COMING SOON TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU

Alright, I'm back. It's been a cascade of activity since the last update from La Paz. In the last three weeks in Peru we've smashed up a three day trek through the Colca Canyon, ridden a bike down a massive, sandy wedge of mountain, rafted a bunch of rapids and, most notably, taken a four day, 90km march under full pack to Machu Piccu, where we were beaten through the gates by Susan Sarandon, despite being first up the mountain by more than 40 minutes. Damn celebrities.

Oh yes, and I turned thirty, which, on reflection, was the most dangerous thing I've done since arriving in South America, due largely to the irregular alcohol measures offered by the bartenders of Cusco's nightspots. The second day of my 30th year proved one of the most challenging of the trip, for which I have Alan Hook to thank. Fortunately for me, I have two years to plan my revenge. He'll keep.

I'm going to sit down tomorrow and scribble up a few of the more notable actions of the recent campaign. I can't promise chuckles, but I'll do my level best. Highlights are set to include:

• German Betty's views on birdwatching, Alan Hook and early mornings
• the re-education of Cusco's cab drivers
• Belgians... good or evil?
• Successful parenting through disipline, with Alan Hook

All that and much, much more coming to Truedrinks soon. Stay tuned.

That is all,

Dale Atkinson