Goodbyes

Today was our last tour day. The trip has been fabulous, amazing, fantastic, super ... You get the idea.

It's amazing how quickly these days have gone by. Everyday has been filled with smiles, laughter, new knowledge and incredible sights.

Today we visited the small village of Chinchero, here is a cooperative of mostly woman whom knit, weave and crochet in traditional patterns for the Cultural textile shop we visited in Cusco yesterday.

They range in age from their 30s to 80s and produce the most beautiful work. They shared with us a cup of coco tea, their process and talents. They had a beautiful range of textiles available, I wanted everything, but reason prevailed. 

Then back to Cusco for a free afternoon to finish our look around Cusco, pack and get ready for a goodbye dinner tonight.

A lovely goodbye dinner at the Inka Grill.

Flying back to Lima in the morning.

Adios Cusco.

Cusco

Cusco is an amazing city with so much history. There are over 3000 archeological sits in the city - amazing.

Today was a beautiful sunny day. We had a late start today, 9am! Off on a walking tour to start the day off.

San Pedro market was our first stop, I didn't see much in the market that interested me, but finally found a fabric shop with just the fabrics I was hoping to find!

Then to a chocolate shop, delicious, Peru has great chocolate!

A visit to San Domingo Cathedral, Peru has amazing churches, so much history behind them and the weaving of Inka icons amongst the traditional Catholic symbols is very interesting. The use of gold, silver and cedar is beautiful. Beautiful paintings adorn the walls, I've noticed that Mary is very important in Peru.

The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco was our next stop before lunch. There is a small museum mostly dedicated to backstrap weaving and within the shop there were weavers and knitters creating more beautiful works. I really liked that each item in the shop had a tag with the picture of the artist, the region they are from and their birthdate. They had everything from small braids to bed coverings all with unique colours and patterns.

A traditional lunch at a Cusco restaurant followed. Here a glass of chinchita was about 750 mis and the meals very large, a bowl of soup could probably serve 3 people. There was interested items on the menu like bull test less, breaded udders etc. I stuck with stuffed peppers! This restaurant also has traditional Peruvian dancers for entertainment, it was great fun.

The archeological site of Saqsayhuaman was next. This Inka site is dedicated to the lightening God and is built in a zigzag design, like a lightening bolt. The rocks here range in size from 30 kg to several tons and it is estimated the wall was 15 m high. At one time it was covered in silver, either entirely or certain stones, imagine the site of this, going around the corner to see this was jaw dropping today, imagine with the silver. Very few stairs here.

Q'enko was our next stop, work is still taking place at this site. This has been called a labyrinth, because of its shape. There is a sundial on top of the structure, unfortunately we weren't able to see it today as access has been restricted due to a recent visitor injury. Here in the lower levels it is believed to have been a 'mummification chamber' to test the best way to prepare sacrifices to the gods. We went through this cave like structure that had a altar.

More stairs here, but today was real holiday as far as our stair climbing workout. I think maybe Peru means a country of stairs!

Then a free evening! We got a little disorientated looking for a particular shop, so you guessed it climbed a lot more stairs! We rewarded ourselves with ice cream for supper!

Machu Picchu

Today I was able to see this wonderful Inka City high in the mountains. It was doubtful at times as there was a very heavy mist (fog) that woul shift periodically to give us a sneak preview. Then the rain came, making the trek a little more challenging, slippery and very wet, but it's Machu Picchu! We were able to see a good portion of the sits despite being soaked to our bones, dressed in rain coats, you know the recycled garbage bag variety!  I was quite surprised bevy the lushness of the vegetation, it's very close to the Amazon so a more tropical climate. Lots of bamboo, several varieties of orchids, trumpet flowers etc. we made it to the Inka bridge following a very narrow path along the mountains, if you're afraid of heights don't look over the edge. The bridge itself wasn't remarkable, it's how they were able to build it on this mountain side and then continue the path. We saw the agricultural sector, fountains, the sacred rock, the Intihuatana and temple of the condor to name a few.

The mist added a very mystical component to the day and the rain just added to the challenge, nothing could dampen our spirits at such a wonderful place!

Microclimates

YPeru has several microclimates within the country, but it also can have several microclimates in the same area. It is definitely a place to dress in layers, temperatures fluctuate frequently throughout the day.

