Today is Easter. Its Sunday and everything is closed, like usual. Dad is pretty sick. He picked up a bug on the horrible bus ride. So I am trying to pack Oscar and make plans on what to do about Bolivia. Sarah and I have different ideas of what we want to do and its causing a little tension. I want to go and volunteer at an animal refuge and she wants to see the salt flats and some other things.
We tried to find a compromise and do both before Sarah´s friend Kelly comes, but everything is closed and makes it difficult. So I went back to the hostal and packed Oscar and wrote down all of his contents for dad when he goes through customs.
Sarah and I actually found a tour agency open and we have booked a black market taxi for tomorrow to take us to La Paz Bolivia. Let´s see how this turns out. We will be picked up after we take dad to the airport.
So our Easter was not that exciting. But with our under the table cab ride tomorrow, it should get better.
03/23/2008
I spent the whole day packing and wrapping things up. I can´t believe dad leaves tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Puno Day 3
Today we head back to Puno. Dad is getting closer to leaving and it makes me sad. I loved having him here. We have had so much fun. Before we caught our bus back to Puno we rented a giant duck paddle boat. Dad and I paddled and Sarah free loaded in the back. We raced people and floated on the lake.
After a few hours paddling a duck on Lake Titicaca we grabbed our bus back to Puno. Once we went through customs again, we were the last people on the bus. NOT FUN! We had the very back seats in a row of three next to the bathroom. Every time the bathroom door opened, we got hit. The lady in front of me put her chair all the way back and we were inhaling the disel fumes. This was a very unpleasent few hours.
Once back in Puno, dad realized that I had so much stuff to send home that we were on a mission to find a bigger bag. The bigger bag ended up being a large suitcase named Oscar. But to get the suitcase we took a bicycle taxi to a market. It was very unpleasent and mortifying experience. Dad wasa on his own taxi and Sarah and I were in one. I thought we were going to die. If we weren´t going to die, the peddler was. We are not the smallest people. Well, hehad to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a van and we got stuck on the railroard tracks. We had to get out and push over the tracks. I am getting tired of pushing my taxis. Any who, the guy got a big tip. We purchased Oscar, took a real taxi back and then started trying to make all of my things fit into Oscar. This will be a challenge.
03/22/2008
After a few hours paddling a duck on Lake Titicaca we grabbed our bus back to Puno. Once we went through customs again, we were the last people on the bus. NOT FUN! We had the very back seats in a row of three next to the bathroom. Every time the bathroom door opened, we got hit. The lady in front of me put her chair all the way back and we were inhaling the disel fumes. This was a very unpleasent few hours.
Once back in Puno, dad realized that I had so much stuff to send home that we were on a mission to find a bigger bag. The bigger bag ended up being a large suitcase named Oscar. But to get the suitcase we took a bicycle taxi to a market. It was very unpleasent and mortifying experience. Dad wasa on his own taxi and Sarah and I were in one. I thought we were going to die. If we weren´t going to die, the peddler was. We are not the smallest people. Well, hehad to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a van and we got stuck on the railroard tracks. We had to get out and push over the tracks. I am getting tired of pushing my taxis. Any who, the guy got a big tip. We purchased Oscar, took a real taxi back and then started trying to make all of my things fit into Oscar. This will be a challenge.
03/22/2008
Copacabana Day 2
This is Easter weekend, but you wouldn´t know it compared to how Easter is in the U.S. The festivities have begun, minus all the candy and chocolate bunnies. Many more people are showing up to enjoy the weekend. Street vendors and merchants line the streets and the lake. It is a great atmosphere.
Sarah isn´t feeling nay better so she laid low for the day. Dad and I went on a hike up a hill to an old Inca observatory. It was quite a hike to the top, but you could see the whole city and a great view of the lake. We kept walking around, doing more shopping, mainly looking, but it was fun. More sampling of the beer and some internet research. I found a place in Bolivia that I want to go and volunteer, so I was doing a little research on it.
At night, we watched a huge procession in the main square. There were so many people. They carried statues and the preist gave a serman in the streets. People were wearing dark purple hooded robes and caring candles. It was such an amazing experience. I am glad we got to watch. This is such a different feeling of Ester than I have ever seen. It was so cold, we had to buy emergency hats, gloves and a scarf. It was such a good day.
Tomorrow, we head back to Puno.
03/21/2008
Sarah isn´t feeling nay better so she laid low for the day. Dad and I went on a hike up a hill to an old Inca observatory. It was quite a hike to the top, but you could see the whole city and a great view of the lake. We kept walking around, doing more shopping, mainly looking, but it was fun. More sampling of the beer and some internet research. I found a place in Bolivia that I want to go and volunteer, so I was doing a little research on it.
At night, we watched a huge procession in the main square. There were so many people. They carried statues and the preist gave a serman in the streets. People were wearing dark purple hooded robes and caring candles. It was such an amazing experience. I am glad we got to watch. This is such a different feeling of Ester than I have ever seen. It was so cold, we had to buy emergency hats, gloves and a scarf. It was such a good day.
Tomorrow, we head back to Puno.
03/21/2008
Copacabana Day 1
This morning we woke up and caught a 4 hour bus back to Copacabana. It was very interesting because there was a spot where the bus had to cross a river. We all got out and climbed into a small boat with begining holes in the bottom and waited on the other side. Our bus had its own ferry to carry it all the way accross. Once on the other side, we climbed back into the bus and finished the rest of our trip to Copacabana. While in the bus, we passed many people walking in the direction of Copacabana. We found out that this weekend, Easter weekend, there is a huge pilgramage from La Paz to Copacabana. People walk for days to make it there. Once in Copacabana they hike up to the top of a moutain. We were amazed at howthe town had transformed in the few days we were gone. There were booths set up on the beach, vendors in the street and tents going up on the beach and through the squares.
We were very lucky that we had a reservation in a hotel, otherwise, we might have been sleeping in the park with the other people. Once we were in the room we had a little down time. Srah isn´t feeling so hot and she took a naap. Dad and I went exploring the town, shopping and testing some of the beer. We were interested about the festivities that are about to begin.
03/20/2008
We were very lucky that we had a reservation in a hotel, otherwise, we might have been sleeping in the park with the other people. Once we were in the room we had a little down time. Srah isn´t feeling so hot and she took a naap. Dad and I went exploring the town, shopping and testing some of the beer. We were interested about the festivities that are about to begin.
03/20/2008
La Paz Day 2
Today my neck still hurts a bit, but its startign to feel better. Dad and I are going golfing at the highest golf course in the world. Sarah is off on a tour of ruins and dead things. Today will be interesting because I have never played a round of golf in my life. Oh well.
Once at the golf course, we were very under dressed. This is a fancy club. We were required to have a caddy. Like I need more peolpe watching me telling me how bad I am. Well, my caddy, Pablo had a chore. He carried my clubs and helped me cheat. I like him. I actually didn´t do to bad. I was rather surprised. I can hit the woods pretty well. The irons and me don´t really get along though. When I would hit the ball into the trees, Pablo would kick it closer to the fairway. Even with Pablo helping me, dad was pretty impressed. I did a lot better than either of us had expected. We actually had abet that my 9 holes might match or beat dads 18 hole score. I held my own pretty well with my 18 hole score.
After golf, dad and I went to Valley de la Luna. We had an hour and it was about an hour hike around. So dad and Itried to do it at Inca speed and we ran. So we were done in about 30 minutes. It was pretty, even though we ran through it.
We made it back tothe hostal and met up with Sarah. We went to dinner adn walked down a voodoo street. They had weird dead birds and skulls and mummified animals. It was weird. Not my kind of street. We were walking back and Sarah had missed a step and semi face planted in the street. opps. Well my neck doesn´t hurt so bad anymore, golf helped. But my lips are now peeling. It is not a pretty site and is very annoying. It was a good but tiring day. Back to Copacabana tomorrow.
03/20/2008
Once at the golf course, we were very under dressed. This is a fancy club. We were required to have a caddy. Like I need more peolpe watching me telling me how bad I am. Well, my caddy, Pablo had a chore. He carried my clubs and helped me cheat. I like him. I actually didn´t do to bad. I was rather surprised. I can hit the woods pretty well. The irons and me don´t really get along though. When I would hit the ball into the trees, Pablo would kick it closer to the fairway. Even with Pablo helping me, dad was pretty impressed. I did a lot better than either of us had expected. We actually had abet that my 9 holes might match or beat dads 18 hole score. I held my own pretty well with my 18 hole score.
After golf, dad and I went to Valley de la Luna. We had an hour and it was about an hour hike around. So dad and Itried to do it at Inca speed and we ran. So we were done in about 30 minutes. It was pretty, even though we ran through it.
We made it back tothe hostal and met up with Sarah. We went to dinner adn walked down a voodoo street. They had weird dead birds and skulls and mummified animals. It was weird. Not my kind of street. We were walking back and Sarah had missed a step and semi face planted in the street. opps. Well my neck doesn´t hurt so bad anymore, golf helped. But my lips are now peeling. It is not a pretty site and is very annoying. It was a good but tiring day. Back to Copacabana tomorrow.
