Lima Peru, Pedro and Foo(d)

I sadly didn't take a lot of pictures in Lima. Maybe it was because we were too busy enjoying the city at a slower pace. We walked along the beach, visited with Pedros amazing mother and family and ate the best ceviche of my life. I hope to return one day when the weather is warm and the sun is shining, but until then the memories I have will hold me over. 

Cusco Ruins, child guides and horse back rides

Mostly recovered from the hike, Ken feeling better after a hit of illness and we were ready to play. When we first arrived to Cusco we saw an ad for horse rides and ruin adventures just outside of Cusco. We were kind of doubting the ruins would be anything of note but looked forward to the horses. As Ken has learned- I love horses. yes I was that girl. You know the one. She had horse posters all over her bedroom and dreamed of living on a ranch where her best friend would be a horse with whom she would have great adventure and probably one day have a movie made after their relationship. If not obvious that did not happen but I do love riding as often as I can. 

When we pulled up the ranch the horses looked big and healthy (YAY!- we do not support animal cruelty for the sake of tourism). We waited for our guide, surely one of the many mature ranch hands roaming about. Nope. A young 14 year old boy introduced himself to ken and I (all in Spanish of course- seriously no one spoke english! good thing I have my man) and lead us to the horses. We jumped on as he explained where we could go. At first I assumed he was prepping us for someone else, but no. He jumped on and took off! I was so happy. This wasn't going to be the usual tourist sees the countryside by horse  kinda trip, this was a 14 year old boy who liked speed and had no real clue about being a tour guide- PERFECT! Tears streaming down our faces from the laughter and wind in our faces we tried our best to keep up. He lead us to caverns, the original Inca trail, tunnels that connected empires to bolivia and a sacrificial temple with the blood drenched stone heart still red and very anatomically correct. Maybe a 14 year old inexperienced tour guide is exactly what ken and I need- less talk, more action.

In Cusco We Bailamos

I love waking up in a new city to be greeted by thousands of people in the streets with absolutely no idea why. It must be how an unsuspecting foreigner feels waking up in NYC on Thanksgiving morning to giant balloons and large crowds and an odd fascination with turkeys.  

We never really figured out the reason. Something religious? that is based on the Church and many saints being carried around the city. Soo yes probably religious.  The costumes, sand art and dancing was amazing! Oh I just love holidays!

The Sacred Valley Peru

After arriving in Cusco we started to hear a lot about the Sacred Valley. Not coming with a lot of activities in mind- other than surviving the hike to Macchu Picchu- we decided to jump on the bandwagon for fear of missing out. Something about being in a new place urges me out of bed at insanely early hours (just ask my poor travel buddy :), encourages me to try new things- Good and Bad, and take advantage of every new opportunity. Now how can I take this level of excitement into my everyday life? Or at least learn how to wake up before 9...

I love the pops of color in Peru. 

I practiced my spanish "I am learning photography and would like to take your picture. Is that alright?" They agreed but sure didn't look happy about it.

Homes of workers in the hills

This woman was in love with my husband. When her husband called her on it he proposed a trade and he would get me! I am glad ken declined. *phew* They did make great bus companions on the winding, narrow, edge clinging roads we traveled along for hours. I could only sit on the window side if the window faced the mountain not the valley. 

These children break my heart. They are beggars. Yes they are dressed in cute costumes but they have been raised to expect handouts-- how about we give them smiles and encouraging words not handouts. There are organizations every where working to provide skill training so lets give money to them were the results can be more lasting. *those little faces and outstretched hands kill me - tear*