Fiber Freaks

Peru is a mecca for fiber lovers.  If you look closely you can see them drooling.

Then the motherload was found!!!!

I wonder what everyone will make.

Post Peru

Now that we are home there is time to tell more stories and show more pictures.  It is a bit of a culture shock returning home; not only because of the weather changes but life was simpler in Peru.  It is a beautiful land and the Andes are mystical.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate Gwen's birthday while on our trek to Machu Picchu.  She was sick the next day.  Maybe too much celebrating (only kidding Gwen).

The Peruvian women are beautiful to photograph but they do not like their picture taken.  They will hide their face if they notice your camera.  It may be because they believe a piece of their soul is taken away from them with each picture taken.

Lunch in lima

Muy bien

Unexpected luxurious lay-over in Lima

Mamapacha organized a 'nor'easter on the east coast it seems. Our flight from Lima was cancelled and we were rescheduled on the next available flight at midnight tonight. What to do? Luckily due to Gwen and Diane we have travel insurance for such unexpected events. So we caught a cab to Mira floras and an amazing restaurant on a pier. An opportunity to see some of the Peruvian coastline.

And of course there are bonus beetles.

Hope all is well at home!!

Homeward bound

All packed up with mucho alpaca yarn, woven and knitted goods and cacao. It's been an incredible trip, but we are ready for home! Plus it's raining,.

The beetles rounding a corner of plaza de armas, cusco

Foods of Cusco

There are amazing markets and restaurants. You can also find great moka coffee in town. Gwen and Petra even ate guinea pig. What is wrong with them?

Favorite Inca Trail Foods

Quinoa soup
Popcorn
Luna Bar
Cashews and Almonds
Lemon candies
Cauliflower pancakes
Stuffed Avocados
Thanks to our Chef Rojelio, with Papicha, and Jesus!

Quick poll - Effects of Coca tea

DL- relieves altitude headache better than ibuprophen
PK- numbs tongue and cheeks
GF- drinking coca tea afternoon leads to wild and vivid dreams (PK- involving fertility after visiting the temple of the Moon!)
PG- suppresses hunger
AT- not much effect

The Verdict

Along with seeing many sites and meeting amazing people from around the world, we have some key learnings to share:
Roll of TP vs Kleenex packs: verdict - Kleenex packs
Inca trail vs Jenny Craig: verdict - Inca trail
Rain poncho vs Rain Jacket: verdict - BOTH
Band-Aids and Herbal Salve vs Moleskin: verdict - Band-Aids and salve (bring both)
Coca tea vs cafe con leche with chocolate: verdict - both
Guinea Pig vs Alpaca: verdict - Alpaca hands down
1 walking stick vs 2 walking sticks: verdict - draw
Filtered water vs bottled water (Peru does not recycle): verdict - filter! (Thanks Greg)
Cusco vs Puno: verdict - Cusco!
Most insistent street vendors, Cusco vs Puno: verdict - Puno!