Kevin Corriveau, my producer at CNN and my Peru travel companion has just sent you some shots from our Peru trip. There are some beauty shots, some group shots and some shots with me and with Kevin. In fact it was Kevin who persuaded me to climb Machu Picchu.

Last year he started flicking through Footloose brochures in the office. He showed me a photograph of Machu Picchu and dared me to accompany him on the trip. Of course I couldn't resist the dare, which is how I found myself on an unforgettable trip.

As a reporter I often find myself in challenging and adventurous situations, so going trekking in Peru was rather like being on assignment. Physically it was demanding and exhilarating, I can't remember ever working so hard on holiday. By the end of the trip I had legs Arnold Schwarzenegger would be proud of!

Spending time with strangers who very quickly turned into friends, and the comfortable way we soon adapted to living with each other was very special. There were no mobiles, no BlackBerries and no computers, just the beautiful mountain scenery and new friends to entertain each other. Since returning from Peru I've met a few other people who've also climbed Machu Picchu. It's a bit like being in a secret society - only we know what it takes, which is why we grin so widely when we recount our adventures.

Femi Oke
CNN International Anchor
Climbed Machu Picchu