We started off today with a drive to Moray. Here we saw remarkable circular terraces, 4 in total. As this site has been investigated it is felt they were built as an Inka agricultural experiment. All areas get maximum sunlight, and the temperature from terrace to terrace can change by 3-4 degrees C 

. This allowed a variety of crops to be planted. An irrigation system was also put in place when the terraces were built. Recently archeologists discovered pottery bowls with a variety of pollen, they feel the pollen was kept to help create stronger plants for the area, the original genetic engineering of plants.

Here we walked around the terraces and saw a variety of plants, birds and butterflies, it was very serene.

Next we went to the Urubamba Valley to visit the home of Katrina to learn about her wool felting.it was a very interesting and laborious process, but the end results were beautiful, she makes the most beautiful hats among other things. Her home was lovely with lush gardens (a tropical microclimate), quiet area and a lovely home, she has a St. Bernard and a black cat who curl up together to sleep.

A brief break for lunch at a beautiful restaurant along the Urubamba river. Again beautiful gardens, with llama and alpaca out back and parrots in the front.

Now time for more exercise! To Ollortaymbo, a narrow section of the Sacred Valley. Here there are more terraces with a slightly different configuration and at the top is the Temple de Sol.

Up 242 'stairs' with remarkable views all around us. The rock of the stairs and path were beautiful colours of blue, pink, grey, gold. Once we reached the top to see the Temple, there are 5 large Quartz sones weighing between 70 and 100 tons each built as a perfect wall. These large stones are thought to come from a mountain approximately 9 km away, how the Inka were able to get them down a mountain then to the top of the terraces is truly a mystery. Now we had to go down the stairs!

Now off to the train station to head to Agua Calientes to spend the night, before we head for Machu Picchu.

Sorry no pictures, Internet access isn't great here.

The Inca Trail

Today was beautiful, mostly sunny with occasional cloud cover...but no rain!

It is quite something to be in a city surrounded by beautiful mountains! There are so many shades of green from almost black to teal, and they are always changing depending on how the sun is highlighting parts of the mountain and emphasizing shadows in other areas, a real study in tones and shading.

We had a late start today, 8 AM, ha ha! You need to be a morning person for sure. 

We headed out to a social project where they have the various camelids of Peru, Vicunya, llama, and alpaca, and all varieties of these.

Then we get to the area where we learn about natural dying, and spinning of the yarn. In this area they use a combination of things to create different shades.

Then to the ladies weaving these beautiful yarns into blankets, scarves etc... Mostly backstrap.and they do this with their very young children with them from infant to age 3.

Then of course the store with the finished projects, WOW, what beautiful things. I found myself some beautiful teal gloves of alpaca hide.

Now for some exercise, off to an archeological site in Pisaq. Here the Pre Inca's then the Inca's lived, there is a communal living space, a military area and an area for the church.

It is really amazing how they brought up huge blocks of granite to build walls of some buildings and other boulders for some buildings and walls. All the walls lean inwards, the windows are trapezoid shape and the boulders fit together perfectly like a flower or like a hexagon patterned quilt.

To get to see all these marvelous things we walked for about 2 hours along an Inca trail, that was challenging to say the least. Narrow paths along the ciffs edge, no railings and very uneven ground, multiple stairs up and down that are rocks along a well worn trail, no regular spacing or size, occassionally there was a railing, and of course very narrow tunnels to walk through- the Inca were definitely not large people! But the scenery along the way made everything worthwhile! We had great views of terraces and tombs,mountains all around us and the town of Pisaq below. Pisaq was actually created by a landslide that occurred ?millions of years ago, and you can visualize the path it must of taken when you look down from near the start of the trail.

Then time for a rest, cold drink and lunch. So into the town for fresh and delicious empanadas, cold lemonade and the bano.

Then over to the very large market to look at all the textiles, jewelry, art, food and people.

A quiet evening, a 645 start tomorrow. Buenas Noches!

Introduction to Cuzco

We arrived in Cuzco this morning to sunny skies. Cuzco is 3330 meters or 10900 ft above sea level.

Cuzco is actually in the shape of a puma.

We are staying at the Novotel hotel which is in contrast to our other accommodations, although it is an old colonial building, the renovations have made it quite modern.

We had a siesta to help us deal with any altitude sickness, Anne and I have been ok so far.

