
We want to go to the Galapagos Islands to see all the animals that are endemic to the Galapagos. Buenos Aires is also on our list of places we want to visit whilst we watch Evita!
Do you have any other stories from your trip to share with us?
Riding the boat and both of us standing under the mighty falls at Iguazu and feeling the force, awesome power and beauty was an unforgettable experience.
If you had to describe your overall travel experience in 1 word, what would it be?
Unforgettable!
Nellie keeping dry at Iguazu Falls / Source
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