• StrangeNewWorlds
  • StrangeNewWorlds

Peru - Girls on the Go 2022

Superexcited to meet Annette in Lima for an ADVENTURE!! Weiterlesen
  • Yanque and Colca valley

    22. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 32 °F

    We stopped in a small town in the Colca valley. While there was some interesting history, all I could think was "tourist trap". The dance is Quechua, called Wipiti, where the male warriors dressed and danced like women to confuse the enemy. The Franciscans came and built a church atop a Quechua holy site and proselytized in Quechuan ... but the Incan religious leaders used a different language for worship entirely. The two religions coexisted and to some extent melded in the region. I also included some random Colca valley pictures and a couple of alpaca 🦙 we saw along the way.
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  • Mirador Cruz del Condor

    22. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F

    We made it to Colca Canyon this morning, and got a great view of several Andean Condors, the largest flying bird in the world. They were spectacular, and seemed to have a sixth sense: none would be seen for 15-20', then as we were walking back to the bus they would suddenly appear as if to taunt us. We never did see one flap a wing; they just glided on the air currents.Weiterlesen

  • Basilica Catedral

    24. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    Interesting tour of the Basilica here in Cuzco. There is a famous art school here and it's work is all over Peru. The paintings/sculptures are described as "Andean Baroque", and we're painted in the era of the Renaissance, and in much the same style. The artwork is all original, and the painters were largely Quechuan. But, because the painters were a conquered people, there are often hidden Inca symbols. In a very famous last supper representation, the face of Judas was a likeness of Pizarro. Subtle resistance. Sadly, no photos of the artwork permitted.Weiterlesen

  • Convento de Santo Domingo del Cusco

    24. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Another convent, this one with a setup for tourists explaining how the Incan stone architecture underlies pretty much all of the churches and old buildings in Cusco. Once you know what to look for, you realize it's EVERYWHERE. In the many earthquakes, the Incan stonework survives; the newer construction collapses regularly (it turns out that arches don't hold up well against earthquakes). Cuzco is described as the bellybutton of the Incan world. There was a cool representation of Incan settlements, radiating out from Cuzco. They extend up to Ecuador and down into Argentina. How in the world could the Inca plot it out so exactly? Still thinking aliens! 👽Weiterlesen

  • Pisaq

    25. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    Built in 1380, Pisaq pre-dates Machu Picchu by approx 100 yrs. Housed 14,000 people-6x more than Machu Picchu. The "higher tech" polygonal style was only at the top (highest ranking people), and built later. Most construction was the older cellular style of stonework. And yes, Annette and I climbed all the way to the tippy top...just because.Weiterlesen

  • Chinchero

    25. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    This was another church, but was a particularly good example of the Spanish placement of a church atop an existing Incan holy site, and the overlay of Catholicism on existing theology. This site was originally dedicated to worship Pachamama (perhaps best described as mother nature, or a goddess of fertility and renewal). The church was named Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Natividad (our Lady of the Nativity). It's foundation also clearly shows the original Incan stonework. Just for fun, it's altitude was at 12,400 feet- a fact we decidedly noticed on the walk up the hill!Weiterlesen

  • Machu Picchu trek

    26. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F

    We did a full day of the Inka Trail, arriving at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) in the late afternoon for our first view of Machu Picchu from above. It was once the only entrance into the city, and the structure was aligned for the winter solstice and the sun temple in the city below. Our experience was about 7 miles and over 2000' of elevation gain. Fair to say that it kicked our butts. All that said, we had an amazing and patient guide, Santiago from Alpaca Expeditions, who spent both days with us and gave us a private tour. We couldn't have asked for better. When we needed to stop and gasp for a bit, he would point out wild orchids and tell us about the Inca and the places we were about to see. It was an AMAZING hike, with gorgeous and unexpected sights along the way and a feeling of sacredness as we crested the rise to see Machu Picchu spread out below us.Weiterlesen

  • Machu Picchu part 2

    26. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    The evening views of Machu Picchu were spectacular as we descended into the outskirts of the city. We had not been particularly expeditious on the trek, so we were a little crunched to catch the light (and the docents were rushing us out, trying to close), but none of that detracted from the jaw-dropping scene before us. Machu Picchu is unique in that it was never discovered by the Spaniards, which makes it the purist example of Incan architecture and culture, although much is still speculation. Our guide believed it to be a spiritual retreat (much like a monastery), that was later used as a refuge for the holy women escaping the Spaniards approaching from Cuzco. I look forward to reading and learning more about this fascinating place.Weiterlesen

  • Machu Picchu- Day tour

    27. Mai 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F

    The day started early, ahead of the crowds. What we didn't appreciate was that we would be socked in with clouds. So for the next couple of hours, Santiago, our fantastic guide, entertained us with stories of Hiram Bingham, the "discoverer" of Machu Picchu in 1911, the 12 year old that showed him around the site and helped clear areas for him to photograph and who is thought of almost as a patron saint of tour guides, the birds (we saw an Ibis, forest turkeys and many swallows), the park managers, etc until the clouds lifted enough for pictures. The 2 hour promised tour was more like 5, and INCREDIBLY thorough. I can't say enough good things about Alpaca Expeditions and Santiago.
    Amazing - this post can not possibly do it justice.
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  • Home

    30. Mai 2022 in den USA ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    I made it home yesterday after 3 flights (each with it's own baggage check in), a taxi, an Uber and a nice drive with Kevin...only to find all 3 boys + dog here for the long weekend!!! Woot woot! It was an amazing trip, and Annette did the Lion's share of planning. I can't thank her enough for her encouragement and persistence in making this trip happen. As a bit more of a homebody, it is sometimes hard to get me out the door, and I'm also always glad to get home. Two weeks is about my limit. Annette, on the other hand, continues her adventures! She stayed in Cuzco and continues to explore the amazing sights and culture of Peru. It's just about time to close out this log. Thank you to all of you who commented, and I hope you enjoyed sharing our journey!Weiterlesen

    Ende der Reise
    29. Mai 2022