YOUNG FACES of PERU...

"Sisters"
The girl in the red jacket had to bring her little sister to school with her! Peruvian children often miss school to care for siblings while their parents work. Imagine a 6 year old caring for a 3 year!

"Independent learning"
These two girls were sitting in the doorway of a house, doing their school work. They were thrilled with the colored pencils & erasers we gave them.

"School boy"
Our tour group stopped at an elementary school in the mountains near Cusco. We practiced our Spanish... and taught them the "Hokey Pokey."

"Teen from Cusco"
Wearing her native costume, this young teen works in the family restaurant.

"Sweet Baby"

Peruvian mommas carry their children on their backs

 until they are toddlers.

"Bakery Worker" 

This young Peruvian had just finished stacking a truckload of wood

for his mother! We enjoyed eating the tasty cheese empanadas

(stuffed, baked pastries) purchased from his mother's PANADERIA.

"Preschooler from Indiana" 
This youngster was eating a sweet bread from the local street market. It rains daily along the Amazon River --- and life goes on!
children play, eat & walk to town with their families.

"Walking to Work"
It's not unusual for children to work... especially in the poor communities of the mountain region. This young girl carried her lunch in the scarf tied around her shoulders --- lunch was a cup of dried beans!

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY 7.29.12

PERU - GOOD-BYE CUSCO

I've missed SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY for the past several weeks... BUT, traveling through Peru for the past 20 days, with limited internet coverage (bummer!), has given me a huge file of photos to draw from (awesome-ness).

Due to limited internet coverage --- heck, we didn't even have electricity in our rooms during the Amazon River portion of our trip --- SO, I'll be posting pics from our travels, as I begin the editing process. We traveled with a small netbook so I could download the photos daily. I was reluctant to use anything but the photo editing programs on my Mac, so these photos are SOOC (straight out of the camera) --- for this week's SHS.

We fly into SFO on Saturday evening, so I'm putting this post together (Thursday July 26th) in Cusco. Today is our last day in this incredibly colorful, architecturally-rich city in Peru.

This week's SHS words are: PAINT, GREEN, EYELASHES, SHAPES & CLOUDS. 

Here's "A TOUCH of PERU" for this week's SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY. 

PAINT

Walking through the city of Cusco, I came upon these workers prepping & PAINTING the side of this building! Older cities provide a wealth of photo opportunities that I'll be sharing with you! Note the colors on the man's shirt (standing on the ladder): red & white. These are the colors of Peru's national flag --- their INDEPENDENCE DAY is July 28th. All homes must display the national flag or pay a fine!

GREEN

Loved the GREEN color of this cathedral door. A bit faded from the intense sunshine (Cusco sits at an elevation 11,000 - closer to the sun) - this doorway was about 18 feet tall.

EYELASHES

Rosita, was our table hostess for lunch when we visited the "weaver's cooperative" near Moray, Peru. She had incredibly beautiful eyes with thick EYELASHES. She's wearing the native clothes for her area (mountain range) --- vibrant reds, greens, golds, blues, oranges, golds - even the white was bright! I'll be talking about her culture & work as a weaver in another post. She's demonstrating how to prepare sheep's wool for use in weavings.

SHAPES

This picture was taken in the Amazonian town of Indiana - located on the shores of the Amazon River. Lucio, our guide for the Amazon portion of our tour, grew up about 45 minutes (in an Amazon village) down river from this town. Outside the primary school, the residents had trimmed the trees in various SHAPES (helicopter, egret, etc). This ficus (not native to this area) was shaped as a motorcycle.

CLOUDS

Our first evening in Cusco, Peru, we saw the most incredibly colorful CLOUDS. All of the pictures in this post are SOOC (straight out of the camera)... I'm still trying to master taking night-time photos... in this photo, the buildings are a bit dark, but you can see the clouds casting a glimmer of light on the cathedral tower (on the left). When I have a chance to edit this picture, I'll probably lighten it, so the buildings are more visible??

JPE & I arrived back home Saturday, July 28th evening about 10:30pm... following 36 hours of travel, that began Friday morning. A bit blurry-eyed today, but eager to enjoy the luxury of our own home & its conveniences (drinking water from the tap & being able to flush toilet paper down the toilet).

While in Peru, we were instructed never to drink the water from the faucets! in fact, we had to rinse our toothbrushes with bottled water!! also, beside each toilet (in all bathrooms we used) was a trash receptacle. Over the toilets were signs that reminded us to toss our used toilet paper into the trash --- never into the toilet. I know ---- yuuck! BUT, it wasn't as bad as imagined. The reason for this "inconvenience" --- an over-taxed water system & old pipes... In the 1960's, the population for Lima, Peru (the capital) was 1 million people --- it is currently 9 million... so, the infrastructure of the water system cannot handle the enormous increase in people using the water.