03/20/2008
La Paz Day 1
Today is our bus to La Paz Bolivia. We were able to ride a bus to the boarder. Then we had to get off, walk accross the boarder, go through customs and migration, fill out all of this annoying paperwork for a visa, go back to the bus to get our luggage and then change buses on the Bolivia side. It was quite an ordeal.
Once we reached customs we were a little nervous. We had heard and read that we needed so much paperwork to get a Bolivian Visa such as a 4x4photo with no glasses on, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, proof of money and a letter from the U.S. embassy. All we had to do was have a photocopy of our passport and immunixzations, which they had a photo copier, and then pay them 100 U.S. dollars. So it went rather smooth until dad tried to pay. Apparently the B-2 $100 bills are not accepted in Bolivia. Lucky for him he had extras.
Once we had our bags, the buses were full, so we were put in a taxi to go to Copacabana where we waited for our next bus to La Paz. Well our taxi was almost in town, when we were side swiped by a van. Sarah and I were pretty impressed that this was our first accident, especiallyconsidering how these people drive. No body was majorly hurt. I had slept on my neck wrog and was already in a little pain, the accident made it just a tad worse. But the twodrivers were friends so they looked at each other and then just shrugged it off.
Once we were in Copacabana we caught our next bus to La Paz. Once in La Paz, we found a place to stay. We took a taxi to the hotel, only a few blocks away, but it took 20 minutes to get there because there is so much traffic and people in the streets. Sarah has video of our cab almost hitting a tuba player. Once we finally reached the hotel we made arrangements for tomorrow. Sarah is going on a tour and dad and I are playing golf. I hope my neck feels a little better tomorrow. We watched a movie in spanish and called it a night.
03/18/2008
Once we reached customs we were a little nervous. We had heard and read that we needed so much paperwork to get a Bolivian Visa such as a 4x4photo with no glasses on, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, proof of money and a letter from the U.S. embassy. All we had to do was have a photocopy of our passport and immunixzations, which they had a photo copier, and then pay them 100 U.S. dollars. So it went rather smooth until dad tried to pay. Apparently the B-2 $100 bills are not accepted in Bolivia. Lucky for him he had extras.
Once we had our bags, the buses were full, so we were put in a taxi to go to Copacabana where we waited for our next bus to La Paz. Well our taxi was almost in town, when we were side swiped by a van. Sarah and I were pretty impressed that this was our first accident, especiallyconsidering how these people drive. No body was majorly hurt. I had slept on my neck wrog and was already in a little pain, the accident made it just a tad worse. But the twodrivers were friends so they looked at each other and then just shrugged it off.
Once we were in Copacabana we caught our next bus to La Paz. Once in La Paz, we found a place to stay. We took a taxi to the hotel, only a few blocks away, but it took 20 minutes to get there because there is so much traffic and people in the streets. Sarah has video of our cab almost hitting a tuba player. Once we finally reached the hotel we made arrangements for tomorrow. Sarah is going on a tour and dad and I are playing golf. I hope my neck feels a little better tomorrow. We watched a movie in spanish and called it a night.
03/18/2008
Puno Day 2
Happy St. Patrick´s Day! This holiday isn´t really celebrated here. Just in a few bars. We spent the day celebrating on a boat cruising Lake Titicaca. I could not believe how big this lake was. We started the tour by going onto the reed islands. There are 38 man made islands out of reeds. It was really interesting. It was also hard o believe that they were floating and people lived here. They had great houses and even a little reed hut for their guinea pigs. Dad and I then took a tour on a traditional reed boat to the next island. Sarah, was not feeling so hot, due to her allergies to hay. The boat ride was fun and we had a good time.
After we visited the reed islands we were headed to another island, 2 or 3 hours away. This was a huge treck to the top, where the town and lunch was. On the way up to the village, we had to stop and take pictures because we had an amazing view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We reached the village, had some lunch and then walked down 500 and some odd stairs. On the way down we were attacked by some kids. Some stuck a bunch of finger puppets in my face asking if I wasnted to buy some. I said no, then they gave em a sad puppy dog face and looked at my water. i let them have a drink of my water. They were then amused by my necklace and earings. I had to say goodbye and leave the girls behind. They were really cute and probably between 5 and 7.
On the boat ride back to Puno, we sat on the top of the boat. However, when dad was climbing up the ladder, he accidentally kicked out 3 of the 5 bathroom windows on the baot. oops. Dad was having a clumsy day because on the reed islands, he bonked his head pretty good on one of the small doorways to one of the houses. We managed to make it back to Puno alive and only a few minor accidents. I actually burned my lips. It was very bizzare, uncomfortable and annoying. If you can help it, try to avoid this at all costs.
Once back on land, we learned that the transportation strike was over and we were headed to La Paz Bolivia
03/17/2008
After we visited the reed islands we were headed to another island, 2 or 3 hours away. This was a huge treck to the top, where the town and lunch was. On the way up to the village, we had to stop and take pictures because we had an amazing view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We reached the village, had some lunch and then walked down 500 and some odd stairs. On the way down we were attacked by some kids. Some stuck a bunch of finger puppets in my face asking if I wasnted to buy some. I said no, then they gave em a sad puppy dog face and looked at my water. i let them have a drink of my water. They were then amused by my necklace and earings. I had to say goodbye and leave the girls behind. They were really cute and probably between 5 and 7.
On the boat ride back to Puno, we sat on the top of the boat. However, when dad was climbing up the ladder, he accidentally kicked out 3 of the 5 bathroom windows on the baot. oops. Dad was having a clumsy day because on the reed islands, he bonked his head pretty good on one of the small doorways to one of the houses. We managed to make it back to Puno alive and only a few minor accidents. I actually burned my lips. It was very bizzare, uncomfortable and annoying. If you can help it, try to avoid this at all costs.
Once back on land, we learned that the transportation strike was over and we were headed to La Paz Bolivia
03/17/2008
Puno Day 1
Today we spent many hours on a bus, well 6. We were headed to Puno. Once we arrived in Puno, we were ambushed by people at the bus sttion. We went to the taxis and a crazy lady jumpped into our taxi, tryng to get a commission from a hostal we picked out with no help from her. We went to the hostal andhad hoped to buy a bus ticket to go to La Paz Bolivia for tomorrow, but there was a huge planned transportation strike. So instead, we booked an island tour and a day on Lake Titicaca in hopes that the strike would only last one day.
So, we decided to walk around and check out Puno. We passed a group of military men. Dad didn´t seem them until he almost ran into one of them. He looked upad said "Whoa"! Then just about each one of the military men started moching him. Each saying "Whoa"in different pitches. It was so funny.
Today is also Palm Sunday. There were women in front of the church selling weavings of palm leaves. It was so amazing. I have seen so many different holidays and celebrated in different ways than in the US. I really enjoy it. We had a fairly early night and got ready for our day on Lake Titicaca tomorrow.
03/16/2008
So, we decided to walk around and check out Puno. We passed a group of military men. Dad didn´t seem them until he almost ran into one of them. He looked upad said "Whoa"! Then just about each one of the military men started moching him. Each saying "Whoa"in different pitches. It was so funny.
Today is also Palm Sunday. There were women in front of the church selling weavings of palm leaves. It was so amazing. I have seen so many different holidays and celebrated in different ways than in the US. I really enjoy it. We had a fairly early night and got ready for our day on Lake Titicaca tomorrow.
03/16/2008
Cuzco Day 3
Today we woke up and went to catch our train back to Cuzco. We had said goodbye to Hillary and Judy and would meet them tonight. As soon as our train stopped, before Cuzco we hopped on a bus that was headed to Cuzco. It was perfect timing. Once we arrived back to our hostal in Cuzco, we had to do laundry. Our clothes were still soaked from Aguas Caliente. So our laundry was getting done and we went and bought a bus ticket for Puno that leaves tomorrow morning.
The rest of the day, I did a bit more shopping and Sarah and dad had a drink. I joined them later and we all had dinner. After dinner we went back to our room to pack up our things. Sarah and Hillary went out for their last night together and I hung out in the room with dad showing him some of the souveniors and gave him his birthday present.
Our laundry was done early, so we were completelyready to go before we went to bed. On to Puno.
03/15/2008
The rest of the day, I did a bit more shopping and Sarah and dad had a drink. I joined them later and we all had dinner. After dinner we went back to our room to pack up our things. Sarah and Hillary went out for their last night together and I hung out in the room with dad showing him some of the souveniors and gave him his birthday present.
Our laundry was done early, so we were completelyready to go before we went to bed. On to Puno.
03/15/2008
Aguas Caliente Day 2
Machu Piccu! Today we woke up really early and grabbed a bus up to Machu Piccu. It was pretty good weather all day. It rained for a little bit in the morning, but stopped before we even entereed. It was a little cloudy, but it we waited long enough, we had a quick glimpse of the ruins with no clouds in the way. It was so amazign to actually be able to watch the clouds roll in and out over this amazing place.
