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A pure white flash exploded before our eyes and and a almighty SNAP! ripped down through the warm wet air. A telegraph pole, three meters from where Cho and I were standing in the driving tropical rain, had been struck by lightening. We could not stop smiling and laughing, completely charged with the adrenaline our bodies had pumped into us to deal with what it thought was a crisis. We almost floated down the street through the rain grinning and shouting, “No WAY man!” like Bill and Ted.
When confronted with an incident that is serious and has an element of danger to it, both Cho and I, like most people, click into overdrive to deal with whatever it is. Our senses heighten and our perception of time slows down. We all have a survival instinct and our bodies are programmed to give us all the help they can in dealing with the problem. We become incredibly focused and capable whilst we are in this crisis stage.
People often ask how we deal with the dangers: wading through waters inhabited by huge black caiman, stepping close to deadly pit vipers, or encountering fierce tribes. The honest answer is that these times are thrilling and exciting - time flies. They help distract us from the far more destructive phenomena - monotony and boredom.
Increasingly Cho and I are not recovering when we break. “Shiny and New Again” was the title of the last blog. What total rubbish. The day after we were walking zombies, we showed no sign of having rested at all. It was so obvious the other was having a miserable time in his own little world.
Why? Endurance expeditions of this length can be prison sentences of repetitive activity. And no matter what people say - it is IMPOSSIBLE to stay positive all the time. I think that our minds are screaming for new stimulus and are revolting against the placid polite conversations we have daily with local people about how bonkers we are. There are times when I couldn’t give two hoots about the fate of the Amazon - all I want is to see my friends, watch some sport, go to the pub. Chop the whole lot down - I just want to be at the birth of my first nephew in four days time. Chronic tiredness can sap one’s passion for anything and at times we pass amazing spectacles in the rainforest and pay no attention whatsoever. Will it help me get through the day? No? Sod it then.
Deep down the passion, the drive, the belief is all still there. Cho and I laugh at people who ask us if we think of giving up because its just an absurd concept after all this time. Of course we won’t - we didn’t walk two years to give up now - we both have a fierce determination to succeed that comes from very deep within us.
Its the fickle, easily-tired brain that gives us our problems. But we’ll master that eventually.
Danger is easy - its the mundane that we’re finding hard.
Ed
Leishmaniasis Positive from Walking the Amazon Videos on Vimeo.
Great post Ed. Keep moving buddy! Go Cho!
Cho
Keep up the good healthy work. Hopefully Ed doesn’t stick that needle in something he shouldn’t!!!
Great video.
Mike
You’re slowly proving that the impossible is possible. There are very few people on this planet able to do that, or in a position to do that. You’re amazing. Vx
Hi Ed and Cho.
Amazing post. I don’t know how you do it! If I were in the same situation I’d be a jibbering wreck! You guys are truly awesome.
Each step takes you closer to the ultimate prize. We’re all with you guys, keep walking:)
Dear Ed, Greta bit of film. Well done with your IV. I’ve just watched it and I kept wanting to release your tourniquet whilst you were putting the stuff in so that it didn’t backtrack. Still it seemed to work - thank goodness you have the guts to do it - I would hate your nose to get any worse!
I was fascinated to read the stuff about your state of mind and the boredom. Humans find boredom unbearable because our brains aren’t designed for it. Interestingly, the main task of the brain is to maintain the health of the body - to a large extent by constantly scanning the environment for danger. Only a tiny proportion is employed in thinking and consciousness. From your account I think your brain is in very good shape and I can’t wait to see you back here again with your lovely family - some of which we’ll soon have in common. Much love Tina
Thumbs up!!
Ed you are an amazing man! And your soon to arrive nephew is very lucky to have an uncle like you
Lynn
Best Blog so far i think Ed…. nice one… So close to the end now, in the grand scale of your mission.
Will be great to see you back in the UK.. I wonder how long it will be before the boredom kicks in their.
keep trucking x
Ed & Cho
You are legends!
I love these weekly blogs, sitting at my desk and dreaming of the Amazon. Thank you for the weekly dose of escapism.
Sophie
My best wishes for a prompt “recovery” and thank you for keep walking… God bless you indeed! From Costa RIca receive a strong hug… Mynor Schult
Cho… gracias por continuar caminando y mostrando al mundo que lo imposible si es posible. Adelante mi hermano… un fuerte abrazo desde Costa Rica… Mynor Schult
Keep up the good walking guys. So right about mundane things. The brain needs challenges, ambitions, dreams, inspiration or whatever. Since I got sick with M.E and have been unable to do so much, the boredom of being bored if you get my drift, is actually making my illness worse. A vicious circle. Luckily I’m inspired by the things others do such as you guys, while I’m no longer up to doing so much myself. Good luck.
Much respect for your perseverance and bravery. I envy you the opportunity despite the hardships. May the treatments work quickly and well and the rest of your walk go smoothly but interestingly! It may seem odd to offer a stranger hugs, but after all that I would want one, so - virtual hugs.
Ed,
Whenever you’re feeling blue, thank your stars you’re not working in retail, LOL.
I’d rather face a viper any day than a white-trash biatch cursing me out because I didn’t greet her fast enough.
You guys ROCK! You give all of us who live hopelessly mundane lives a smile of pure joy.
Ed & Cho
Hope the treatment works and that you both remain healthy physically and mentally. God bless you.
hi ed hi cho your amzing i love your blog and i cant belive you have be walking for over 2 years
from chloe lovatt