Sunday, April 27, 2014

Machu Picchu



We arrived into Machu Picchu town (also known as Aquas Calientes).  It's not a pretty town as it's main purpose is to serve the tourists going to Machu Picchu. Still, the setting was magnificent in a steep valley and a train track that runs right through the town. 



We got up at 5.00 am to go to Machu Pucchu. It was foggy and magical at 6.30 by the time we got through the main gates. It was breath taking. Some pictures below. 













Then Alé and I climbed Machu Pucchu Mountain (700 meters) in less than 2 hours! We were tight on time. It was thrilling. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy to get a view from the very top but the views and flora were stunning on the way up and down. It was one of the highlights of my trip. 






















Cusco, Peru

The origins of Cusco are lost to history, but it dates back about three thousand years. But it is best known as the Capital of the Inca Empire. It was a city of beautiful stone architecture with wide squares and many large temples and palaces decorated with gold and silver. Then the Spanish came and destroyed much of it. They built the Colonial Cusco along the foundations of Inca walls and streets. It's a beautiful city. It has several amazing archeological sites nearby, which we visited. 







The above is an underground chamber used for mummification and sacrifices. 







Ollantaytambo, Peru

Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.  Ollantaytambo is situated 2792 m (9160 ft) above sea level. The town is geometrically perfect and is a magnificant example of Incan urban planning. We also visited a weaving community which was really fascinating. They have been reviviving the ancient craft since the early 80's as it had almost been lost. Everything they do is hand washed, hand spun, hand woven, hand dyed and hand weaved.  It was an honor to meet the weavers and learn about their craft.  Oh yes, and I picked out my dinner. See below!!  













Puerto Maldonado - Amazon Jungle

We flew to Puerto Maldonado (Peru) and drive to the jungle. The lodge was about an hour by boat up the river. It was the coolest place. They call it "glamping" (glamor camping).  The bedroom has 3 walls with the missing wall entirely open to the jungle. Only the mosquito net between me and jungle!!  It was a fantastic experience - even if it was glamping (I'd love to tell you that I cut my way through the jungle with a blade and camped in the clearings). We had two days and covered a lot from piranha fishing to bird watching and generally spotting the wildlife. Tons of monkeys everywhere. I deleted my videos of the monkeys by mistake (dammit).  Great experience!!







Lima, Perú

I had a few days in Lima where I met up with the rest of the group (I had signed up for a package deal ages ago). I also met a cousin for dinner one night and a friend of a friend on another two nights. It was a lovely few days. The ceviche was amazing and the beach was foggy - a lot like San Francisco. Did you know it never rains in Lima? Never (well, not quite...the last down pour was in nineteen seventy something). Oh yes, it was Easter and the whole place was closed down on Good Friday for services, except for one museum.  It was well worth the visit. For Easter, street vendors everywhere were selling Wawa bread (baby shaped bread supposed to be offered up to God...or just eaten) and little crucifixes wrapped in Palm leaves. Interesting. 







Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Galápagos Islands

I was so lucky. I scored a half price 4-night/5-day cruise, sharing a cabin; except for I didn't have to share a cabin. It was a 16-person catamaran yacht. So perfect. The other passengers were really nice and we all got on really well.  The islands were amazing. As you probably know, there are no predators (sharks maybe) so the animals have no fear. You can go right up to them, but you are requested to stay at least 6 feet away and to back away if they show any sign of annoyance. I was going to say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience but I'm sure that I will be back. What a wonderful way to spend a vacation! Hiking, bird watching, climbing, snorkeling and just enjoying the boat. Every day was unique as each island is different. It was pretty incredible. And I only did a few islands in the time available.