Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Adventure in Machu Picchu
Well, I suppose being behind in keeping up with my blog should be a good sign as it points to a very busy schedule and lots of fun being had. =)
Besides staying occupied with a heavy work load, I have enjoyed quite a bit of adventure in the last few weeks. In the end of June my sister and good friend Janell came down to visit Peru. During their week here I took off work and we made the absolute most of every moment they had to spend in this wonderful country. Thank goodness for previous tour guide experience because I was determined to show them a good time in and around the neighborhoods I frequent in Lima. I especially had a blast introducing them to my roommates and close friends down here. Another highlight involved encouraging them to try various Peruvian dishes such as Aji de Gallina, Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and of course, the infamous Pisco Sour.
After a couple of quick days around Lima we headed off to Cusco and from there, Machu Picchu. Despite an unfortunate day of getting sick in Cusco (the risk of traveling and eating in South America), we made the adventurous journey to the sacred Inca site. For being such a well known place, Machu Picchu is surprisingly hard to get to. First a flight to Cusco, followed by a two hour drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollyantaytambo, then an hour a half by train to Aguas Calientes (hold on, you're not done yet), then by bus or foot up to the ruins. With this all this hassle, you might ask, "is it worth it?" And the answer: YES, definitely. The first glimpse of the historic mountain dwelling is breathtaking. Our cameras certainly got a work out while trekked through the various dwellings and paths of the ancient ruins. We arrived just in time for sunrise and spent the entire day exploring. Easily we could have spent another full day hiking but due to limited time, headed back to Lima the very next day. Although Lima might not compare to the Incan masterpiece, it certainly has its fair share of places to visit. We made sure to see the fishing village of Chorillos, the coastal neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores, as well as the areas of La Marina and the historic downtown center of Lima.
It was rough to say goodbye to my visitors but I'm so very thankful for their visit all the way down here. It was by far one of the most memorable trips I have taken. I also have to say that I'm quite impressed with both Kadi and Janell's ability to adapt in different situations. They handled getting sick and being surrounded by a foreign language like pros. My friends (even the ones who don't speak a word of English) were so sad to see them go!
Next on the agenda for me here in Lima is to survive the winter weather we have been having lately. Everyday it has been cloudy and a chilly. Certainly a little different from the gorgeous weather I hear about back home. Today (Saturday) we had a morning of sunshine and my roommates Johanna, Cedric, and I spent the better part of the day on our rooftop terrace. This is definitely best place to be to make the most of the sun. This evening I have plans with some Peruvian friends (several are determined to teach me some South American dance moves - I'm doubtful, but they insist they can teach me. We shall see...). I have a tentative trip planned for next weekend in search of some sunshine on the coast and then before I know it, I'll be spending a week in San Francisco. Counting down the days for this upcoming vacation!
Happy belated Fourth of July! I baked good ol' fashioned chocolate chip cookies in honor of America on the 4th and loved introducing the concept of eating raw cookie dough to my friends. Of course they were won over and I have since gotten several more requests to bake once again. =)
Miss you all! Will write more "soon." =) Pictures up later today I hope!
Besides staying occupied with a heavy work load, I have enjoyed quite a bit of adventure in the last few weeks. In the end of June my sister and good friend Janell came down to visit Peru. During their week here I took off work and we made the absolute most of every moment they had to spend in this wonderful country. Thank goodness for previous tour guide experience because I was determined to show them a good time in and around the neighborhoods I frequent in Lima. I especially had a blast introducing them to my roommates and close friends down here. Another highlight involved encouraging them to try various Peruvian dishes such as Aji de Gallina, Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and of course, the infamous Pisco Sour.
After a couple of quick days around Lima we headed off to Cusco and from there, Machu Picchu. Despite an unfortunate day of getting sick in Cusco (the risk of traveling and eating in South America), we made the adventurous journey to the sacred Inca site. For being such a well known place, Machu Picchu is surprisingly hard to get to. First a flight to Cusco, followed by a two hour drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollyantaytambo, then an hour a half by train to Aguas Calientes (hold on, you're not done yet), then by bus or foot up to the ruins. With this all this hassle, you might ask, "is it worth it?" And the answer: YES, definitely. The first glimpse of the historic mountain dwelling is breathtaking. Our cameras certainly got a work out while trekked through the various dwellings and paths of the ancient ruins. We arrived just in time for sunrise and spent the entire day exploring. Easily we could have spent another full day hiking but due to limited time, headed back to Lima the very next day. Although Lima might not compare to the Incan masterpiece, it certainly has its fair share of places to visit. We made sure to see the fishing village of Chorillos, the coastal neighborhoods of Barranco and Miraflores, as well as the areas of La Marina and the historic downtown center of Lima.
It was rough to say goodbye to my visitors but I'm so very thankful for their visit all the way down here. It was by far one of the most memorable trips I have taken. I also have to say that I'm quite impressed with both Kadi and Janell's ability to adapt in different situations. They handled getting sick and being surrounded by a foreign language like pros. My friends (even the ones who don't speak a word of English) were so sad to see them go!
Next on the agenda for me here in Lima is to survive the winter weather we have been having lately. Everyday it has been cloudy and a chilly. Certainly a little different from the gorgeous weather I hear about back home. Today (Saturday) we had a morning of sunshine and my roommates Johanna, Cedric, and I spent the better part of the day on our rooftop terrace. This is definitely best place to be to make the most of the sun. This evening I have plans with some Peruvian friends (several are determined to teach me some South American dance moves - I'm doubtful, but they insist they can teach me. We shall see...). I have a tentative trip planned for next weekend in search of some sunshine on the coast and then before I know it, I'll be spending a week in San Francisco. Counting down the days for this upcoming vacation!
Happy belated Fourth of July! I baked good ol' fashioned chocolate chip cookies in honor of America on the 4th and loved introducing the concept of eating raw cookie dough to my friends. Of course they were won over and I have since gotten several more requests to bake once again. =)
Miss you all! Will write more "soon." =) Pictures up later today I hope!
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