Arriving.

The bus ride up to Machu Picchu was beautiful, but also a bit nerve-wracking if you are afraid of heights. Especially when another bus was coming in the opposite direction and the driver had to move to the side of the road which I could see as being a bit too close for comfort! Yikes!
We had arrived! Looking at pictures is one thing, but being there is something I will not be able to share with words nor pictures. This is an experience one must be there for.
On our first day, we were amidst MANY tour groups and sometimes would stop to listen and other times move past them.
We went straight up the first day and it tested us. We were advised to take it slow and we did, moving to the side, when we needed a break to let the beating of our hearts slow and catch our breath. It was also an opportunity to listen in. One guide that I liked talked about the mountains and the respect for the land. Each morning an offering was given to Pachamama, mother earth as she is called here. The names of the mountains were said, followed by breathing, blowing across the water bottle he held. Turning in each direction and then pouring the water onto Pachamama. I followed his direction and gave Pachamama, our beautiful mother earth, my gratitude and blessing with my water.
Moving on, the sights filled me up with such deep gratitude for being here.
I am so blessed.

Aguas Calientes

It is a small town, just to house and feed those who go to Machu Picchu is my guess. There are stores selling more treasures to take home.. We found a good restuarant. But first we had to walk through a market to get the bus to Machu Picchu... we would have to come back to that.
This is a Peruvian dog. Hairless, with the exception of a little tuft of hair on top of his head. They wear clothes to keep them warm. funny looking guy.........

Almost there.......

Near this sign were some people outside the train as well as the dog. I wanted to feed it. Soon enough I would be feeding another furry friend when we reached Aguas Calientes. He followed us to the bus eating most of my energy bar. He needed it more than me........

VISTADOME

The train station was close to our hotel and we walked there while out bags were "taxied" over. Again, we were approached by many natives selling their items. I bought another woven piece - an Inca calender. Cheap. Whenever the train stopped there were women outside on the tracks holding up blankets and other woven items.
The train was wonderful. It was a luxury. Peruvian music played while we were given snacks and drinks. I always opted for the coca tea. That's all I drank, that and water. I am sure that is what helped me feel good and avoid any altitude discomfort.
I truely enjoyed this train ride. Ollantaytambo was much closer to Aguas Calientetes than Cusco where many people take the train from. Many times I was overcome by what I saw, moved to tears by the beauty of all. We live on a planet that has so much beauty to offer us. Snow capped mountains in the distance, riding along the river and sometimes catching sight of the trail that many hike to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes is at the bottom of Machu Picchu. From there, we took the bus to the top.
Luckily for me, they were selling the multi-pocket vest on the train that I had wanted but hadn't gotten for this trip. THAT came in handy!!!



You can see part of the Inka trail here...........

Not your ususal traffic....

How's that for a blue sky? This is Mai-Liis at Moray. After leaving there, we drove to Maras. These roads were even scarier than the previous ones. Our driver had to back up to make an extremely tight hairpin turn. At one point had to get out of the car to remove rocks on the road. We ended up at these salt mines. What wasn't told to us was that these places cost money to get in. Not a lot, but it was a bit annoying and then we realized, it wasn't just the place to take pictures, but there was always some one there to sell us stuff. The place in Maras was a more sophisticated shop, with quality merchandise and of course higher cost items. I did buy a ceramic mug here. It was of a woman flying, so I had to get it! I also bought my first T-shirt for John. I always buy T-shirts on my trips and I just wasn't seeing anything I liked......

This was getting to be a familiar site. After taking pictures of the animals on the road, one young man wanted me to pay him. I gave him my apple.

Weavers

Two happy ladies. Such a colorful people making such beatiful things. We went through piles and piles of weavings. They showed us the flowers and berries they used to make the colors. I think I should have gotten a hat :-)

Two happy ladies.

Moray

Moray is an agrigultural place where they experimented with growing at different levels. It was cool and I'm sure we would have gotten more out of it if our guide spoke english. He tried hard though and he was very nice. Our attention went to the weavers. More shopping. This is where I bought the wall hanging that will hang above John's chair. I knew it was a good choice when I came home to find out he was sick. I think he is a healing god. Actually it looks really cool on the chair... but knowing John, it's best hung on the wall. I ended up buying two woven pieces. The other is on the back of my chair. I made these ladies very happy. One called me mama. They actually ran after us as they saw us leaving without buying. They are very aggressive with regards to selling things and sometimes, especially towards the end of our trip, I would just say no and walk away and ignore them. Or say that I already had one!

a side trip........

