On the way home

Adios to Peru after 47 fascinating days. The photo was taken at our hotel and is typical of decoration here displaying the country's art. We visited central historical Lima yesterday and were treated to the changing of the guard at the government palace complete with a marching band and goosestepping marchers.  The Cathedral and museum was interesting as were the Catacombs at San Francisco.

Lots of recollections....
Dogs all over and friendly.We had several follow us near Machu Picchu.
Buses...2 types luxury and okay terrible movies! They served food and had an attendent.  Comfortable rides.
Traffic worst in Areqiepa with few traffic lights and intersection jams but we got used to it not getting killed or maimed!
Taxis cheap but a good way to get around...a little run down in Lima..
Boats....we took many...Puno a motor speedboat, Lima a rowboat, Manu a dugouts with outboard, Paracas speedboat...fun way to see the birds and wildlife.
There are alot of deserts and mountains in Peru....we saw them and a combination of the two.
8 flights...
No guinea pigs but alpaca was good with slightly sweet taste.
Lots of climbing...hills and stairs.
Too much CNN.....managed to see Jaws in Spanish, Patton w/ subtitles and Seinfeld also as well as alot of World Cup.
The cock of the rock is quite an awesome bird!
Churches...we saw many which were highly decorated with gold altars and several side altars with Virgin Marys, bloody Christ figures, and many saints. The people of Peru are religious and fill the many churches even during weekday masses.

This is a great place to visit...go if you can!

Signing off until our next adventure in September!

Lima

Spent a day at anthropology museum rich in ceramics, textiles, and precious metals dating back to 2500bc. These eras were explained clearly making it an interesing visit. Next we walked to the Larco museum where we had a gourmet lunch then perused the many precolumbian same items there which originated farther north. It is a private museum and had flowers and ferns  which were lovely! Lastly, we visited central Lima arriving at dusk.

Kevin +DG on the way to Islas Ballistas

Additional photo!

Paracas 7/14-7/17

This a penninsula which has lots of birdwatching opportunities. We were referred to Edgardo a very nice guide who took us everywhere..we never saw the Peruvian thickknee but did get 60 other birds including the blue footed booby! The park is beautiful which are first photos....others were taken as our boat circumnavigated Islas Ballistas.

Nazca 7/12&13

Arrived by 10 hour bus ride Fri. This area is desert and known for lines arranged by small rocks into distinct shapes that can only be seen by air. We started by visiting a cemetery with mummies in the graves...i did not take photos except of the site with dry mountain backdrop. Next we saw the aqueduct with all stones arranged by hand also.Today we chartered a flight on a 4 seater which took us to see both Nasca and Palpas lines. What an exciting ride!  Photos are so-so.  Including a hotel pool photo....too cooll to swim but lovely flowers!

7/8 Trip south of Cusco

Decided to arrange 1 more trip from hotel to Tipon and Pikillacta Pre Inca and Wari ruins. Tipon celebrates the return of water flow each Sept...P. is a very large walled town with many acres of ruins made from mud and stone. There were some pretty trees all over as well.The trip ended with the"sistine chapel of the Andes" which we were not allowed to photo.
Back to Areqiepa in order to go to Nazca via bus 7/11.

Trip 7/6

We took a tour to Moray inca round terraced area and Mara salt mine. Nice trip to some warmer temps. Pretty glaciers as backdrops.

Sacred Valley 7/4

We missed traditional July 4 celebrations but did have a real good time at several Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley named for its moderate temperatures enabling growing corn and many other plants year round. The Spaniards pillaged the Inca sites for foundations of Catholic churches but there was still alot to see at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.  Both know for terracing. There are indigenous craft markets everywhere. At Chinchero several women spoke fluent English in order to fully explain and demonstrate how wools are processed, dyed, spun into yarn, and woven into their products,yes, for sale. That area is freezing cold as is Cusco at present.

Manu pt 2 photos