(*Sorry Presidente Toldeo, your campaign slogan is so catchy, that I had to steal it.)
So Peru...yes, it is possible to visit, very doable, and totally worth it. I went with my good friend Libbey 7 years ago, but since Andy hadn't been, we ventured back. It was strangely familiar yet still foreign to be there. I am so glad to have been able to go and share my memories from my first trip, with Andy, and create new memories there with him.
We flew in to Lima and were graciously picked up by the Chuys. Andy and I were horrified as the plane was landing to realize that we had made zero effort to brush up on our Spanish...and that the Chuys don't speak English...but thankfully, my gringita spanish came rushing back and we got along splendidly. In fact, Mami Chuy told her daighter who called to check on all of us that, "everything is cool, Shawn speaks Spanish!" I don't know about that, but we did okay.
At home in the Chuy home
"talking" with Mami Chuy
Me & Mami
Fairly early on Saturday we caught a flight to Cuzco. When we got there we realized that we hadn't printed off the info for our hostel, but luckily, the sign is pretty distinctive for the franchise of hostel we generally stay in, so Andy spotted it. Whew!
In Cuzco the memories started rolling back, it was great to be there again.
Plaza de Armas
Time for dinner-Lomo Saltado
Lomo Brochetas-oh my yum
Sunday we toured the Valleo Sacrado (or "Sacred Valley"-at least it sounds appropriate for Sunday? even if it was basically a shopping spree inter-sprinkled with ruins)
Sacred Valley overlook
Empanadas that I had remembered from 7 years before-oh yummmmm!
Pisac market
Pisac ruins
Ollyantantambo
Kind of a weird tradition since Andy and I don't drink coffee, but I have always taken pictures of Starbucks that we've seen in other countries, I guess to marvel at the invasion of western culture. Anyways, I thought this was humorous.
Chinchero-the textile headquartes of the Sacred Valley, where we got a demonstration of how the Inca traditionally made their dyes and fabrics.
so tired of listening and having people try to sell me stuff...
The next day, we were on to Macchu Picchu. The Sacred Valley provides quantity ruins and MP provides a view of quality ruins. Both worth seeing, but I think in that order.
Hiking up to the Sun Gate
Huayna Picchu-no, we didn't get to hike it, but not because the 200 person limit had been reached...we were unfortunately 10 minutes late. We didn't know they cut off hikers from entering at 1 pm. Andy suggested I try to sweet talk the guy, so I tried, but no dice. I guess I am flattered that Andy thinks I am charming enough for it to have worked. It is a cool hike (I did it the first time I was there), but the Sun Gate did not disappoint with its spectacular overlook of MP, and we didn't have to worry about slipping and dying, so, I was okay with it.
A Bisctotchy(?). I have no idea how to spell it, or exactly what it is. I thought it was a chinchilla at first, but it was a cute Peruvian rat/squirrel/rabbit.
The Raven temple
A secret passage
Always fascinated by anything to do with water...
Another Temple, during the solstice the sun shines through some cut outs in the rock and makes the shadow of a cougar head on the wall. Very impressive.
I think because Andy and I love animals that we just naturally assume that they can sense that and will not be afraid of us or hurt us. In this instance we were right, but I laugh as I think of the many pictures that I have that could be formed into an album entitled "where we almost lost a digit or limb."
sooo soft, and he was sooo happy to be rubbed.
Andy and I made a concerted effort to really soak up MP, so after running all over and seeing everything, we actually (hold your breath) sat down...up at one of those huts...for (hold your breath) and entire half-hour. Whew, that was relaxing...back to Aguas Caliente.
Ciao MP!
Back in Aguas Caliente, Andy was lusting...
over the Urumbumba...look at that white water!
Then on Tuesday, back in Cusco we had an entire day to enjoy the city...
Grocery store? Is this where the lomo came from???
not sure what this fruit was, it was purchased from a wheel barrow...
Never ones to be afraid of street food,
fried pork skin (we think) made Andy a little sick (burp)
street art-purchased
Wednesday, boarding the train to Puno
The scenery changed from Andes to southern-Utah-esque.
A three-hour tour of Lake Titicaca
There about 40 man-made floating islands
We stopped at two. At the first one we were given a demonstration of how the islands are made. Literally of reeds. First a buoyant layer of reed roots, then the chunks of root are tethered together with rope, then covered with reeds layered on top.
Bonita
We got to go in their homes, but were expected to buy stuff. I took no part in the purchase of the mobile. I suggested that it appears Andy is ready for another baby--he told me to go jump in the lake! :)
A farewell song
Our reed boat ride to island number 2
on the top, of course
Do you see what I see?
Seriously my favorite part of the trip--of the 40 islands we somehow got on a tour that stopped at this island. I don't think it was by chance. We met the branch president and his family. It was seriously overwhelming and probably my favorite part of the trip. I took some unauthorized photos of the inside of the chapel (didn't know it was forbidden!), so I won't post them here, which is probably good because I was a crying mess. Like I said, it was really overwhelming, in a good way. I told the president's son "recuerdas, la iglesia is verdad." I saw his mom smiling.
It is.
floating convenience store
Visions of Puno
Love this...it would never fly in the states (too unsafe), but so much fun
for travelers and locals alike!
yes, that's andy on his back
Even in a third-world country we are too cheap to take a taxi, so we walked along the railroad tracks for about 2 miles from the city back to our hotel. It was actualy nice, except for the moment we were haraunged by some dogs. Andy was quick to get a rock in hand and any potential disaster to human or canine was averted.
No trip to a foreign country would be complete without a trip to McDonald's.
Here with the Chuys.
Also, no trip would be complete without Guilt-Gifts
Are you tired of reading? I'm tired of writing. Until the next adventure...