I really love this hotel we were in.
We had our lunch and then our driver met us. He gave each of us a bag with some water and snacks in it. Cleaned his car before we got in. He did not speak English. We were taking a tour through the sacred valley opting not to go to Pisac market because it was too far. Instead we were going to Moray and Maras. He stopped for us to take pictures along the way. This was frustrating at times because of the language barrier, but I had fun never the less. Some roads were so narrow and close to the edge of the moutain, I had to look away. Mai-Liis was feeling it too. Once she said, "So be it", I knew she was as scared as I but it was all in the "hands of God". He was an excellent driver. I could not have done what he did. Nor do I ever want to.

One of the things I wanted to know about, was why they had writing on the side of the mountains. He said "propaganda" and he meant propaganda. Politics. Once the person is elected, it grows over. How the heck do they do that????
We have billboards and posters - they have mountains.
We continued to snake up the moutain........

TAXI!!!!

Mai-Liis took the taxi down to the hotel, but I wanted to walk. There were some pictures I wanted to take and I knew I could make it down in a short period of time. We were to meet our driver for a tour into the sacred valley after lunch.
As she got into the cab, I had a strong feeling come over me that I could easily be a "world traveler", that this was a comfortable feeling. I could see us traveling the world, on safari, adventuring this amazing beautiful planet of ours.

The familiar sight of these bulls or cows on the roof tops. I later on bought 2 at a market. They were" good for the home" I was told.

Got Milk?

While Mai-Liis was inside shopping, I watched this little girl, hands full, balancing, making her way up the steps. I asked her mom if I could take her picture. She did not ask for money and tried hard to "prep" her daughter for the picture. Couldn't get a smile out of her :-)
I did get a reaction though when I showed her the picture in the camera.
This river was alongside the road up from our hotel to the square. The stone streets took some getting used to walking on. I really liked this place. We had a lot of fun here and the people were really friendly. I bought my hat here with the intention of giving it to John, but I don't think that will happen. I've grown attached to it.
We had a lot of fun choosing hats. Mai-Liis bought a beautiful red one. Many women helped in the process. They were always grateful to make the sale and I was always happy to oblige.



I think this guy has had enough of our bargaining!

Reasons to Return

It is impossible to do all you would like to do in such a short period of time. Even the things I thought I did not want to do at the time, I do want to do them now.
Choices. One becomes so overwhelmed with so much to offer, that it is hard to choose. Even with buying things. Now, I wish I had gotten more. Sometimes, it is just the little things - another water bottle holder as a gift or more of the little worry dolls. Take more pictures. Climb these steps. Our time was limited and we did the best we could with it. Therefore, I would definitely go back :-)
One thing that always kept me in awe was what I saw whenever I looked up. Fortresses and steps in the mountains. Make sure you click on each picture to get a closer look....
We as a people are so amazing. Think on all the things we do and create...

the Procession

On the ride to our Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo, I noticed shrines with crosses. Large crosses with Christ's picture and sometimes corn on the cross. When we arrived at the square, they were parading around the square with these crosses, ending up in front of the church.
This was a Thursday and not sure what the ceremony was about. We did hear noise from our hotel at one point, sounding like gunshots and upon inquiring, we were told they were having a festa.
Stopping in front of the church the priest led them in prayer. Although it was in Spanish, I knew by the intonation, they were saying the Our Father and Hail Mary.

Children of Peru

Walking around in the square, I was enthralled by the people. Laying out their wares on blankets, eagerly waiting to sell. I bought some fava beans my sister suggested. I still have them and will use them in some artistic way because I didn't like eating them.
Inside a market, we walked around, looking at vegetables, then chicken - the whole chicken with the heads and feet still on. Walking further inside, I noticed the flys and looking around, dead animals hanging... that was a bit much for me and shaking it off, left quickly.
I saw this happy little girl dancing in the alley. I watched for awhile. Carefree and joyous. She stopped and I took her picture. With children, I always showed them their picture in the camera after I had taken it. It was cool watching their reaction. Children were one of my favorite subjects.

Ollantaytambo - AM

After a wonderful breakfast of a most delicious granola, of which I wish I had taken some home, with yogurt poured on instead of milk and mango.... we journeyed into "town".
We walked up the cobblestoned road along a river. I now got a close up view of the buildings made from their earthen bricks. Corn on the roof, peeking into a restuarant with colorful tablecloths.
Our first purchase was a waterbottle holder - very practical. Inside were woven bags, sweaters, a weaving loom and other "treasures". Mai-Liis searched for treasures for her shrines and found some small woven pictures of shirts that were glued on small paper. Very unusual pieces.
This was the beginning of learning how to "haggle".
Mai-Liis was my mentor here. Not being attached to it and be willing to walk away was key.

