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!
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