Once we entered the park, we had a 2 hour guided tour. Our guide was very helpful and informative. He had actually written a book on Machu Piccu, that of course dad bought before we left. On the tour we saw some unusual characters. I was wearing my chacos because my shoues were still wet from the down pour yesterday. And I wear my chacos all the time. But there were some people that I were concerned about. This is Machu Piccu. Lots of stirs, trails, rain (maybe), mud and llama poop. There were girls in slippers, italian leather boots, 6 in stalletos and a guy in a captain america uniform. It was bizzarre.
Afte the tour, we all spilt up and took our time walking around. Dad and I went to try and catch a great picture. While sitting atour spot a lady asked if dad would take her picture. Him being the great photographer and smart ass that he was said yes but it would cost her a sole(Peruvian money. If you take pictures of locls, they charge). Little did I believe, the lady actually paid him. It was fun. Then we walked on some traails and saw anb old Inca bridge. Pictures do not do this place justice at all. The scenary is spectacular. It is green, filled with plants, trees, butterflies, flowers, waterfalls. It is amazing.
There were people having problems in the park though. We saw one man being escorted out on oxygen. The peramedics were always on standby it seems. We saw another man waiting on a bench with an oxygen tank. Plus, we saw a man in a wheelchair who had hired a group of peolpe to carry him up and down the stairs so he could visit this place. That was amazing because the Incas didn´t have wheelchair accessibile ruins. Those men shuld have been paid well because there are a lot of stairs. But good for them for allowing this guy to be able to see this great place.
Once dad and I were pooped, we went to the hotel at Machu Piccu and had lunch. While eating we watched it have a quick down pour. So we ate and drank through teh rain. Once it stopped, we hopped a bus and went back to Aguas XCaliente. We decided that we were ready to go back to Cuzco earlier. Our ticket was for tomorrow night, and there is nothing to do in Aguas Caliente. So we went to the train station and changed our tickets to have a morning trip back. Sarah also changed her ticket after we told her that we did. Hillary and Judy kept theirs and would meet us back in Cuzco tomorrow night.
Late that night we all went to the hot Springs. It was nigce to relax like that after a few days of intense stairs and climbing. Afte the hot springs, we went to dinner and then called it a night. It was a long, tiring and great day.
03/14/2008
Once we entered the park, we had a 2 hour guided tour. Our guide was very helpful and informative. He had actually written a book on Machu Piccu, that of course dad bought before we left. On the tour we saw some unusual characters. I was wearing my chacos because my shoues were still wet from the down pour yesterday. And I wear my chacos all the time. But there were some people that I were concerned about. This is Machu Piccu. Lots of stirs, trails, rain (maybe), mud and llama poop. There were girls in slippers, italian leather boots, 6 in stalletos and a guy in a captain america uniform. It was bizzarre.
Afte the tour, we all spilt up and took our time walking around. Dad and I went to try and catch a great picture. While sitting atour spot a lady asked if dad would take her picture. Him being the great photographer and smart ass that he was said yes but it would cost her a sole(Peruvian money. If you take pictures of locls, they charge). Little did I believe, the lady actually paid him. It was fun. Then we walked on some traails and saw anb old Inca bridge. Pictures do not do this place justice at all. The scenary is spectacular. It is green, filled with plants, trees, butterflies, flowers, waterfalls. It is amazing.
There were people having problems in the park though. We saw one man being escorted out on oxygen. The peramedics were always on standby it seems. We saw another man waiting on a bench with an oxygen tank. Plus, we saw a man in a wheelchair who had hired a group of peolpe to carry him up and down the stairs so he could visit this place. That was amazing because the Incas didn´t have wheelchair accessibile ruins. Those men shuld have been paid well because there are a lot of stairs. But good for them for allowing this guy to be able to see this great place.
Once dad and I were pooped, we went to the hotel at Machu Piccu and had lunch. While eating we watched it have a quick down pour. So we ate and drank through teh rain. Once it stopped, we hopped a bus and went back to Aguas XCaliente. We decided that we were ready to go back to Cuzco earlier. Our ticket was for tomorrow night, and there is nothing to do in Aguas Caliente. So we went to the train station and changed our tickets to have a morning trip back. Sarah also changed her ticket after we told her that we did. Hillary and Judy kept theirs and would meet us back in Cuzco tomorrow night.
Late that night we all went to the hot Springs. It was nigce to relax like that after a few days of intense stairs and climbing. Afte the hot springs, we went to dinner and then called it a night. It was a long, tiring and great day.
03/14/2008
Aguas Caliente Day 1
This morning we took a train to Aguas Caliente. The town at the base of Machu Piccu. There is not a lot to do in this town, its just the hub for tourists visiting Machu Piccu. We arrived at the train station and met our guide to the hostal. We followed her along the huge roaring river to our hostal. We had a room with a view. These were not great rooms by any stndard. We were right next to the river, the biggest and most violent river I am haver seen. I had a bed with a huge dip in the middle which I could feel the boards under me and our room smelled of mold. But I think that is what was available. It was supposed to be one of the nicer hostals in the town too. (I m not so sure about that).
We went to lunch by the river. Dad and I shared a pizza. I can honestly say, it was the most disgusting pizza I have ever had, in my entire life. I am not sure whaat was on it, but I am pretty sure it was not what we ordered. I also think that mine had a small stone in one of the slices. It was bad.
Then we spent the day walking around the little tourist market. It was fun and the people were very helpful. I haven´t seen dad shop this much in my entire life. But we had good time. Later in the afternoon it strted to rain. It rained a lot. My pants were drenched and they will never dry because of all of the moisture in the air. So I went and bought a very inexpensive pair of pnts that will hopefully last the treck round Machu Piccu tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be an early day. Wake up call is before 5 so we can catch the bus up tp Machu Piccu.
03/13/2008
We went to lunch by the river. Dad and I shared a pizza. I can honestly say, it was the most disgusting pizza I have ever had, in my entire life. I am not sure whaat was on it, but I am pretty sure it was not what we ordered. I also think that mine had a small stone in one of the slices. It was bad.
Then we spent the day walking around the little tourist market. It was fun and the people were very helpful. I haven´t seen dad shop this much in my entire life. But we had good time. Later in the afternoon it strted to rain. It rained a lot. My pants were drenched and they will never dry because of all of the moisture in the air. So I went and bought a very inexpensive pair of pnts that will hopefully last the treck round Machu Piccu tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be an early day. Wake up call is before 5 so we can catch the bus up tp Machu Piccu.
03/13/2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Cuzco / Sacred Valley tour
Today was our private tour of the Sacred Valley. Its going to be a long day. We are supposed to be picked up at 7:00 and be brought back home at 7:00. That is a long day. I am still not having much of an appetite, which hopefully is going to go away soon. Anywho, we woke up and was greated by Jenny, our guide. We pile into a van and our off on the journey.
Our first stop was a little town called Pisaq. We went for a long hike up into the mountains to see some Inca ruins. We were walking through caves and up and down many stairs and hills. There was even an ancient Inca sundial that was still intact. i am very impressed with the waythe Incas created their monuments on the side of the mountain and used the sun as their guides for life and festivals. Once we climbed back down the mountain we were greated by some locals selling goods. Dad bought a little whistle so he could serenade us in the car. Lucky us.
Our next stop was a town called Urubamba. So many stairs to climb up and down. Again, the Incas were impressive people. They created the stairs in the shape of a llama. Also accross the way, high on a mountain were carvings of Inca gods. Which on the Equinoxes the light would hit just right and reveal some amazing information for the Incas. When building or carving on the side of the mountain, especially to predict the light will hit what you are carving just right, you really only have one shot to get it right. I am just amazed. As we made our way up the zillions of stairs huffing and puffing, it was a great view, so it was worth it. Judy didn´t go and she assumed dad wasn´t going to go because it would be a lot of work. Dad is a trooper and had little problems. Wel we all ached the next day, but that stands to reason.
We then went and had some lunch, I watched people have lunch. I think I had a fruit bowl? And were off for another adventure. We went to another little town to see some minature salt pools. It was ok but it really wasn´t all that exciting for me. Then we went to another little town with huge crop circles. Not like UFO crop circles, but giant circles of different crops. It was very beautiful and symetric. Again, the Incas have impressed me.
Last, we went to a textile factory. We watched these women take wool and watched how they turned them into beautiful tapestries. I was so amazed. So much work goes into making these beautiful pieces. I feel bad trying to get them for a cheaper price. I then tried to take the guinea pigs home with me because I sadly knew their fate. It was tough to leave them there.
Then it was on our way home after a long day of traveling. We also needed to get our belongings together for our trip to machu Piccu in te morning. Well, Aguas Caliente.
