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!