Pakaritampu Hotel - Ollantaytambo

After driving through the Sacred Valley, seeing what I considered poverty, we arrived at our hotel.
Paradise. We were in Paradise!
The driver honked, gates were opened, we checked in and led to our rooms. This was very nice. Yes, this was making my heart sing. It was beautiful!!!!
Mountains surrounded us. The grounds filled with flowers.
We ate at the restuarant that was there. I ate a lot of fish in Peru. One thing I learned quickly was that they did not like the dollar to be worn or ripped. If you go to Peru, bring crisp, clean dollars.
The next morning, Mai-Liis got up first and opened up the curtains. She called me to come see... they were mowing the lawn. I wasn't sure what to expect.......
Two alpaca and two men.
Yes, a quiet way to mow the lawn. I imagined how funny it would be to have alpaca in one's back yard "mowing" the lawn... beats hearing those loud mowers and leaf blowers!

The Sacred Valley

After our flight to Lima, we got up early the next morning to fly into Cusco. Greeted at the airport with music and then some Coca tea, we were driven to our hotel in the Sacred Valley.
I was in Peru. The time had arrived and I was feeling great, filled to overflowing with joy.
Kate had gone over our itinerary with us while we sipped our tea. Our driver took the scenic route to our hotel.
I was in awe the whole time, looking at this foreign landscape and people. Houses made from earth, forming bricks, some were drying in the sun. These made up their homes. I noticed on top of these structures, shrines. On top of the roof sat crosses, cows or bulls, small vessles. And corn. Lots of corn drying on top of the roof or on the ground.
Animals roamed free. Dogs, cats, pigs just roaming the street. Cows tied up in front of houses.
Lots of color.
Women walking in colorful clothing, with colorful buddles on their backs. What were they carrying?
Roads are narrow and drivers very aggressive.
I noticed shrines with large crosses. Christ with corn attached to the cross -
It was a long journey, passing Pisac market which we did not make it to and probably for the better.
Arriving in Ollantaytambo, the cobblestone streets, the square... it was all so magical.

I'm back..........

from my magical trip to Peru.
I awoke this morning in my own comfy bed feeling like I was the most blessed person. It was a most wonderful experience traveling to Peru and I had a great traveling companion. I did not travel with my husband due to his fear of flying and also the time of the year. I haven't uploaded my pictures yet, but I have plenty to share.
I highly suggest a trip to this country: Machu Picchu your main destination. Pure Magic.
We encountered a country that was warm and welcoming. They are a beautiful people with generous smiles.
I have seen with new eyes. It is not a dream. I am not "removed" by it as if looking through a magazine or watching on tv, but I have experienced and seen first hand their way of life and by our standards, it is a hard one... and they still have the big, generous and grateful smiles. I think I have made many Peruvians happy. My companion and I really like to shop!
This trip has touched my soul in so many ways.
On the flight to Houston to connect with the flight to Peru and meet my friend, I was lucky to have a window seat. Actually I had all 3 seats to myself :-)
Seeing our mother earth, Pachamama, Gia, or whatever name you choose, from the air, caused the child-like sense of awe to fill me. This was the beginning of what was to come.
I love this earth. It holds so much beauty. Unfortunately it also holds some unpleasantness. It was difficult to see comparisons - the earth's natural beauty and that which I see as eye-sores.
Arriving in Lima and being there for the short time before moving on to Cusco, I found it hard to breathe the air. It is a city that holds a lot of pollution. Their gas is equally expensive - compariable to NY, costing even more.
As much as I loved this trip, it is good to be home. It is good to sleep in my own bed, although the bed in Second Home was very, very comfortable...... it is sleeping next to my husband that I missed the most.

Art and Travel

My artistic journeys will soon become enmeshed with my travel journeys! I am leaving for Peru on Tuesday morning (very early!)
Very good timing astrologically it seems too:

New horizons
Valid during several weeks:
During this time you should attempt to broaden your horizons in every way possible - through study, new and unfamiliar experiences, travel or by meeting people from totally different backgrounds. Strive to make even the most trivial encounter a positive learning experience. The same function can be served by doing things that are different from your normal routine. This is not the time to retreat to your home, except for reading or study, as mentioned. If you cannot get interested in a new mental activity, recognize that you are still eager for new understanding and satisfy this need by breaking out of your everyday mold and getting out into the broader world. Travel would be a good way to do this, if you can arrange for it at this time of year. But you should go somewhere where you can also learn something.
The interpretation above is for your transit selected for today: Sun in the 9th House 9, activity period from 28 April 2007 until beginning of June 2007.

