Page 55 - Bulletin, Vol.83 No.3, December 2024

TRAVEL DIARY: PERU, MOTORBIKES, THE ROAD

AND THE INCAS

By Christian DAVID

Many have tried to explain the sensations you have when riding a motorbike whether it
be the unique feeling of freedom or the indescribable consciousness that you become
one with your engine while remaining in total harmony with your environment.

Five solid bikers in their fifties (and even older), sharing the same passion, had resolved
to have a taste of freedom and to enjoy being together during a mini adventure. They
were not disappointed ! Gé, the boss, honorary president and founder of the Carpe
Diem motorbike club organized our trip. With Jo, his little brother, outstanding biker,
1
Jean-Mi, exceptional rider, kind and funny, and Jim, the latest member, an aircraft pilot,
and finally Chris, the oldest member of the group.

Day 1

In Lima, we are greeted by Nina Lina, our guide. She tells us about the religions,
traditions and heritage of her country, which has everything to succeed: wealth, mineral
resources, hard-working people, but which suffers from a corrupted government. The
first day is free, and it is Aurora who guides us through the colonial city, the Cathedral
and the fabulous Larco museum, which contains thousands of relics. We understand
that the colonisers who plundered the resources of the country are not really popular.
As we will see throughout the journey, the people are deeply Catholic, but in no way
forget their roots and their original culture. A syncretism that blends religions allows,
among other things, that the Virgin Mary be represented as a Pachamama, the Inca
goddess of prosperity.

1 https://www.carpediem71motoclub.fr/

AAFI-AFICS BULLETIN, Vol. 83 No.3, 2024-12 53

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