Then off for a walk about to see what is in the area and visit some museums.

San Blas is a market with locals selling their works of knitting, weaving etc.

An ethical trade store was also visited, here they sell the work of Peruvian artists from different regions for a fair price 80% goes to the artisan and the remainder to keep the store operational. Here there were wonderful weaving textiles, many using blackstrap weaving technique, with patterns and colours unique to each region.

It is interesting how the textiles vary here from Arequipa or Lima.

We walked around Plaza de Armas which is very beautiful with the churches and the mountains.

Goodbye to Arequipa

This is our last day in Arequipa and with our wonderful teachers.

We finished our last class this morning and had a great lunch celebration, with traditional Peruvian music, dance and great food!

Our teachers are packing up to head home. Ruffina my knitting teacher lives in Huancavellca, a 30 hour bus trip. Elena is going back to Huancaya about an 18 hour bus trip. I don't envy them their long journey. They were wonderful and we all had a lot of fun.

Our projects turned out well and we had a 'show and tell' in the courtyard to see everyone's work.

Just packing up for the next leg of this amazing vacation.

We fly to Cuzco tomorrow morning at 9am.

Embroidery Day 3

Another hard day embroidering in the sunshine! Our pieces are coming along very well and will be completed tomorrow!

Sitting outdoors all day doing needle work is wonderful, but I'm a little tired tonight so it will be an early night.

I've gotten a little sunburn, I'm sure all of you at home love hearing that since it sounds like spring is hiding out this week.

Today our guides have arranged for our purchases to be sent to our hotel in Lima so we don't need to bring everything with us on the next leg of our trip. So our yarns and Peale cotton threads are packed up and ready for delivery. That's 7.8 kg of stuff...don't worry Derek, that includes Anne's.

I discovered my new favourite fruit growing here at the Casa, the Lucuma. The Lucuma fruit is known as 'the last gold of the Inca's'. It has unique flavour of maple syrup and sweet potato. I've tried it as ice cream and in a 'soup' with hot chocolate truffles and in a meringue dessert, it's delicious! 

Embroidery Day 2

Another great day in the courtyard working on our projects, lots of laughter to be heard throughout our outdoor classroom! We are all making great progress. It is quite amazing how great the eyesight is of our teachers. None of them wear glasses and can do the most delicate work with VERY minimal light. I wonder what they would think of the lighting in my sewing room? Derek says I can land planes it is so bright, they'd probably want sunglasses.

We (me) are getting more adventurous with our meals. Today we went to a small restaurant where the locals eat. I had a large bowl of minestrone soup (this country makes the best soup!), an avocado stuffed with chicken and vegetables with yellow rice and potatoes and lemonade. It was delicious. Our waitress chased us down the road after because we left too much money, we thought the sign said 17 soles but it was 7 and she wanted to give us our change! So, it was a great meal at a great price and such honesty.

Tonight we learn how to use a 'Puchka', this is a drop spindle used to spin yarn, it is also the name of our tour. Then a pompon demonstration, not your regular pompon, these ones have images created within of animals for example.

We are really enjoying the holiday but I am really missing brushing my teeth with tap water, soft toilet paper that I can flush and my family - human and furry! 

Goodnight!

Here are some pictures of my emcroidery in progress!

Workshop 2

Back to 'work' today, hand embroidery is this weeks workshop. Our teachers are Elena and her daughter Annabel. Annabel is also 1 of our tour directors. Elena is Spanish speaking and Annabel is learning English. My comprehension of Spanish is better, but when speaking it I still combine all the Romance languages and English together! We are all having great fun working in the courtyard under the tree. Unfortunately a bird has taken residence in this tree, need I say more? This bird has a very interesting song, it sounds a lot like flatulence, now can you beat that for entertainment?

The use of many colours in our embroidery is very cheerful. We embroider on felted wool basted to muslin on a stretcher frame. There are no patterns these ladies draw their designs freehand or mostly just go straight to the needle and thread.

When we finished the workshop they took us to the local market for some pearl cotton, there is a great colour range here, not to mention the cost. So 8 of us ended up in this little shop with our teachers and bought loads of Peale cotton...we needed to take turns in the shop as it was so small!

Then off for dinner.

Feet up after a long day. 

