Peru in Photographs…. Thus Far!!!

The bus DID make it to our destination and we are settled into our hotel for the next few nights, Cusi Wasi, in Cusco. 

We thought we would go back and share some photos from the first few days of our trip.  Some we have talked about in previous blogs but thought it would be good to put visions to our earlier words.

Little Emma…. Auntie April thinks about you and talks about you wherever I am!!  Here is me in the Toronto airport showing off my little cutie!!  I miss you and love you lots J

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Our taxi cab driver friend, Hernan.  He was SUCH a blessing!  He was so kind and we are very appreciative of all of the time he spent with us; touring us around, getting us to where we needed to be, sharing knowledge of his culture, keeping us safe, and taking us out for drinks!  Muchas gracias amigo!

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Eric and April in front of the Pacific in Miraflores, Peru.

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Eric and April in front of a well known Cathedral in Lima, Peru.

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Our hotel in Lima was very modern, very “Americanized,” and very decorated for Christmas!!  Here we are in front of the Christmas tree and Christmas village that they had set up on the 2nd floor lobby.

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On our drive to the airport to fly to Arequipa on Sunday, Hernan stopped at a small National Museum in Miraflores.  There we saw Inca ruins that have been preserved.  There are 3 other such areas in Miraflores but we stopped at one of the larger ones.

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It was definitely a little scary to walk down the street right next to large tanks and men sticking out of port holes with rifles.  Ummm…. Not something you typically see in the U.S.A.  As Hernan told us, the sight of these guards in the streets has made it safe.  We were told that 10 years ago, it wasn’t possible to walk in the streets.

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We arrived in Arequipa!  Here we are arriving in Arequipa on Sunday… Miguel’s family was waiting for us at the airport with a “WELCOME” balloon in our honor!  It was so great to see them and we are looking forward to seeing them more next week!

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Donde esta el bano?    I thought Madeleine was either going to die of a laughing attack or cry herself silly over April’s time in the bathroom!  These pictures were taken during our lunch break at the roadside “rest stop” on our road trip to Puno on Monday.  None of us expected there to be working toilets in the middle of nowhere, but I don’t think any of us were expecting what we found on the inside of what appeared to be an “Outhouse.”  You’ll notice there is nothing more than a small hole in the ground…. Accuracy is essential in this situation! 

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After the bathroom fiasco, we all composed ourselves for a group photo:

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We showed a picture of a Pequeno yesterday…. Below is a picture of an Alpaca.  Both are animals that can frequently be seen alongside roadways in Peru.  The pequeno is a wild animal that runs free while Alpaca is owned by a person or family.  The meat is used as a delicacy while the fur is used for making a large variety of goods.  Alpaca fur is very warm and soft.  Baby Alpaca fur is most expensive as it is the softest of furs.  You can find Alpaca blankets, hats, scarves, mittens, jumpers, and PURPLE ALPACA SOCKS which of course April just HAD to have!!!

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More pictures of us along the road trip from Arequipa to Puno…

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This is one of the many “Perro Calleta” (Street Dogs) that we met along the roadways.  This one especially reminded us of our little PJ…

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Ryan, these next few pictures are just for you.  Oh, how you love the Indian Ruins.  I have several more pictures to show you, but thought I would give you a quick taste of what lies ahead.  You’d love Peru!!!!  You’d be able to finally put that Archeological minor to good use!!!

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Isle de Tequila…. This small girl was trying to sell us necklaces that her and her family had made.  We kept saying “No Gracias” as we were trying to take our picture.  The little girl inched her way into the picture in hopes that we would give her some soles for posing. 

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What we have learned thus far:

  1. “First Class” merely means sitting “towards the front.”  It is also possible to get downgraded if you leave your seat for any reason.
  2. “Drinks Included” consists of a Dixie cup of cola.
  3. “Food Included” gets you a saltine cracker.

We are getting picked up to go to the train station tomorrow at 5:30AM!!!!!!!!!!!  The wake-up call (a.k.a. knock on the door!) is set for 4:30 and April is not thrilled, to say the least.  We will be taking a train to Machu Picchu where we will spend the day.  

It is time for bed…. Buenos Noche!

5 thoughts on “Peru in Photographs…. Thus Far!!!

  1. I can’t wait to hear the stories….so did you enjoy your dixie cup of inca cola and saltine cracker???

  2. Sounds like you’re having a great time with all your adventures! April, don’t sleep through your early morning wake up call-you can rest up when you get back home. Have a fun day tomorrow and we look forward to hearing about it.

    Love Mom

  3. I hate to say this, but the “facilities” along the road seem to provide more privacy that those at the G&R Plantation. And, with all of the practice at the farm, the “rest stop” potty should have been at least a minor challenge. All seriousness aside, I’m sure the quarto de bano was warm–that corragated steel can get pretty warm in the sun. I did take notice of the passive ventilation system.

    It looks and sounds like you are having a very enjoyable and educational experience. As I said earlier, we look forward each day to see what new things you have encountered. Our “virtual vacation” continues to interest and amuse. Thanks.

  4. I agree with Feld’s comments. So ask Madeleine which she would prefer 1) the hole or 2) the bucket? 🙂 I enjoy the daily laugh. Take lots of pictures at Machu Picchu.

  5. Does this bring back fond memories of the porta potties at all your brothers’ ball games? See, we were getting you in practice for this day!

    And yes, that is a cute little street dog, but don’t get any ideas and bring a doggie home with you-PJ and Tux would be jealous!

    love Mom

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