So my clues in past posts about my vacation destination were vague I know, but now I'm back and all will be revealed!
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!