Dressing in layers is a definite must while visiting here, the temperature fluctuates a lot throughout the day and night.

The Dance of the Condor

Today we said goodbye to El Refugio with great sadness, it is a wonderful little oasis to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air and the sound of the Colca River roaring ever so gently. 

We went to Cruz Del Condor T 3975 metres above sea level in hopes of seeing 1 of the 40 Condors that inhabit the region. We danced for the condors the night before as this is part of the magic! We

We were fortunate to see 2 Condors soaring overhead even before we reached Condor Cross- our dance had been successful. Once at the viewing point they gave us a beautiful show soaring through the canyon, around and over our heads, we saw up to 6 at one time! They are so large but so graceful with their black and white wingspan. We watched in awe for about an hour!

Then off for about an hour hike along the Cruz del Condor where we were able to see the different plant life from the very tiny 'needle' flower, lupine, geraniums, assorted cacti to the large zigzag cactus, we could smell them as we walked by. We also enjoyed listening and seeing various birds along the way. Of course there was the majesty of the canyon itself with its different rock faces, small paths the indigenous people use, the Colca River running through the bottom of the gorge, words and pictures just can't capture it!

Then back to Chivay to meet Felicia in her home. There she showed us how she dies her yarn using organic plants. I knew I was officially on holidays, today was the first time my brain associated dying with adding colour to textiles rather than the other dying necessitating a mortician!

She was lovely to share her home with us. She also spins her own yarn (sheeps wool and alpaca), weaves or knits the final product creating beautiful scarves, bags and balls of yarn.

Then back to the city of Arequipa to begin our next workshop tomorrow - hand embroidery for me.

If you ever get to visit Peru make sue to include the Colca! In my view it's a must see!

More of the Colca Canyon

Woke up this morning to beautiful sunny skies and spectacular views a the El Refugio.

There truly aren't enough superlatives to describe this vacation!

A lovely breakfast this morning the off to see the sites a short drive to Yunque to visit the local church and begin a walk through the village and on to see the Pre Inca and Inca Terraces. The walk was difficult at times through uneven rocky paths with various animal deposits to dodge along the way. The challenge was to stop looking at the Andes, terraces, flora and fauna, volcanoes and sunny skies to make sure you didn't step in something unexpected!

The colours of the terraces were fabulous with multiple shades of green (grasses, cacti,trees), reds, purples and gold (quinoa plants), white (wheat) and yellows (flowers).

There were large cacti called 'zig zag' where a particular bird nests. 

We saw the 'giant hummingbird' which is 17 cm in size, we saw 1 in spectacular colour of blue.

Some doves (black and white winged), Andean eagle, and butterflies.

The Eagles had their nests also in the crevices of the rock face, very large!

We saw the local people out with their mules, and sheep on their way to work.

Local woman working in the terraces, harvesting and weeding.

We saw cows grazing and being milked.

During our 2 hour hike we crossed a stone bridge, and suspension bridge ( this wasn't a trek for those afraid of heights or struggling with altitude!)

The name 'Colca' means storage container, the Inca would store their goods in a hole in the rock face which would act as a refrigerator, we were able to see these from the suspension bride.

Everywhere we looked there was an amazing view and then some. I'm truly in awe of the Andes!

In this particular area there are 16 small villages each with their own church!

Looking back on the path we travelled on this trek, I was impressed by the distance and terrain we crossed!

Then back to the hotel for a late lunch, just as the clouds started rolling in. It seems that the weather is quite beautiful til about 3, then the clouds and wind come with a bit of rain (thunder showers today).

A few of us remained at the hotel rather then going on the afternoon tour to sit by the fire, knit and spin yarn. How wonderful is that?

The Colca Canyon

We have made the bus journey to El Refugio in the Colca Canyon. The views on our way were breathtaking. The sky was clear allowing us great views of the volcanoes. The topography and plant life change as you climb in altitude, all unique and beautiful. We were very fortunate on our way, seeing vicuña, alpaca, llamas, native birds (some on the extinction list) and other native wildlife, with 5 species on the extinction list. We stopped along the way for great photo 'ops'. Our highest altitude along the way was 16,100 ft or 4910 metres, and of course there was a market, so also visited the highest shopping plaza!

I can't even explain the shades of greens, browns and greys, snow capped peaks.