I will be back on Thursday May 10th. I'll have lots of pictures to post. If anyone "out there" has any packing recommendations, send them my way.
I do want to bring my pigma pen and a small sketch book/journal.
I am intending to travel light - a carry on getting there. I have a day pack that I will carry on coming home and check my baggage.
I am very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Precious faces

Today was our reception and it was so wonderful. It was a great turnout. Most of the kids and their family came and it was great to see them enjoy the experience. I had some wonderful feedback with the event, my photos and the program. I was so grateful for these warm and inspiring compliments. Watching the excitement on these kids faces... priceless!

Bigger than my fears

Courage is a special kind of knowledge. It's the knowledge of how to fear what should be feared and how not to fear what should not be feared. A brave mind is always impregnable. True courage is the result of reasoning. You're more important than your problems.
You're bigger than anything that can happen to you. Great things are accomplished when you believe that what's inside of you is superior to your circumstances. What you have outside you counts less than what you have inside you. Nothing external to you has power over you.

This came in my email from the daily guru. Important to remember that last line. I added the extra emphasis.
Today is the art show. Cancelled from last week due to the weather we had. LOTS and LOTS of rain here in NY. Today is beautiful. Sun is shining and it should be in the 70's.
Life is good.

Me and the Universe

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too... Whatever you can do.., begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now".
Goethe
It is commitment that moves me and the Universe to conspire together. It's actually pretty funny what happened yesterday. I have my hiking boots for Peru but needed something else. No way was I going to wear these to the airport. I needed something comfortable, easy to slip on and off but also enclosing my foot. I found a pair of earth shoes but could not find them anywhere but online... unless I wanted to travel. I didn't. So I am mulling over this for a few days, wondering if I should just order them online and if they didn't fit just send them back. In my mailbox, I get Notes from the Universe... and sometimes these messages are so friggin right on...like yesterday's. It said "Buy the shoes, Doreen" of course there was more to it, but I did. I ordered them.
Now for another commitment. Teaching. I have an opportunity to teach in a different venue than I am presently teaching in. Taking it up a notch! I am making the commitment to do this and I am observing the flow of synchronicity surrounding this commitment! Amazing!
The following is from www.tut.com

Fascinating, isn't it, Doreen, how there are those who decide upon living in abundance... and the next thing you know, they're swimming in it.
There are those who think about being more creatively fulfilled, and as if by magic, all the right steps, connections, and inspirations present themselves.
And then there are those who simply want more friends, laughter, and song, and their life becomes a celebration.
Mind you, I didn't say everyone. Some want these things, they even want them real "bad," but they simply don't put themselves within my reach by physically preparing the way, acting "as if," or "buying the shoes."
Buy the shoes, Doreen - The Universe

Isn't life Grand?!

Done!

I finished mounting the art and photos. I have the 3 dimensional work to put into the case on monday and hang the boards. I like what I have. The photos look great. I think there are 18 boards. I forgot to take pictures, but will on monday before I bring them over. For now, I feel great, extremely satisfied. It has been an intensive week and I can relax.
I am getting really excited now for the reception.

I've been preparing the boards for the show. I should be finished with them tomorrow. First we go to the accountant.
I laid out 3 boards ready to mount the work and photos. I like the way it is coming out and it was nice spending time today putting this together. I finally got to match up names with faces because of the photos. These kids are the cutest! I've got some great shots.
John picked up the invitations. Some will be mailed out, some given to Debbie. They are not exactly how I wanted them, but they will do.
I do love the rest of it. I'll put up some photos of the boards tomorrow after I take some pictures.
John had pointed out to me how great the space was that I get to work in. I can go into this room and not be bothered. It was so peaceful working today. Listening to music and doing what I love. I really love doing this and it makes me want to put together a book of these kids, projects, the quotes.
It was brought about because Lola wanted the kids to be part of Youth Art month but the space was limited and it wasn't appropriate. Instead, the idea came about to do it in April because Ginny said it was the month, maybe a week, of the Young Child. Unfortunately we never got it off the ground and Ginny passed on. So last year I did it in memory of her. Every time I put the "Follow your Bliss" guote on board, I think of her.
This year, I did snowmen with the kids. Ginny loved snowmen and with that board I put a quote on the effect we have on children.
I have put in many hours of work this week. Between the mural, the exhibit and tax prep... I am looking forward to my vacation.

Fun Flowers for Spring!

Our textured flowers completed our 10 week session and now it's time to put it together. I have so enjoyed working with these kids. The group expanded with the last few classes with about 27 kids coming. Now it is time to put the work together with the photos and quotes. I will work on it this week along with getting prepared to do the library mural. I only get to work 3 days for the mural but can work til 4. One day I'll hang the show and one day I will actually have off! Then my full attention will be on Peru!