I hope you'll check back often as I share

"A TOUCH of PERU"...

and also, check Ashley's blog, Rambling & Photos 

for tips on participating in SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY. 

 

POST FROM PERU #3...

Machu Picchu - 7.22.12 (afternoon)

The last few days were packed with adventures, food, dusty trails, & incredible beauty. 

Sunday (7.22.12), we visited with a local artist, Pablo Seminaro, at his Urubamba home & workshop. This adventure was not part of the OAT tour, but we were invited because Pepe (our tour guide) has been a close friend & neighbor, before he became a famous artist. Pablo's art was incredible!

Artistry of Pablo Seminario

After leaving Pablo's gallery (& purchasing some of his delightful artwork), we boarded a train for Agua Calientes... (the city at the base of the mountain road to Machu Picchu). 

Sunday afternoon, we spent over three hours learning about the mysteries of Machu Picchu - "The Lost City"... Pepe's knowledge of the Incan culture is amazing!! he's promised to provide a list of books for us to continue learning about his country.

Monday, JPE joined some members of our tour group for another visit to Machu Picchu, (leaving the hotel at 5:30am), so they would also watch the sun rise over the ruins.

Following a 90 minute train ride from Agua Calientes to Ollantaytambo & a two hour bus ride... we arrived in Cusco, just in time for our 7pm dinner. 

I've fallen in LOVE with Cusco... it's amazing to view another part of Peru. We started our day with a walking tour of the last city of our OAT tour...

Iglesia de la Compania - Cusco

Tomorrow (Weds), we're headed to Chinchero (at 12,500 feet) to visit a weaving cooperative, the local school & have lunch with some people in this community.

In addition to history, culture, politics & architecture, we've been exposed to some unusual foods... Several days ago, we dined with a family in Ollantaytambo & tasted... "CUY" a tradition food of the Peruvian Highlands...

CUY - a delicacy in Ollantaytambo

YES!! we both ate "CUY" (guinea pig)... it was actually quite tasty! (dark meat, similar to turkey). AND, we also tasted alpaca, at lunch today!

Our adventures continue for two more days in Cusco... I hope you'll check back again!

SOME COLOR FROM PERU

Pisac, Peru (near Cusco)

Sorry for the long absence!

It's been difficult to find internet connections strong enough to upload pics + we're so busy exploring & learning about PERU.

We're in the highlands (Urubamba) now! staying at a love-ly place where our tour guide, Pepe, lived from the age of 2-18 years. He was born in Cusco, but moved with his parents (missionaries) to this remote community. He now lives in Cusco with his wife & two sons (ages 9 & 11)...

Yesterday we spent some time at elevations between 8,000 & 11,000 feet... getting ready for our trip to Agua Calientes (location where we'll stay Sunday night) & Machu Picchu. Our group will board a train after breakfast Sunday & make our way to that destination. By staying in Agua Calientes, we'll be able to make two visits to Machu Picchu - one tomorrow afternoon & then again Monday morning before heading back to Cusco.

Word for the next few days... HYDRATE... it helps with any effects of the altitude (dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, upset stomach, etc). We have an Rx but are not taking it unless we need to... so, at the suggestion of our tour guide, the guide books we've read --- we're drinking COCA TEA.

Coca Tea

So... wish me luck that I'm able to hike & experience the beauty of Machu Picchu...

NOTES FROM LIMA #1

Church of Milagros - Lima, Peru

TUES July 10th - We arrived in Lima, Peru, Tues 4:30am. Our room wasn't ready until 9:30am.... we immediately laid down from a full day of airports & plane travel. After a three hour nap, showers & coffee, we headed out to orient ourselves to Mira Flores area (the wealthier people live in this area). We visited the Milagros Church located just off the main square - Kennedy Park (named for President Kennedy)... beautiful... the cultural market area... a Starbuck's (had to buy a tea to be able to use the bathroom - yes, there was a "bouncer" at the door!!)... the rest of the day was a blur...

Weds July 11th - After a wonderful night of sleep (12 hours) we headed for the Mira Flores Cliffs. Our first stop was the Amor Park, noted for the exquisite tilework & the place to take your sweetheart to propose marriage (or just kiss... lots of that going on wherever we look). We also wandered the streets, looking at the modern & historic architecture... visited a couple of museums... paid Starbucks another visit (clean toilets)... visited the Huaca Pukllana (spelling?) Ruins... our walking loop was approximately 6-7 miles (wish we had thought to bring a pedometer). Our feet & shoes are holding up nicely.