The road was pretty windy, but not scary, I wasn't in fear of going over the cliff.

We stopped in a small village called Chivay for lunch, visited the local church and market.

Then the clouds rolled in and the rain began to fall. The temperature also dropped a significant amount, brrr.

El Refugio is an isolated little oasis with that he'd roofs and thermal hot springs where we plan to relax this evening. There are a number of stairs from the parking lot along a bubbly brook before you reach the actual building.

No problems with the altitude with Diamox to take for prevention wth candy and cookies made from the coca leaf - these taste a lot better than the tea.

Tonight there is a roaring fire in the dining area where we will enjoy some soup and do a little knitting.

Colour

My last day of the knitting workshop today, started working on a scarf with some beautiful blue baby alpaca yarn I purchased last night.

The afternoon was great, in the courtyard knitting and taught 2 of our teachers how to knit Janice style and we are all making a scarf. What great fun we all had laughing and sharing!

Still full from lunch so we just enjoyed a glass of wine at a rooftop wine bar and then picked up some pastries to eat later tonight.

Peru is filled with colour not just in the textiles but also the food. Every dish we've ordered has been beautifully presented and always colourful, a feast for the eyes. Initially it was rather shocking to get a bowl of bright green soup, or potatoes in a bright yellow sauce, but now I expect nothing less.

It will be dull to look at our cuisine after this...not that my cooking has ever been that exciting!

Tonight we'll be packing up our weekend bag and heading to the Colca Canyon in the morning for the weekend. A weekend get away on a vacation, this is wonderful. 

We are all preparing for the change of altitude either with medication and/or coca tea (which tastes disgusting if you ask me).

Craftsman or Artist?

As day 3 of the knitting workshop ends, we are all getting to know each other and communication with our teachers is much improved- they all have a great sense of humour!

I finished my little project today! I'm quite happy with how my Andean knitting has improved over this short time period.

I was able to spend more time observing the other teachers and students at work.

Really these people are truly artists, what they can create with their vision and simple tools is amazing.

I was able to observe our carver over the last 3 days work on a gourd. No drawing out pictures, just carving little by little til he finished creating this beautiful gourd depicting our workshops and Peruvian life. A masterpiece so of course it's coming home with me.

Feeling like I'm catching a cold so had a siesta this afternoon, hoping it doesn't get any worse.

This evening off to the yarn shop for some alpaca yarn- guess this year's Christmas gifts?

Then dinner, thought a nice bowl of soup would be good for the cold so Italian Minestrone Peruvian style and Chocolate truffles in a fruit 'soup' Delicious.

Buenas Noches.

Arequipa

KDay 2 spent knitting in the courtyard..ahhh.

The city of Arequipa is 7662 ft above sea level in the foothills of the Andes and is flanked by 3 volcanoes Misti( pictured in my previous blog), Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Most of the buildings in the Unesco Heritage Site centre are built of white/cream stillar which is why it is often called the 'white city'. It is a place where you will find alpaca and vicuña (which is even finer than alpaca).

We enjoyed a meal at Zig Zag a restaurant that features a stairway to the second floor designed by Gustave Eiffel.

It is not unusual for Arequipa to experience up to 15 small tremors daily, I can't say I've been aware of any since we arrived. I did review 'what to do in case of earthquake' handout that we were given on arrival.

I also feel quite tall here!! 

My knitting project is coming along well and the technique is feeling more familiar.

I'm sure to have it done by the end of the workshop.

Anne has been struck by travel sickness, hope she's better soon and I can avoid it!

The Internet in the hotel block has been down for awhile so not sure when you will actually view this.

Knitting Day 1

This has been the most FABULOUS day!

Today I spent the day learning Andean knitting. It's very challenging for me, I'm using multiple colours and a graphic design to create a pattern. My usual knitting involves using one colour or self patterning yarn. This is also a very different way to knit. The knitting needles have been made of bicycle spokes filed at 1 end into a sharp point and the a small hook created at the other and we use 5. The yarn is alpaca hand spun and dyed by our teacher Ruffina. The yarn is very fine and soft, you must be careful not to tug too hard or create too tight of tension - as I found out (I've been known to bend a needle from holding all just a little too tight! I think I would describe the technique some mix of  European and North American knitting, part crochet, you use your thumbs and hang the yarn from your neck to create the correct tension. Ruffina is lovely in her traditional dress and reminds us often patience, slowly. She speaks Spanish only but through demonstration, hand signals and a shared love of knitting she is a great teacher. It just goes to show if you share a love of something the spoken word isn't always necessary!

