Re your physical preparations

You seem to have understated it a little. Is putting yourself on the jogging machine for 2 months really enough? No long hikes, elevation training etc.? A few of my friends went to Aconcagua (? the highest mountain in south America) and they did months of elevation training before. Of course, your trekking is slightly easier, in the sense that there are lounges with food provided along your trail. Did you have to carry your tent, sleeping bag and extra food? What about special gears such as ice axles etc.? (I suppose you went above the snow line.)

Thank you so much for sharing with us. It certainly has been a pleasure reading along.

By the way, did you find Lonely Planet books so good? I checked out a couple for domestic travel, but were not very impressed.