03/12/08
Our first stop was a little town called Pisaq. We went for a long hike up into the mountains to see some Inca ruins. We were walking through caves and up and down many stairs and hills. There was even an ancient Inca sundial that was still intact. i am very impressed with the waythe Incas created their monuments on the side of the mountain and used the sun as their guides for life and festivals. Once we climbed back down the mountain we were greated by some locals selling goods. Dad bought a little whistle so he could serenade us in the car. Lucky us.
Our next stop was a town called Urubamba. So many stairs to climb up and down. Again, the Incas were impressive people. They created the stairs in the shape of a llama. Also accross the way, high on a mountain were carvings of Inca gods. Which on the Equinoxes the light would hit just right and reveal some amazing information for the Incas. When building or carving on the side of the mountain, especially to predict the light will hit what you are carving just right, you really only have one shot to get it right. I am just amazed. As we made our way up the zillions of stairs huffing and puffing, it was a great view, so it was worth it. Judy didn´t go and she assumed dad wasn´t going to go because it would be a lot of work. Dad is a trooper and had little problems. Wel we all ached the next day, but that stands to reason.
We then went and had some lunch, I watched people have lunch. I think I had a fruit bowl? And were off for another adventure. We went to another little town to see some minature salt pools. It was ok but it really wasn´t all that exciting for me. Then we went to another little town with huge crop circles. Not like UFO crop circles, but giant circles of different crops. It was very beautiful and symetric. Again, the Incas have impressed me.
Last, we went to a textile factory. We watched these women take wool and watched how they turned them into beautiful tapestries. I was so amazed. So much work goes into making these beautiful pieces. I feel bad trying to get them for a cheaper price. I then tried to take the guinea pigs home with me because I sadly knew their fate. It was tough to leave them there.
Then it was on our way home after a long day of traveling. We also needed to get our belongings together for our trip to machu Piccu in te morning. Well, Aguas Caliente.
03/12/08
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Cuzco Day 1
Today we woke up and had our breakfast. we were then off to the airport on our way to Cuzco. Once we arrived in Cuzco we found a hostal, but it was under construction and sent us to another one. So we walked the few blocks and got situated. Then we ate lunch at a cute little restaurant. I am still not having an appetite and eating very little. I hope it goes away soon.
After lunch we were walking around to find tourist information to book a package to Machu Piccu. We met a little kid who was talking to us and showed us to an information office. He was trying to shine our shoes. None of us had shoes that were able to be shined. So we gave him a few coins that dad had in his pocket. The kid looked at them and said this is nothing and we were bad people. I couldn´t believe it. We at least gave him some. Either way, the street vendors in Cuzco, old and young are the worst and most persistent that I have ever seen. They expect to get paidif you talk to them, which is not the best for dad because he talks to everyone.
We decided to split up and get prices to Machu Piccu. We finally booked one. It was a long and teatious process where I became the translator for everyone. It was hard and afterwards, my head hurt. But, we booked the trip to Machu Piccu and a private tour of the Sacred Valley for tomorrow.
We went to dinner where there was live music. Dad made friends with the band. He is so funny to watch down here. I love it. He is just himself and I could see that I have truely missed being around him and my mom. It makes me feel good that hes here. But very fun to watch him interact with the locals. As we were leaving from dinner (I barley ate again) we got caught in a Cuzco downpour. It was crazy hard rain. We went to a store to buy ponchos. I hate ponchos but it was necessary. We bought them and tried to run back to the hostal. It was crazy. The ponchos were very helpful. Once back in the hostal I started sorting through all of the souveniors that I had bought to make sure that I have bought for everyone that I wanted to. It turns out that I bought it to everyone and their mom maybe even their grandma. I am just oo generous. LOL.
03/11/08
After lunch we were walking around to find tourist information to book a package to Machu Piccu. We met a little kid who was talking to us and showed us to an information office. He was trying to shine our shoes. None of us had shoes that were able to be shined. So we gave him a few coins that dad had in his pocket. The kid looked at them and said this is nothing and we were bad people. I couldn´t believe it. We at least gave him some. Either way, the street vendors in Cuzco, old and young are the worst and most persistent that I have ever seen. They expect to get paidif you talk to them, which is not the best for dad because he talks to everyone.
We decided to split up and get prices to Machu Piccu. We finally booked one. It was a long and teatious process where I became the translator for everyone. It was hard and afterwards, my head hurt. But, we booked the trip to Machu Piccu and a private tour of the Sacred Valley for tomorrow.
We went to dinner where there was live music. Dad made friends with the band. He is so funny to watch down here. I love it. He is just himself and I could see that I have truely missed being around him and my mom. It makes me feel good that hes here. But very fun to watch him interact with the locals. As we were leaving from dinner (I barley ate again) we got caught in a Cuzco downpour. It was crazy hard rain. We went to a store to buy ponchos. I hate ponchos but it was necessary. We bought them and tried to run back to the hostal. It was crazy. The ponchos were very helpful. Once back in the hostal I started sorting through all of the souveniors that I had bought to make sure that I have bought for everyone that I wanted to. It turns out that I bought it to everyone and their mom maybe even their grandma. I am just oo generous. LOL.
03/11/08
Lima Day 7
DAD´S COMING TODAY! WOO HOO! Obviously I am excited for Dad to get here tonight.
Well today we did more of the sites. We went to the Museo De Arte. It was filled with paintings, ceramics, photos, sculptures and artifacts. (Again, a strange thing to have in a museum) Well, we all pitched in for a guided tour and we leard so much information about many of the artifacts and the history of the Peruvian people.
Next, we unfortunatley went to the bullfighting museum. I was not a fan and pretty vocal that I was not looking forward to going. I had even offended our cab driver when I told him that I would always root for the bull. He was not amused. Anywho, inside the museum were many articles on famous bullfighters, matadores, their costumes, and their prize of the dead bull heads mounted to the wall. I was very sad because most of the matador costumes were spotless. In my mind, the bull lost. They were beautiful outfits...but then... I found one where the bull won! There was a big rip in the crotch of the pants and blood on both sides of the legs. I was a little more satisfied and very proud for the bull. It was a white or cream colored costume too. In the museum was a drawing by Picasso which was interesting. This is a little podunk museum in Peru that holds a Picasso.
Next we went to Miraflores to do some shopping in a mall built into the sides of a cliff. It was a mall. I started not feeling so hot and not really having an appetite and didn´t eat much at dinner. Then I finally got a fair price when I negotiated a taxi back to the hostal. That was very exciting.
Back at the hostal I got ready adn went to the airport with Erick to pick up Dad. We got there at 9:30 and his flight didn´t get in until aftre midnight. The airport was crazy busy. There were so many people waiting to pick up people. They had signs and were screaming peoples names. It was so busy and never died down. We grabbed him when he came off the plane and went back to the hostal for the night. I slept on the floor due to only having a bunkbed. We chatted for a while and then went to bed. We have a flight to Cuzco for the morning.
I am so excited that he is here I can barely believe it!
03/10/08
Well today we did more of the sites. We went to the Museo De Arte. It was filled with paintings, ceramics, photos, sculptures and artifacts. (Again, a strange thing to have in a museum) Well, we all pitched in for a guided tour and we leard so much information about many of the artifacts and the history of the Peruvian people.
Next, we unfortunatley went to the bullfighting museum. I was not a fan and pretty vocal that I was not looking forward to going. I had even offended our cab driver when I told him that I would always root for the bull. He was not amused. Anywho, inside the museum were many articles on famous bullfighters, matadores, their costumes, and their prize of the dead bull heads mounted to the wall. I was very sad because most of the matador costumes were spotless. In my mind, the bull lost. They were beautiful outfits...but then... I found one where the bull won! There was a big rip in the crotch of the pants and blood on both sides of the legs. I was a little more satisfied and very proud for the bull. It was a white or cream colored costume too. In the museum was a drawing by Picasso which was interesting. This is a little podunk museum in Peru that holds a Picasso.
Next we went to Miraflores to do some shopping in a mall built into the sides of a cliff. It was a mall. I started not feeling so hot and not really having an appetite and didn´t eat much at dinner. Then I finally got a fair price when I negotiated a taxi back to the hostal. That was very exciting.
Back at the hostal I got ready adn went to the airport with Erick to pick up Dad. We got there at 9:30 and his flight didn´t get in until aftre midnight. The airport was crazy busy. There were so many people waiting to pick up people. They had signs and were screaming peoples names. It was so busy and never died down. We grabbed him when he came off the plane and went back to the hostal for the night. I slept on the floor due to only having a bunkbed. We chatted for a while and then went to bed. We have a flight to Cuzco for the morning.
I am so excited that he is here I can barely believe it!
03/10/08
Lima Day 6
Today, Sarah and I realized that we have been traveling for a while and our standards are lower than others. I think mine are still higher than Sarah´s but I usually remain quiet when she finds a place that she wants to eat, unless I think it is really bad instead of just bad.