There were many other artisans sharing they're talents and finished projects with us. Weavers, embroiders ( hand an machine) , braiders, and carvers and spinners. So throughout the day we could see others working at their chosen craft.

So, how could life be better then spending a sunny day in the courtyard of a 'castle' knitting with new friends!

A truly marvelous time!

Arequipa

We spent the morning doing a walking tour of Arequipa from 8-12. It was a hot and sunny day.we visited convents, monasteries, churches and museums. It is quite interesting to see how the indigenous people continued to weave their icons in the Catholic beliefs. One convent had over 500 nuns and now has 18. There is much use of gold leaf I the chuche and silver in the garments- gold to represent the Suns sweat, silver the moons tears.

The Museo Santuarios Andinos which displays the artifacts of the 1995 expedition by Dr Reinhard, where they discovered a perfect mummy 'Juanita' who was sacrificed to the gods, she was 16 yrs old.

The traffic is still crazy here, but not as bad as Lima. No problems with the altitude at this stop.

The meals are very large! I tried quinoa gnocchi, very good! Really we've been eatin breakfast and lunc because at the end of the day we're not hungry.

Finally a good view of one of the 3 volcanos in Arequipa.

The afternoon meant seeing the process of dying the yarn at Calicampo. 

They hand dye the yarn with natural and organic dye, the yarn is steamed, washed then dried in the sun. It reminded me of some of the dying process of the batiks in Bali!

Then to an Alpaca factory where their process are mechanized, and directed more to the clothing industry. Very intersecting with good quality but there's something to be said for small and personal.

Out for a chocolate run, Arequipa is known for fabulous chocolate.

Tomorrow we start our workshops, 4 days of knitting ahead!

Arrived in Arequipa

We have safely arrived in Arequipa. The flight was about an hour and the view of the topography was spectacular!

Went for a nice lunch in the plaza then a quick walk around the main area to get our bearings.

Hoping to sleep well tonight for a full day tomorrow.

We are staying at the Casa de Melgar. This is a 16th century 'home' that was built for the Archbishop of Arequipa. I really should have packed my tiara, as I feel I'm in a castle.

Adios Lima

Our last day in Lima, mix of sun and cloud with a high of 24. The highlight of today's tour was definitely the Amano Museum, a private textile museum that has been closed for renovations but gave us a special pre tour! Here we saw textiles dating to 2500 BC to the 16th century. The condition of these textiles is remarkable. Many were from thr Paracas region of Peru. The weaving of the first piece was exquisite with the finest fibre you can imagine, in fact when Doris ( owner and curator) was restoring the piece it was not possible to find such a fine fibre, and ingeniously found something to substitute.

People of the Highlands spin standing while coastal people spin sitting, this creates a different twist in the fibres allowing identification.

The embroidery work is spectacular, especially when you think they used dried cactus needles for their work. 

The Imara culture believed that spinning from the left, meaning the work came from the heart and their textile was never cut.

Certainly a recurring theme these past days was "balance", it was important to have balance in their work which translates to their life.

Lima is a very busy city of 10 million, the traffic is a nightmare, buses everywhere, horns blaring.

I stayed in the Miraflores region, which is very clean and safe to walk. It has a number of beautiful parks, tennis courts, soccer fields, jogging/walking paths, and a park that even has exercise equipment in it such as elliptical machines. These parks are very well used by the residents.

Like all cities there are many different areas, from the very poor to the wealthy.

The people that we have met are pleasant and welcoming.

The foods are rich in flavours, lots of potatoes and bread- add red wine and I'm in heaven.

Beware of the red pepper, it looks like our sweet red pepper but it is very very hot! Surprise to the palette. In Lima there are many dishes using fish and/or seafood, but I was always able to easily find other things to enjoy.

We took a little side trip to the market to learn about the fruits and vegetables native to peru, some very interesting things and a feast for the eyes.

We tried a Chirimoya yesterday, it looks like a dinosaur egg, when opened its a custard sort of texture a tastes somewhere between a pear and an apple- it was quite good.