PARQUE del AMOR, Miraflores, LIMA, PERU

NOTICE: my hair will not turn under, only UP! 

JPE said it is because we are south of the equator!!

Thurs July 12th - Met our tour group for lunch. Actually, we never got a message to met our tour guide, so we hooked up with another group until we met "Frankie"... We learned that our tour leader is different for each section of this tour, so five of us will board a plane to Iquitos tomorrow & will be met by a guide (whose name is still a mystery to us).


We've learned this tour will not allow us to post daily, NOR is the internet connection strong enough for uploading photos easily!! so, please bear with me while I snap photos & devote some time to posting pictures when the internet is stronger. I do have scrapbooking materials to document our adventures!

Fri July 13th - We leave for the Amazon Rainforest early tomorrow... we won't have electricity in the Amazon Rainforest in our rooms... we're taking our flashlights! ADIOS, for now!

MUG-A MONDAY...

mug-a @ Mom's 7.4.12

T.R.A.V.E.L.I.N.G.

Off to LIMA, PERU via Miami, FL

here's a Monday Mug-A coffee, MOM!

We'll be thinking of YOU!

AND

sending our prayers for a

speedy recovery to ALLIE-BUG!

{adorable watermelon placemat,

ant & bee hot-drink coasters sewn by Mom}

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY 7.8.12

MOSAIC - CLOSE-UP

Sarah Halstead is hosting

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY

during Ashley's maternity leave!

This week's participants can be found over at

THE NAPTIME MOMTOG.

SHS's words are: PATRIOTIC, VIEW FROM ABOVE, MOSAIC, SOMETHING TINY & VIBRANT.

PATRIOTIC

Of course, the word PATRIOTIC would be one of our SHS words this week. This photo is SOOC (straight-out-of-the-camera)... to be quite honest, I don't know how I captured this picture?? but I sure do like it! We spent our afternoon & evening at my sister's & JPE's firework assistant(s) were my niece's two sons... Derek & Matthew. JPE purchased a package of "safe & sound" fireworks... BUT, this picture is one of the neighbor's "illegal" fireworks... you know, the loud booming kind! pretty, huh?

VIEW FROM ABOVE

Tomorrow, JPE & I will be traveling... we're off to PERU! We learned our internet connections will be s-l-o-w and in some areas (the lodge in the Amazon Rainforest), we won't have electricity in our room... so, I'm not anticipating a "daily post" of our adventure. Hopefully, this VIEW FROM ABOVE will entice you to return often over the next few weeks...

MOSAIC

When I saw the word, MOSAIC, I had to share this photo of a MOSAIC created by ACE in high school. She created a series of "SUNS" during her early artistic period... in this particular art piece, she cut tiny pieces of paper (using an old Mary Englebreit calendar), dabbed a blob of glue on the back & used a pair of tweezers to place each piece of paper in her design. A true work of labor! Check out the close-up of the design in the photo above.

SOMETHING TINY

When JPE & I travel... we limit ourselves to a single suitcase & a backpack! To document our travels, we purchase magnets... it's SOMETHING TINY, generally inexpensive & easy to carry home without worrying about loss or breakage! Here's one of the magnets from our summer travels in 2005. We'll be looking for magnets from Peru in the coming weeks.

VIBRANT

No... this is not a magnet! We picked up this hand-painted tile in Orvieto, Italy. This is one of three tiles purchased in the open-air market place. I loved the VIBRANT colors in this picture... and yes, the country-side in Italy is every bit as gorgeous as this tile.

As you can see, our travels provide treasured memories, adventures, and an opportunity for us to connect, away from our day-to-day life. Although I've experienced some periods of anxiety in preparation for this trip to PERU, I know we'll have a fabulous time learning about the Incan culture, people and architecture. 

I'm inviting you to come back to read about our adventures

& check out the photos in the coming weeks.

See you later this week!

PHOTO-HEART CONNECTION: JUNE 2012

BIG SUR - JUNE 2012

I'm participating in Kat's monthly Photo-Heart Connection! 

This activity asks you to review your previous month's photos & select one that tugs at your heart, or whatever reason.

No problem... this photo was taken during a quick trip to BIG SUR, on the first Friday in June. The trip came at a great time... following a rather intensive work schedule... JPE & I decided to take our house guests (cousins from Ohio) for a drive up the coast of California.