We went to the Museo De Banco Reserve. It was a very nice museum with a breath taking gold display. We had to go downstairs into a vault to see the display. Sarah and I also realized that we go through museums faster than Hillary and Judy. So we spent a little extra time waiting for them.I give it to them for taking more time and trying to take in all the information. I wish I was a little more patient. I think the more museums we go to the faster we start to go through them.
Next we went accross town to the National Museum. On the way there our taxi drove into a shooting. He flipped the car into reverse, like the others and we saw a gun go off (we even saw the fire from the shooting) and then a gang of people running towards us. The taxi driver was great and manuvered through the police coming to the scene and making sure that we don´t get involved.
Once safely to the museum, we found that it was underconstruction. Only two floors were open for viewing. One with historical artifacts (funny thing at a museum huh) and the other was a huge presentation on a social genocide that took place. I felt for naieve for not knowing about what had happened to these people. It even happened while I was alive and in school. It was very moving and had a huge impact. The pictures were very disheartening. It was a good day and we had to get ready because Dad will be here tomorrow. YAY! I am very excited for his visit.
03/09/08
We went to the Museo De Banco Reserve. It was a very nice museum with a breath taking gold display. We had to go downstairs into a vault to see the display. Sarah and I also realized that we go through museums faster than Hillary and Judy. So we spent a little extra time waiting for them.I give it to them for taking more time and trying to take in all the information. I wish I was a little more patient. I think the more museums we go to the faster we start to go through them.
Next we went accross town to the National Museum. On the way there our taxi drove into a shooting. He flipped the car into reverse, like the others and we saw a gun go off (we even saw the fire from the shooting) and then a gang of people running towards us. The taxi driver was great and manuvered through the police coming to the scene and making sure that we don´t get involved.
Once safely to the museum, we found that it was underconstruction. Only two floors were open for viewing. One with historical artifacts (funny thing at a museum huh) and the other was a huge presentation on a social genocide that took place. I felt for naieve for not knowing about what had happened to these people. It even happened while I was alive and in school. It was very moving and had a huge impact. The pictures were very disheartening. It was a good day and we had to get ready because Dad will be here tomorrow. YAY! I am very excited for his visit.
03/09/08
Lima Day 5
Today the four of us explored downtown Lima. We first walked to the Plaza De Armas and watched the changing of the guard ceremony. I cannot believe that this ceremony takes place every day. it is a huge ordeal with a band, an arms display, military dancing, a speaker and more. It was great to watch but I still can´t believe it happens every day. Hillary and Judy are my new shoppign buddies. Thats always fun!
For lunch we went to a nunnery. All of the procedes go to a charity. It was a very nice lunch and we were paying for more than just a meal. It was a little tricky to find, but once we did, we were glad.
We also went to a church, Iglesea De San Francisco. It was a beautiful church. Underneath the church were huge catacombs. Yay! more dead people. We walked under the chuch and looked at the oddly arranged and scattered bones. They had a whole tube or hole just filled with skulls. Eww.
After that we caught a taxi to a great viewpoint of the city. Partway up the "mountain" we had to get out of our little Honda hatchback taxi because there was to much weight holding it back. So we all climbed out of the cab and watched it make it up the hill. That was a new one for us. But we did get a great view of the city. After that it ahd been a long day and we headed back to the hostal to call it a night.
03/08/08
For lunch we went to a nunnery. All of the procedes go to a charity. It was a very nice lunch and we were paying for more than just a meal. It was a little tricky to find, but once we did, we were glad.
We also went to a church, Iglesea De San Francisco. It was a beautiful church. Underneath the church were huge catacombs. Yay! more dead people. We walked under the chuch and looked at the oddly arranged and scattered bones. They had a whole tube or hole just filled with skulls. Eww.
After that we caught a taxi to a great viewpoint of the city. Partway up the "mountain" we had to get out of our little Honda hatchback taxi because there was to much weight holding it back. So we all climbed out of the cab and watched it make it up the hill. That was a new one for us. But we did get a great view of the city. After that it ahd been a long day and we headed back to the hostal to call it a night.
03/08/08
Lima Day 4
Today the troops start rolling in. While waiting until Hillary and Judy´s flight came to come in, around midnight, we went to some Inca ruins with Erick and a girl named Ana from Sweeden. It was called Pachamac and on the coast of Lima. We took the city bus to get there. I am not a fan of these city buses. Granted I have been spoiled since Eugene has one of the best public transportation systems. These buses are jam packed with people and the drivers are slighty crazy. Well, it was a 3 hour bus ride there. I was standing for a while and was later asked to sit down by a woman. She was asking for my own safety and the safety of the people around me. Apparently everytime the bus stops and I try to move, in mid move and readjustment the bus stqarts and I usually go flying. I am so impressed by the balance of these people. Women were heels, people carry loads of stuff and even play instruments while the bus is in motion. I can barely stand without hurting anyone.
The ruins were nice. They had a great view. It was about a 2-3 hour hike around the ruins, in the very hot heat. It was nice though. Also, it was interesting becasue it is predicted that 70 oercent of the ruins are still burried under the sand waiting to be excavated. Lack of funding has caused slow excavation procedures.
On the way home another 3 hour bus ride at rush hour made a non clostrophbic person nervous. It was hot and there were so many people crammed onto the bus they had to violently push the doors open and shut. I was not very amused. It was a long ride, but part of the way we were entertained by two kids playing music. Erick joined in for a little. They were really good and just adorable. Great balance too. After the bus, I was in pain. the bus did some odd number on my back. When we got back I took a shower and jummed into my bed and Sarah went to the airport with Erick to pick up Hillary and Judy.
03/07/08
The ruins were nice. They had a great view. It was about a 2-3 hour hike around the ruins, in the very hot heat. It was nice though. Also, it was interesting becasue it is predicted that 70 oercent of the ruins are still burried under the sand waiting to be excavated. Lack of funding has caused slow excavation procedures.
On the way home another 3 hour bus ride at rush hour made a non clostrophbic person nervous. It was hot and there were so many people crammed onto the bus they had to violently push the doors open and shut. I was not very amused. It was a long ride, but part of the way we were entertained by two kids playing music. Erick joined in for a little. They were really good and just adorable. Great balance too. After the bus, I was in pain. the bus did some odd number on my back. When we got back I took a shower and jummed into my bed and Sarah went to the airport with Erick to pick up Hillary and Judy.
03/07/08
Nasca to Lima
It was a sad day. We have had a hard life for the past few days. It was time to leave our legacy for the longest guests in Nasca. We woke up, had breakfast and was at the pool. (We had to take advantage because our bus didn´t leave until 2) So we were at the pool for the morning. Sarah had obviously left her mark on the pool guy (who has picked up that I was not that found of him. Counseling is great because I am comfortable with silence, Sarah is not and feels the need to talk to him) Well, he stalked us, her, all day at the pool. My take as him being a creep is proven more. We said our sad goodbyes to Faustino, our bartender and card playing friend then were off to the bus.
On the bus we watched some moer bad movies and played another round of BINGO. I again did not win. Once back in Lima, we had a taxi that took us to the hostal. Well this taxi was a little more expensive because it was a mercedes. The man kept reminding us that we were driving in a mercedes. Sad to him, it was not hte most impressive mercedes. Well a 20 minute taxi ride turned into an hour adventure because the mercedes had obviously never been into the part of Lima that we were staying in. It was very amusing to say the least. I was very greatful once we finally got to the hostal, after 40 extra minutes, 2 stops asking locals and 5 phone calls to Erik trying to get directions.
We are very rested and ready for the race to start. Tomorrow Sarah´s friend Hillary and monther in law, Judy are coming to visit and then in a few days, dad will be here. We are very excited!
03/06/08
On the bus we watched some moer bad movies and played another round of BINGO. I again did not win. Once back in Lima, we had a taxi that took us to the hostal. Well this taxi was a little more expensive because it was a mercedes. The man kept reminding us that we were driving in a mercedes. Sad to him, it was not hte most impressive mercedes. Well a 20 minute taxi ride turned into an hour adventure because the mercedes had obviously never been into the part of Lima that we were staying in. It was very amusing to say the least. I was very greatful once we finally got to the hostal, after 40 extra minutes, 2 stops asking locals and 5 phone calls to Erik trying to get directions.
We are very rested and ready for the race to start. Tomorrow Sarah´s friend Hillary and monther in law, Judy are coming to visit and then in a few days, dad will be here. We are very excited!
03/06/08
Nasca Day 4
Today we woke up and actually did something touristy. We actually left the pool for a little while. We decided to take a tour of the ancient Inca cemetary. Lucky for me...more dead things. Sarah likes them so I tag along. We were supposed to see mummies. We did not see mummies. We saw bones of dead people. Big difference between mummies and white bones sitting in a hole in the ground. I was not impressed and was almost revolted that I took a few pictures. I think we were the fastest people to walk through the cemetary because when we got back to our taxi, the driver was sleeping with his feet hanging out of the window.
