Leeches, Mud, and a Machete: Hiking in Papua New Guinea

Our guide, Thomas, assured us the trail was "not too bad." Lies. Within an hour, I had slipped in the mud, lost a trekking pole in a swamp, and discovered leeches love me. Thomas casually plucked his off while eating lunch. I screamed like a child.

Then he said, “We go faster—maybe rain, maybe…crocodile.” Excuse me, WHAT? I didn’t ask questions. I just ran.

Hours later, drenched but alive, we reached a village where locals handed us fresh coconuts. Worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Maybe… after therapy.