Well off to bed, we fly to Arequipa at 650AM, there is no sleeping in!

Pisco Sour

The Pisco Sours were delish, walked back to the hotel an finally able to get a connection to share some pictures. 

Weaving

This was another even more amazing day. We spent the morning with Maximo Laura (world renowned master weaver- check out his Facebook page). He is very humble, generous with his knowledge and kind an welcoming. We started at his showroom where we saw a display of some of his works and he gave us a colour demonstration-how to graduate colours in weaving. Then off to his home! Where we were able to see some more of his works in his home, meet his family and look at his office where he creates his designs. He is very organized and has some of his drawings from when he begun 40 years ago. Then a morning snack of several different potato dishes prepared for us by his wife and daughter, delicious( 5 varieties tried of 400). A glass of Chicha to wash it down (a drink made with purple corn).

Then to his workshop, where there were walls of yarn by colour shade. More demonstrations of colour techniques, ahhh. Then to see the weaving in process-- seeing his drawings come to life. This can't even begin to describe the experience!

Then a traditional Peruvian lunch, to a folk art museum and then the market.

Another very full day.

Tonight I try a Pisco Sour, a must have drink while in peru.

The Internet connection is a little temperamental, so will post some pictures later tonight- depending on how those Pisco Sours go down.

Lima

Our first day began at 630 AM to the sounds of birds singing. Slightly overcast and 22 with a projected high of 26. A fabulous breakfast of fresh fruit, rolls, coffee and eggs. We met the rest of our group, they hale from Britain. Now off for a tour with John Alfredo.

It has been a full and exciting day touring the historical district of Lima!

It is quite something to experience history from the 2nd century to present day. To stand atop a Huaca and see the modern skyline surrounding you is breathtaking. A Huaca is a pre Inca pyramid, at the Huaca Pucllana we were able to the remains of a femur. 

The Museo Larco takes you from the pre Columbian to the metal era of Lima, not to mention a collection of erotic pottery from the Moche era.

The Iglesias de Santo Domingo and the convent revealed more art, in tile work, paintings and statues. 

A delicious lunch in the plaza of roasted chicken and potatoes, sample one of the more than 400 varieties available. 

Our tour group is Anne and I from Canada and then 7  from the UK ( 1 poor husband).

Needless to say these are the highlights and we are "pooped", but in the best way possible.

Buenas Noches. Here is a pic of our group.

In the Air

Anne and I just finished a lovely airline dinner- did you know Air Canada serves a shepherds pie sans beef!

I have to say the Cabernet Sauvignon and chocolate cake were excellent.

A good flight, ready to get comfy and hopefully get a little sleep. 

Good Night, Buenas Noches!

Toronto

We have safely arrived in Toronto after a flight delay from Sudbury! It's raining and grey here, but we are bright and sunny looking forward to the next leg of our journey. A nice beverage and sandwich will keep us going for awhile longer. Cheers!

Ready, set, go!

After almost a year of planning our next vacation stop, counting down the days and hours it's finally here! I've learned some about the history, weather and Eco systems of Peru, and have been sadly not very successful in my attempt to learn some basic Spanish. Instead I've invented a sort of mix of French, Spanish and Italian with a very bad accent! I'm very excited to meet our tour leaders after months of emails and to experience the colours and history of the country. Suitcases ready to go! I hope I can get some sleep tonight, I feel like a child on Christmas Eve.

Stop and Go

An important part of any trip is to pack for certain "medical emergencies". I've put together these necessities including moist wipes and Vicks. Why Vicks you ask? In my reading public toilets in Peru can be a little scary for someone who doesn't like the traditional Northern Ontario Outhouse. Toilet paper is scarce and the equivalent of course sandpaper, thus the wipe, and the Vicks is for my nostrils to help with odours (not that anyone's business is a boquet of roses).

Vacations

Today is the first day of my 5 week vacation, a real treat. This will be the first time I've been off for that length of time for fun! Vacation is a great time to reenergize and put a fresh bounce in your step, take a deep breath and live in the moment! This time I'm so very fortunate to be able to visit a beautiful historic location with my best friend , Anne, and incorporate my love of fabrics, knitting and embroidery (textiles). I hope that all of you following my blog will get the opportunity to do all the things you love in your life, don't wait too long, life is meant to be lived!