After the icky cemetary we were taken, unwillingly to a pottery demonstration. It showed how they made pottery in the Inca times. It was actually pretty interesting. We felt forced to buy something by the guide, so I bought a bird whistle. The man who showed us the demonstration was very unsexy. We walked in and he was sitting at a table with his feet up and his shirt was pulled up over his big belly and just covering his man boobs. He was sweating and it was just not the image I had imagined.
Once back at the hotel, around lunch time, we resumed our pool routine. Laid by the pool reading until the sun went down. Tonight we were supposed to go out on the town with a few of the pool boys. I was not really feeling it. So We played cards with the bartender. We even became his little helpers. It was fun. When time for the dates came, I opted out because Sarah´s pool boy gave me the creeps. She however went out on the town with him, I played more cards w ith the bartender. I think I had more fun. However, Sarah finally had her dream of her very own pool boy.
We had to make sure all of our things were in order to leave the next morning. We have set a record as the longest guest that have ever stayed at the hotel. It was a pretty good day.
03/05/08
After the icky cemetary we were taken, unwillingly to a pottery demonstration. It showed how they made pottery in the Inca times. It was actually pretty interesting. We felt forced to buy something by the guide, so I bought a bird whistle. The man who showed us the demonstration was very unsexy. We walked in and he was sitting at a table with his feet up and his shirt was pulled up over his big belly and just covering his man boobs. He was sweating and it was just not the image I had imagined.
Once back at the hotel, around lunch time, we resumed our pool routine. Laid by the pool reading until the sun went down. Tonight we were supposed to go out on the town with a few of the pool boys. I was not really feeling it. So We played cards with the bartender. We even became his little helpers. It was fun. When time for the dates came, I opted out because Sarah´s pool boy gave me the creeps. She however went out on the town with him, I played more cards w ith the bartender. I think I had more fun. However, Sarah finally had her dream of her very own pool boy.
We had to make sure all of our things were in order to leave the next morning. We have set a record as the longest guest that have ever stayed at the hotel. It was a pretty good day.
03/05/08
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Nasca Day 3
Today was a busy day. We got up, had breakfast, laid by the pool until lunch, had lunch, laid by the pool until dinner and then played cards with the bartender when the sun went down. Its tough being us.
The bartender, Faustion, an adorable old man taught us Peruvian Casio, some card game. However he didn´t tell us rules and didn´t speak English, so it was play until you understand how kind of mentality. We apparently had dates with the pool boys but ditched them to hang out with Faustino. It was a great day. Nice and relaxing.
A little about the hotel. Apparently people only stay here one night and then leave, usually giant tour groups. We however, have a long record of staying. The hotel is an old Soanish styple with a clay roof and arched doorways and windows. it reminds me of my Grandma´s old house in Corvallis. There are a ton of plants and trees. It is very green, but in the middle of the dry nothingness. It has 2 pools, a bar, a volleyball court, a soccer field, a pool table, pingo pong, foos ball, internet, movies, a horse, parakeets, peacocks and an alpaca...Deena. It is absolutely gorgeouse. Micaela loves it here. It is the strongest presence I have ever felt.
03/04/08
The bartender, Faustion, an adorable old man taught us Peruvian Casio, some card game. However he didn´t tell us rules and didn´t speak English, so it was play until you understand how kind of mentality. We apparently had dates with the pool boys but ditched them to hang out with Faustino. It was a great day. Nice and relaxing.
A little about the hotel. Apparently people only stay here one night and then leave, usually giant tour groups. We however, have a long record of staying. The hotel is an old Soanish styple with a clay roof and arched doorways and windows. it reminds me of my Grandma´s old house in Corvallis. There are a ton of plants and trees. It is very green, but in the middle of the dry nothingness. It has 2 pools, a bar, a volleyball court, a soccer field, a pool table, pingo pong, foos ball, internet, movies, a horse, parakeets, peacocks and an alpaca...Deena. It is absolutely gorgeouse. Micaela loves it here. It is the strongest presence I have ever felt.
03/04/08
Nasca Day 2
Happy 60th Birthday Daddy! Wow, I can´t believe it. A great way to celebrat dad´s birthday is taking our flight over the Nasca Lines. We arrived at the podunk airport and piled into our 6 person plane. It was amazing. I could see the lines, but I might have bad pictures, so just incase I´ll probably buy postcards. The plane ride was a little earie and Sarah felt a little sick, so when we came back to the hotel after the amazing ride, we decided to relax by the pool the whole day. And we did. I read many books. I forgot what leisure reading was. I like it. We layed by the pool until the sun went down. I got a little burned but not bad.
At lunch I had dropped my fork on the floor and bent over to pick it up. Well the legs on my chair slid out and before I knew it I was on the floor joining my fork. I am so graceful.
After the sun went down we changed and hng out at the bar. We chatted with the workers, I think we are the only people at the hotel. I had a mango daquri. Sarah had asked if mangos were in season because it said seasonal on the menu. The guy looked at her a little odd and pointed to the mango tree next to the pool where we had been all day. The tree was full of ripe mangos. I was a little amused.
After our drinks we went to the Planetarium on the property to view the show. It talked about the Nasca lines and some of the theories behind them. It was a great show. Afterwards the guy brought out a huge telescope and we looked at stars and even Saturn. I couldn´t believe the image of Saturn. It looked fake. You could see the rings perfectly. I am still in awe. We also tried to translate the "milky way" into spanish by saying "Paseo de Leche". That´s not right because we were made fun of, just incase you were wondering. Then it was off to bed. I think we made friends with the pool boys. We might have been a little too friendly because I think they like us. No more boyfriends!
03/03/08
At lunch I had dropped my fork on the floor and bent over to pick it up. Well the legs on my chair slid out and before I knew it I was on the floor joining my fork. I am so graceful.
After the sun went down we changed and hng out at the bar. We chatted with the workers, I think we are the only people at the hotel. I had a mango daquri. Sarah had asked if mangos were in season because it said seasonal on the menu. The guy looked at her a little odd and pointed to the mango tree next to the pool where we had been all day. The tree was full of ripe mangos. I was a little amused.
After our drinks we went to the Planetarium on the property to view the show. It talked about the Nasca lines and some of the theories behind them. It was a great show. Afterwards the guy brought out a huge telescope and we looked at stars and even Saturn. I couldn´t believe the image of Saturn. It looked fake. You could see the rings perfectly. I am still in awe. We also tried to translate the "milky way" into spanish by saying "Paseo de Leche". That´s not right because we were made fun of, just incase you were wondering. Then it was off to bed. I think we made friends with the pool boys. We might have been a little too friendly because I think they like us. No more boyfriends!
03/03/08
Nasca Day 1
Another early morning. We caught a cab by 6 to take us to the bus station. We had a two story bus and sat on top for a long ride to Nasca. While on the bus we watched 3 movies that were not the greatest, or family appropriate. We also played BINGO! I was so excited. I thought it was so funny to play BINGO on the bus! I didn´t win though. We met guy on the bus from Oregon. Small world. he was a little odd though. anyway once we got to Nasca we found our hotel, which I loved. Sarah was not so keen on it, but she too really liked it. This was a splurge because once we get back to Lima we are going to be on the move because my Dad is coming and Sarahs friends are coming. So we had an upgraded hotel with a pool.
We settled into our room and then headed to town to book our flight over the lines for the next day. Once our little missions were accomplished we went back to the hotel where I tried to befriend the pet Alpaca Deena. I was trying to pet her, but she became stubborn So I gave up, flicked my wrist at her and walked away. Deena was not happy. As I was walking away I heard footsteps. Deena was charging me. So I began to run being chased by the alpaca. Sarah has a video of the incident. It was a new situation.
Then we had dinner and went to bed. It was a long day even though we were mainly on the bus.
03/02/08
We settled into our room and then headed to town to book our flight over the lines for the next day. Once our little missions were accomplished we went back to the hotel where I tried to befriend the pet Alpaca Deena. I was trying to pet her, but she became stubborn So I gave up, flicked my wrist at her and walked away. Deena was not happy. As I was walking away I heard footsteps. Deena was charging me. So I began to run being chased by the alpaca. Sarah has a video of the incident. It was a new situation.
Then we had dinner and went to bed. It was a long day even though we were mainly on the bus.
03/02/08
Arequipa/Lima Day3
Today we head back to Lima. I woke up and played with a new baby white kitten at the hotel for a while. Then we had breakfast and got our stuff ready to go. We walked around town a little and went to a church and museum that wre not that exciting. I am not a big fan of Spanish Religious art, or I am just getting tired of it.
Then we walked to the plaza and saw many people in native dress dancing to bands playing It was really fun to watch. We walked around a little more then headed off to the airport.
At the airport Sarah made the ticket lady mad fighting about frequent flyer miles and the lady gave us crummy seats, of course and made Sarah check her bag. It was not a fun situation.