This photo of an Adironack chair, sitting along the edge of the Big Sur River, at the Big Sur River Inn,  triggers various emotions & senses! 

BIG SUR is AHHH! MAZING....

BREATH-TAKING SIGHTS

nothing beats sitting on the bluff 

at Andrew Molera State Park.

You can watch the waves crash on the beach

& with a slight turn of your head,

see the beautiful evergreens

dotting the landscape of the coastal hills.

RELAXATION

in less than a two hour drive, we can be dipping

our toes in the chilly mountain water

& soaking up the afternoon sun...

camping, hiking, riding bikes,

cooking outdoors, reading, napping...

can you name a better way to relax

& let your troubles slip away?

TREASURED TIMES

JPE & I were married on the sliver of a bluff overhang... 

we've camped with ACE & LYDIA...

& shared our favorite sites

(Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur Lighthouse,

Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground,

Plaskett Creek Campground, 

Treebones & Nepenthe)

with family & friends...

CRISP, CLEAN MOUNTAIN & COASTAL AIR

AHHH!!!

nothing beats a get-away

to BIG SUR!

AMAZING!!

which reminds me!

JPE & I are leaving for a trip to PERU,

this coming Monday.

...we're taking a netbook, but will be

without internet connections for several days

(especially while we are staying in the Amazon rain forest;

in fact, we've been told the lodge rooms do NOT have electricity).

So... tomorrow, we'll devote our day to:

picking up our Rx's

(malaria & antibiotics + various over-the-counter stuff)

purchasing DEET

(mosquito repellant)

packing & weighing our bag

(limited to one bag & a day pack)

working on "lightening our load"

(hand-washable clothing is lightweight)

completing some advance reading

(about Machu Picchu, Lima, Cuzco, Iquitos)

Should I share my packing list?

CELEBRATING!!!

cross-stitch by Stacy

A DAY TO CELEBRATE!!!

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE!!!

(signed July 4, 1776)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ NATASHA!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ~ SUSAN & DAVID!!

Off to Stacy & Brett's for 

~ swimming ~

~ BBQ ~

~ fireworks ~

MONDAY'S CHILD...

LYDIA LOVED...

:: Superman & Spider Man ::

:: Stella, her boxer ::

:: Wearing hats ::

(check out the devil horns)

:: Eating cheese ::

...in the FALL of 2006

LYDIA became a CALIFORNIA girl!!

TODAY, WE'RE SENDING LYDIA

BIRTHDAY WISHES!! 

~ HUGS & KISSES ~

"LYDIA DAILY"

Gramma & Grandpa 

LOVE U!

...and, PEANUT sends doggy kisses!

"1 - 4 - 3"

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY 7.1.12

I'M BACK... HAVEN'T PICKED UP MY CAMERA MUCH...

I'VE MISSED PARTICIPATING IN SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY
{gone the past two weeks!}

MY INTERPRETATIONS FOR THIS WEEK'S SHS WORDS...

SUNSET, SWEET, HANGING AROUND, FUNNY FACE, & SPACE


... are posted at SARAH'S BLOG!!! 
because ASHLEY (host of SHS) had her baby!
She has an adorable girl - check out this picture!!!

SHELL BEACH SUNSET

LUCKY US!!! 
WE SEE A SIMILAR SUNSET MOST EVERY DAY!

TASTING THE SWEET-NESS

LYDIA TURNS NINE YEARS OLD, TOMORROW!
JPE & I took her tent camping (1st time) the summer she turned SIX...
SHE LOVED THE SWEET-NESS OF SO'MORES!

CAL-POLY, SLO

A LONE BIKE - HANGING AROUND
AT CAL-POLY!
STUDENTS HAVE GONE HOME FOR THE SUMMER...
EXCEPT FOR THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO "SCORE"
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT & A PLACE TO LIVE!!
{with our ideal weather, why would you want to go home?}

GOT SOME CHANGE?

SO, CAN YOU GUESS WHERE THIS PIC WAS TAKEN?
YOUR CLUE IS THE WORD "OYSTER"
{OYSTER is the name of the transport card Londoners
use to travel throughout this region of England}
FUNNY FACE VENDING MACHINE-PORTOBELLO MARKET PLACE.

BIG SUR BUDDHA

MY FAVORITE SPACE...
ANYTHING PEACEFUL, WITH MINIMAL CROWDS,
PLEASANT SMELLS, THE SOUNDS OF BIRDS
& TEMPERATURES IN THE 60-70'S.

I'LL BE BLOGGING THIS WEEK...
SO, PLEASE STOP BY AGAIN!!!