24 January, I was in a small mountain village called San Fernando at 4.000 meters above sea level, 9 hours from Cusco and 6 from Abancay. Have spent the night in a sort of dirty attic, in a straw bed, right above the restaurant (if you can define it that way) whose owner was kind enough to host my motorbike. Yes, my bike was parked inside the restaurant, between the tables.. this is also Peru.
A frugal breakfast, quick check on the bike and go, following the call of adventure. Another incredible day is heading out. This is just what I thought.
But my destiny has a different plan for me that day.
The last picture before the crash…
Along a mountain mule track, at over 4,000 meters above sea level, I slipped on a mud, losing control of the bike and ruining the ground. A stone under the mud hit my shoulder and broke my collarbone.
Into a Peruvian ambulance with this angel, Sofia, who took care of me all the time since we finally reach the “hospital”.
She was very compassionate and I particularly appreciated that she gave me injections and patiently cleaned the needle of the syringe, they had no new syringes.
Yes, I repeat, this is Peru.
I launched the SOS thanks to my GPS Garmin inReach and after 2,5 hours someone shown up to rescue me. I was totally exhausted, unable to properly walk, I could barely breath.
The first aid was really surprised to see me injured, here people die by falling with the car in the precipices..
After 7 hours in the ambulance on Peruvian mountain paths with very deep ravines (I was terrified on those terrible street) we finally arrived at Abancay where I had X-ray which took 5 hours..
For an européen guy, calling it a hospital was an understatement, I don't know how people in those conditions can be treated. Doctors do not took care of me at all and some chickens in the emergency room helped me make another decision.
I decided to rent a private car and reach a private clinic in Cusco, another 4 hours.
Yes, I’ve drunk some Red Bull..
My poor shoulder, the bone was totally out of his place…
In Cusco I finally found a proper medical staff, they suggested a surgical operation but, after a day of rest of which I was in great need, I decided to return to Italy and undergo the necessary medical treatment at home.
This guy saved my life, never travel in a remote areas like I do, without a tool like this. If you travel out of urban areas, you have to keep an SOS GPS with you. I use Garmin which IMO is the best but there are several in the market.
Take one. It’a a must!
After some very difficult flights with crazy connections due to the f*****g Chinese virus, I finally landed in Venice, Italy, here my best friend was waiting me at the airport.
Tyson ❤️
Thank you to the medical staff in Cusco, you are amazing guys.
You have been understanding, humane and very nice. I hope to meet you again but on more pleasant occasions..
🇵🇪 I still love you
Never waste an opportunity to have some fun…