Once back in Lima we stayed in the hotel downtown that we had cancelled before we left. This place reminded me of the college dorms. It was not the greatest place. We walked around downtown looking for snacks because we had an 8 hour bus the next morning. We wer unsuccessful in our search. However, we saw two giant gorgeous weddings in two churches side by side in downtown Miraflores. It was nice. Then we called it a night because we had an early bus the next morning.
03/01/08
Then we walked to the plaza and saw many people in native dress dancing to bands playing It was really fun to watch. We walked around a little more then headed off to the airport.
At the airport Sarah made the ticket lady mad fighting about frequent flyer miles and the lady gave us crummy seats, of course and made Sarah check her bag. It was not a fun situation.
Once back in Lima we stayed in the hotel downtown that we had cancelled before we left. This place reminded me of the college dorms. It was not the greatest place. We walked around downtown looking for snacks because we had an 8 hour bus the next morning. We wer unsuccessful in our search. However, we saw two giant gorgeous weddings in two churches side by side in downtown Miraflores. It was nice. Then we called it a night because we had an early bus the next morning.
03/01/08
Arequipa Day 3
Happy Leap Year! I woke up and started reading my book. Sarah needed to rest. It was obvious because she slept in until almost 10. Once she was up we had breakfast and got ready to explore the town.
We went to a monestary first, which was huge. I think it took up 6 city blocks. There were streets inside and the place was just enormous. Its amazing the living conditions people live in. Especially the onces who dedicate their life to God and the church. It really tugs at me at times.
After that we went to a museum to see the "Ice Princess", Juanita. Well Juanita, an almost fully preserved mummy was in the freezer so we saw her replacement, Sarita, who is not fully preserved. Anyway, It was a great museum, I am a little creeped out with the whole mummy thing because I don´t do well with dead things. It was very interesting and informative. At the museum I was amazed by the restoration that had taken place on certain artifacts. There were before and after pictures and I was just amazed. Science and technology can do amazing things. I´m a little weary on the tradition of human sacrifices, but I get that it is part of a completely different culture and am trying to understand it a little more.
Afterwards we did more shooping. I am on a roll because I had to buy a new bag to carry all my treasures back to Lima. After shopping we had a chocolate crepe which was delightful! Then we went back and got ready to catch our flight tomorrow afternoon.
02/29/08
We went to a monestary first, which was huge. I think it took up 6 city blocks. There were streets inside and the place was just enormous. Its amazing the living conditions people live in. Especially the onces who dedicate their life to God and the church. It really tugs at me at times.
After that we went to a museum to see the "Ice Princess", Juanita. Well Juanita, an almost fully preserved mummy was in the freezer so we saw her replacement, Sarita, who is not fully preserved. Anyway, It was a great museum, I am a little creeped out with the whole mummy thing because I don´t do well with dead things. It was very interesting and informative. At the museum I was amazed by the restoration that had taken place on certain artifacts. There were before and after pictures and I was just amazed. Science and technology can do amazing things. I´m a little weary on the tradition of human sacrifices, but I get that it is part of a completely different culture and am trying to understand it a little more.
Afterwards we did more shooping. I am on a roll because I had to buy a new bag to carry all my treasures back to Lima. After shopping we had a chocolate crepe which was delightful! Then we went back and got ready to catch our flight tomorrow afternoon.
02/29/08
Colca Canyon Day/ Arequipa Day 2
So, we woke up very early to go see the canyon this morning. Once wr got to the canyon to watch the condors fly there was so much fog we could barely see 5 feet infront of us. That was a ittle disappointing. However on the drive back to Arequipa we stopped to look at the view and could see condors flying there.
Getting out of the canyon we had a bus war with another bus. It was a face off to see who would back up first since there was only room for one bus at a time to get through the road. Unfortunately our bus had to back up because there was a line up on the other end. it was a bit unnerving but Freddie was a great driver and we made it down safely.
We ate lunch and walked around Chevey a little then piled back into the bus to head back to Arequipa. I bought a few more gifts and sat back and tried to relax on the long and winding road back to Arequipa.
Once back in Arequipa we did a little more shopping, I am getting into the groove, then called it an early night.
02/28/08
Getting out of the canyon we had a bus war with another bus. It was a face off to see who would back up first since there was only room for one bus at a time to get through the road. Unfortunately our bus had to back up because there was a line up on the other end. it was a bit unnerving but Freddie was a great driver and we made it down safely.
We ate lunch and walked around Chevey a little then piled back into the bus to head back to Arequipa. I bought a few more gifts and sat back and tried to relax on the long and winding road back to Arequipa.
Once back in Arequipa we did a little more shopping, I am getting into the groove, then called it an early night.
02/28/08
Colca Canyon Day 1
We woke up this morning and had breakfast and waited for our tour bus to pick us up. I was a little shocked that they came to our hotel. We had 16 people on our tour. Our guide Jaime and our driver Freddie were great. We stopped at a little store before we left to get candy. Apparently we were going to be getting to some very high altitudes and candy, sugar and water help with altitude sickness. We headed to the stop for the night, a little town called Chevey. On the way we stopped many times to get pictures of the wildlife and scenery. They had llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. We also stopped at a little town to drink Coca tea because we were getting ready to go up pretty high, approximately 15,000 feet. On the way, the girl accross from me threw up. This was not a plesant moment. So we all got out why they cleaned up the seat. It was so cold, granted we were up really high and there was snow. It was nice to see some snow. Once back in the bus we started our descent. On the drive to Chevey, about 4.5 hours in all I saw my first towns that I had invisioned 3rd world countries to look like.
Once in Chevey we had lunch at our hotel. However, some people got sick and someone else found a bug stuck to their french fry. It was not that appetizing anymore. The hotel was so cold, the air was cold and I was freezing. After lunch we all went to a hot springs which was nice. Then we were back at the hotel for a little bit.
For dinner we went to a show of traditional dance. It was great The food was not so good but the show was nice. I however, was sitting at the end of our table and had I known that they asked for volunteers, well ask is not the correct word. They grabbed volunteers, I would have sat more inward. So I was apart of the show and the dance I was choosen for never seemed to end. Luckily I was not the only volunteer from the crowd. The dancing was amazing and the outfits were gorgeous, it was a fun night.
After dinner we got up and went back to the freezing hotel where luckily they had down blankets and a heater waiting for us. we needed to get to bed because we were leaving at 5:00 the next morning.
02/27/08
Once in Chevey we had lunch at our hotel. However, some people got sick and someone else found a bug stuck to their french fry. It was not that appetizing anymore. The hotel was so cold, the air was cold and I was freezing. After lunch we all went to a hot springs which was nice. Then we were back at the hotel for a little bit.
For dinner we went to a show of traditional dance. It was great The food was not so good but the show was nice. I however, was sitting at the end of our table and had I known that they asked for volunteers, well ask is not the correct word. They grabbed volunteers, I would have sat more inward. So I was apart of the show and the dance I was choosen for never seemed to end. Luckily I was not the only volunteer from the crowd. The dancing was amazing and the outfits were gorgeous, it was a fun night.
After dinner we got up and went back to the freezing hotel where luckily they had down blankets and a heater waiting for us. we needed to get to bed because we were leaving at 5:00 the next morning.
02/27/08
Arequipa Day 1
Today we woke up and headed to the airport to go to Arequipa. We were almost late because Erik told us we didn´t have to be there that early, but he was wrong. Luckily we didn´t have any luggage to check since we only had our day packs, but we were still practically running through the airport to make sure we caught our flight. Typically we were not sitting next to each other and the flight was full. As always I was sittign in the middle seat in the very last row of the plane. It alwys happens to me. I always get the crummy seats. Sarah was in row 7 and had an aisle and what do I get? Row 26 middle seat. I´m getting a little irritated at always havign to sit in the middle. This flight however was not as bad because my two people never showed up! So I was sitting in the last row, but I had it to myself. The people accross the way were a little obnoxious tough.
Anyway our flight had 2 other mini stops to let people on and off the plane. I´m in the back reading and all of a sudden here comes Sarah with her bag mad that I didn´t get off the plane like she did. (I however knew that this was not our stop) She had gotten her stuff, gotten off the plane and was waiting for me. She then had to beg to get back on the plane because he was at the wrong airport. I had no idea all of this happened until she got back onto the plane. I was amused to say the least.
Once we arrived at the right airport and got off the plane we grabbed a cab and went to find a hotel. We found a place and then went looking for a tour to Colca Canyon. We booked our tour and then walked around the town. I had officially began shopping for people. We ate dinner at this cute little indie crepe restaurant. It was so good. We then decided to go back to the hotel and go to bed because our tour was going to pick us up in the morning and we wanted to make sure we were well rested and ready to go.
02/26/08
Anyway our flight had 2 other mini stops to let people on and off the plane. I´m in the back reading and all of a sudden here comes Sarah with her bag mad that I didn´t get off the plane like she did. (I however knew that this was not our stop) She had gotten her stuff, gotten off the plane and was waiting for me. She then had to beg to get back on the plane because he was at the wrong airport. I had no idea all of this happened until she got back onto the plane. I was amused to say the least.
