Lima, Peru- May 25-26, 2009

So Lima ended up being mostly about the food, delicious seafood. I really like cebiche. The taxi drivers were crazy and didn't necessarily know where they were going, but alas, just like the Amazing Race.

The Amazon Rainforest, Tambopata Reserve- May 23-25, 2009

After the cold alpine freeze, the humid heat of the Amazon was welcoming. We got to see everything from tiny frogs, caimans, monkeys, macaws, giant spiders, etc. Everything but the mosquitos was nice...even our slog through knee deep mud was somewhat fun.

Machu Picchu- May 22, 2009

Even with 4 days of hiking to get there, Machu Picchu did not disappoint. Our first views were obscured by clouds, but as we descended it became more and more clear. Beautiful. And it was wonderful making the expedition with friends. I had a great time with Sara, Casey, Elda, Phil, and Marian.

The Inca Trail- May 19-22, 2009

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a grueling, at least for out-of-shape me, 4-day trek over centuries-old weather-worn rocks hewn by the Incas. We hiked through 10 micro-climates from sunburning deserts to alpine frost. Day 2, otherwise known as the gringo killer, to Dead Woman's Pass was the worst. A calf-burning climb up the mountain to the first pass around 14,000 feet high. I'm glad I didn't carry my pack that day. Overall, we survived, had great food cooked for us, tents set-up already by the time we reached camp each day, and a good appreciation for our porters. It was awesome!

Cusco and Pisac- May 17, 2009

Cusco seems to be the epicenter of Incan and Qechua civilization. Near the sacred valley and a string of important ruins, we spent the day shopping in the big Sunday market in Pisac as well as visiting the ruins near the town. The Incans were agricultural geniuses and that still shows in their "produce on steroids." The corn and grapes in particular.

Lago Titicaca- May 15-16, 2009

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, beautiful blue water though too chilly to dip in. Marian and I got to visit two islands on the lake inhabited by local Uros and Qechua people. The first set of islands were man-made "floating islands" that the Uros made from reeds and natural cork-like blocks. The 2nd island, Isla Taquile was idealic, overlooking the cordilleros blancas of Bolivia. The hike up to the top was breathless as well as breathtaking as it is more than 14,000 feet in elevation.