WE DIDN’T SPEAK UNTIL WE MET AT THE AIRPORT
Carla Marshall, 60, owns an interior design shop and lives in Stansted, Essex. She travelled to Peru with Shakra Farrell, 49, a director of a childcare centre, who lives in Sydney, Australia
CARLA SAYS: When I booked the trip to Peru, I’d been suffering with lung problems for three years and had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I often struggled to breathe and used an asthma inhaler. I was feeling down about my health, and thought the jungle’s fresh air would boost my wellbeing. But Peru isn’t a destination friends or family wanted to visit, which is why I linked up with Shakra.
We found each other on a Facebook group for yoga retreats. Shakra’s post about Peru, and wanting an adventure, caught my eye because it was a place I’d always wanted to visit. We messaged each other a few times to chat about the trip and within a week, we’d both booked the yoga retreat there. The first time I met Shakra in person was at Lima airport – we’d never even spoken on the phone. Then we took a three-hour boat journey deep into the Amazon jungle. Although there was an age difference, we clicked immediately. I think it was the spirit of adventure. Neither of us had done anything like this before and it was the first time Shakra had left Australia on her own.
We stayed at an eco-retreat in the Tambopata Reserve, in Madre de Dios. To wash, we used water from a rusty container and there was no electricity after 8pm. But the retreat was in a beautiful, remote jungle. Red howler monkeys woke us every morning and geckos visited our hut while huge butterflies flew around the camp. At night, Shakra and I spent hours chatting in the dark, sharing our life experiences.
During the day we did yoga, and trekked through the Amazon jungle or went on canoe trips. I had a fantastic time. At the end of the 12-day trip, I climbed Machu Picchu without my inhaler, something I thought I’d never do. I felt so proud of myself.
Since Peru in 2015, I’ve been to Glastonbury with another woman I met online but I’d like to do more trips with travel buddies in the future. ■ Find Carla’s shop Carla’s Curios & Creations on Facebook
SHAKRA SAYS: I was coming to the end of an 18-year relationship, and I needed to go somewhere remote to clear my head.
I was nervous before we met. But getting to know someone, who may be quite different from you, gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself as an individual. I’m a social person, though, so we clicked and spent a lot of time laughing, talking and sharing.
During the trip, Carla and I became really close and we’ve kept in touch.
I’m hoping to visit her in the UK at some point.