Once we arrived at the right airport and got off the plane we grabbed a cab and went to find a hotel. We found a place and then went looking for a tour to Colca Canyon. We booked our tour and then walked around the town. I had officially began shopping for people. We ate dinner at this cute little indie crepe restaurant. It was so good. We then decided to go back to the hotel and go to bed because our tour was going to pick us up in the morning and we wanted to make sure we were well rested and ready to go.
02/26/08
Lima Day 2
Today we woke up and hd planned to go to Miraflores again to book a tour package to Arequipa. So we had left our big bags at the hostal and just took our day packs with us. We had booked another hostal in downtown Miraflores because it was closer to everything. We took our daybacks and left them at the new hostal why we looked for a tour.
We found a tour that had us in Arequipa for 4 or 5 days and then in Nasca for 4 or 5 days. So once we sorted out the details, we realized to go to Arequipa (tomorrow) we should stay back at our original hostal because it was close to the airport and we had a flight. So we go back to the "new" hostal and canceled, picked up our backs and went back to our original.
We got there, they had plenty of room for us and we watched a movie and had popcorn. Henry, the 13 year old, whose older brother EriK runs the place, made us popcorn for the movie. No joke but it was the best popcorn I had ever had! I was in awe.
Later on I made some phone calls letting people we made it to Lima safely and Sarah was talking to Erik. LOL they were practicing Spanish, well Erik was helping Sarah practice spanish. He asked her what her favorite food was while down here. They got into a little tiff because she said a word and he didn´t elieve her. She was very adament about her favorite food though. (An Albright trait to be right maybe) Well he then made a gesture explaining to her what she was saying. She was a little embarrassed and everyone was cracking up. There is a big difference in the definitions of the two words and only one letter seperating them. So we learned about the importance of pronunciation and had a great laugh. If you care to know what the words are, send me an email. But for the record. Sarah´s favorite food it trout.
After that we went to bed to get ready for our flight tomorrow morning to Arequipa.
02/25/08
We found a tour that had us in Arequipa for 4 or 5 days and then in Nasca for 4 or 5 days. So once we sorted out the details, we realized to go to Arequipa (tomorrow) we should stay back at our original hostal because it was close to the airport and we had a flight. So we go back to the "new" hostal and canceled, picked up our backs and went back to our original.
We got there, they had plenty of room for us and we watched a movie and had popcorn. Henry, the 13 year old, whose older brother EriK runs the place, made us popcorn for the movie. No joke but it was the best popcorn I had ever had! I was in awe.
Later on I made some phone calls letting people we made it to Lima safely and Sarah was talking to Erik. LOL they were practicing Spanish, well Erik was helping Sarah practice spanish. He asked her what her favorite food was while down here. They got into a little tiff because she said a word and he didn´t elieve her. She was very adament about her favorite food though. (An Albright trait to be right maybe) Well he then made a gesture explaining to her what she was saying. She was a little embarrassed and everyone was cracking up. There is a big difference in the definitions of the two words and only one letter seperating them. So we learned about the importance of pronunciation and had a great laugh. If you care to know what the words are, send me an email. But for the record. Sarah´s favorite food it trout.
After that we went to bed to get ready for our flight tomorrow morning to Arequipa.
02/25/08
Lima Day 1
Well, 4 days later and we finally made it out of Ecuador. On our first day in Lima, we arrived late last night and were picked up at the airport by our hostal. Henrey, a 13 year old boy. I was a little nervous at first because I thought he would be driving us. He just got us a taxi, so all was well.
In the morning, we took our time getting up and getting ready. One reason was because it happened to be Sunday. Down here many things are closed on Sundays. So once we were ready we grabbed a Taxi and took the long drive (about 20 minutes) to Miraflores. This was a beautiful part of Lima. It was right on the coast with many parks and artists on the streets. It was just great.
What made it even better was for lunch we found a sandwich shop. Now, this is big news because for the last month we have been eating chicken and rice. I love sandwiches and this place was very exciting. So we go in (its sort of inside, but mainly open and a covered roof) and sit down and start to look at the menu. We ordered a sandwich and started people watching. The restaurant was packed. I saw this old man sitting inthe corner drinking some sort of berry juice. Once our sandwiches came...the drama began!
The cute little old man with the berry juice stood up and began to scream at the waiter because it took over an hour for his food. Personally I on´t believe it, but I was not going to get into this fight. The man got up and came up to our waiter who was standing right next to our table. (This is not a very big restaurant). The man was screaming at the waiter, who simply ignored him and said sorry. The man started to leave, turned around to come back and slapped the waiter. his time the aiter tried to escort the man out, who was stil screaming. (remember all of this is within 3 feet of us) The man starts to leave and then began to wave his drink around. I am thinking that I am going to get covered in this berry flavored drink. However, the man managed to keep it all in the glass. Very surprising. Then he begins to leave after slamming the glass on the table. All of a sudden, I see Sarah, who had a clear view of the man, I was sitting facing into the restaurant, so I had my back to him. I watched Sarah and she had an "OH SHIT" (sorry for the language) look on ther face and she jumped up and moved toward the wall. I turn around and this very old man had picked up a chair and was ready to throw it! I dove out of the way because the chair wasn´t that high and it would have beamed me straight in te back of the head. So we both dive out of the way and the man takes the chair and charges the waiter. The waiter, naturally pushed the man away and the man slipped and fell off a single step and cut his elbow pretty bad. Shortly after people on the street came buy blaming the waiter (who actually saved my head from a chair beating) and police showed up, police dogs showed up, and an ambulance showed up. They tried arresting the waiter, but we were all vouching for him. This was by no means his fault. The man asaulted him twice and then verbally assaulted him for 20 minutes. We learned the old man was a retired police officer and was taken to the hospital. The waiter was not arrested but had a big red welt where he was slapped. The owner was livid at the people on the street who were blaming the waiter, even though they had not seen the whole situation, just the aftermath. The whole situation was quite and ordeal. Welcome to Lima!
After we wound down with a starbucks frapachino. We have a starbucks! Then spent the day walking around Miraflores and looking at shops and taking in our new and exciting city. Later at night we had a beer and watched a soccer game. Then it was back to the hostal for the night. What an exciting first day!
02/24/08
In the morning, we took our time getting up and getting ready. One reason was because it happened to be Sunday. Down here many things are closed on Sundays. So once we were ready we grabbed a Taxi and took the long drive (about 20 minutes) to Miraflores. This was a beautiful part of Lima. It was right on the coast with many parks and artists on the streets. It was just great.
What made it even better was for lunch we found a sandwich shop. Now, this is big news because for the last month we have been eating chicken and rice. I love sandwiches and this place was very exciting. So we go in (its sort of inside, but mainly open and a covered roof) and sit down and start to look at the menu. We ordered a sandwich and started people watching. The restaurant was packed. I saw this old man sitting inthe corner drinking some sort of berry juice. Once our sandwiches came...the drama began!
The cute little old man with the berry juice stood up and began to scream at the waiter because it took over an hour for his food. Personally I on´t believe it, but I was not going to get into this fight. The man got up and came up to our waiter who was standing right next to our table. (This is not a very big restaurant). The man was screaming at the waiter, who simply ignored him and said sorry. The man started to leave, turned around to come back and slapped the waiter. his time the aiter tried to escort the man out, who was stil screaming. (remember all of this is within 3 feet of us) The man starts to leave and then began to wave his drink around. I am thinking that I am going to get covered in this berry flavored drink. However, the man managed to keep it all in the glass. Very surprising. Then he begins to leave after slamming the glass on the table. All of a sudden, I see Sarah, who had a clear view of the man, I was sitting facing into the restaurant, so I had my back to him. I watched Sarah and she had an "OH SHIT" (sorry for the language) look on ther face and she jumped up and moved toward the wall. I turn around and this very old man had picked up a chair and was ready to throw it! I dove out of the way because the chair wasn´t that high and it would have beamed me straight in te back of the head. So we both dive out of the way and the man takes the chair and charges the waiter. The waiter, naturally pushed the man away and the man slipped and fell off a single step and cut his elbow pretty bad. Shortly after people on the street came buy blaming the waiter (who actually saved my head from a chair beating) and police showed up, police dogs showed up, and an ambulance showed up. They tried arresting the waiter, but we were all vouching for him. This was by no means his fault. The man asaulted him twice and then verbally assaulted him for 20 minutes. We learned the old man was a retired police officer and was taken to the hospital. The waiter was not arrested but had a big red welt where he was slapped. The owner was livid at the people on the street who were blaming the waiter, even though they had not seen the whole situation, just the aftermath. The whole situation was quite and ordeal. Welcome to Lima!
After we wound down with a starbucks frapachino. We have a starbucks! Then spent the day walking around Miraflores and looking at shops and taking in our new and exciting city. Later at night we had a beer and watched a soccer game. Then it was back to the hostal for the night. What an exciting first day!
02/24/08
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