I had the pleasure of spending 9 days in beautiful Peru...I had no idea before my arrival what a clean and modern country it is, even in the more remote areas. I will try to not overdo the photos here, anyone interested in seeing more just leave me a comment and I'll send you a link to a wider variety (but still only just a fraction of the original 3500+ photos I took!).
Fantastic markets full of "Genuine Baby Alpaca" products...we learned early in our trip that anything that is a bargain is actually what I call "Genuine Acrylic Baby Alpaca". Doesn't matter, a bargain is a bargain and many of the scarves and sweaters were beautiful regardless.
Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley...
Your best friend for altitude sickness in Cusco... Coca tea! The moment we checked in to our hotel in Cusco we were all handed a cup of the tea and a carafe was in the lobby at all times (yes, these are the same type of leaves that are used to make an illegal and much less safe product but in the natural state they're used for several medicinal purposes including altitude adaptation, tummy troubles and instead of coffee for an energy boost) .
The most stunning mosaic wall surrounds the Parque del Amor, Lima...
My buddy the alpaca, he was hanging out in a hidden garden behind our hotel in the Sacred Valley. I was shooting photos of him and all of a sudden he decided to check me out...next thing I knew he was standing beside me nuzzling my elbow! So very soft...
Our group primarily consisted of educators so we had special arrangements to visit both a rural and urban school while in the Sacred Valley and Lima. The private school in Lima, San Ignacio, had children lined up with flowers for us upon our arrival as well as a dance performance by students who are also Peruvian National Champions...
The Wvilloc Community in the Sacred Valley...a somewhat harrowing bus trip into the mountains to get there but well worth it!
Ceremonial Blood Pitcher at the Larco Museum in Lima...
More beautiful ceramics (without such nefarious purposes) at the Larco Museum...
Of course Machu Picchu was the highlight but there wasn't one stop on the trip that I would have wanted to skip. Hubster and me at the top of Machu Picchu...
Truly an experience of a lifetime and so many new friends made along the way!
Oh you lucky girl! When I was 11, I lived for three months in the jungles of Columbia, but have never been to Peru. I loved reading your post!
ReplyDeleteI want the link for more pics! And did you get to pet LH's puppy cousin in that one shot? And did the friendly alpaca let you pet him? And for how long? And did you have to climb to the top of Machu Pichu or did you ride a bus? And, and, and. I want to hear more about your trip to this country!
ReplyDeleteI'll put the link to my FB photo album here for anyone who wants to check it out:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.190113667715398.49503.100001502977079&l=e495bdede7&type=1
I am jealous beyond belief!!! I'm so glad you loved it and Machu Pichu is on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI knew you were going into the mountains, but what an inspiring and awesome trip you had! The colors are just exceptional. And the people look so lovely. That alpaca is the bomb. So funny that he was checking you checking him out! I would love to see more. Send me a link, dear!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day!
Erin
What an amazing experience! Your pictures are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Thanks for sharing your story and pictures!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, a trip to PERU! Looks like you had a wonderful time - filled with memories to last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures...I especially like the bright ones of the sweet children.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a vacation this must have been. Great pictures, thanks for sharing. Wonder what the blood pitcher was used for? Do you know?
ReplyDeleteAmazing...what a wonderful trip you must have had! Great photos, I would love to see more!
ReplyDeleteI've a friend who raises alpacas for their wool...it does make the most gorgeous knitted products!!!
Cheers
your vacation looks like it was fun..my neighbor has been there for the last month, all the photos of Cusco and Peru are wonderful
ReplyDeletewow - mellisa! what an amazing trip! it must truly have been something to take in... i wonder how it will affect your work? hmmm?!
ReplyDeleteWow, looks like you had an amazing trip! I'd love to visit Machu Picchu.
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