Month: June 2013

Machu Picchu -7 The Sacred Valley

June 8, 2013UncategorizedMaras, Moray, Peru, photography, salineras, The Sacred ValleyAndrew Seal View all 3 comments

…Another day full of remarkable sights and images. The terraced Inca crop circles at Moray date back to the 13th century, each level with its own microclimate. Then on to the pre-Incan salineras or salt pans at Maras, which create a stunning abstract landscape. Something for the studio when we´re home. We then hiked down to the valley, pausing to enjoy the beauty of the Urubamba river before lunch and a quite afternoon to help acclimatize to the altitude. On to Pisac and Cusco tomorrow before meeting our hiking group on Monday evening. It´s getting closer!…

Machu Picchu -8 The Sacred Valley

June 8, 2013UncategorizedChinchero, Ollantaytambo, Peru, photography, The Sacred ValleyAndrew Seal View all 2 comments

…We are now in the Sacred Valley. What a day with unforgettable visits to Chinchero, mythical birthplace of the rainbow, and Ollantaytambo. I’ll let the pictures to the talking. Enjoy…

Machu Picchu -9 Lima

June 6, 2013UncategorizedInca market, Larco Museum, Lima, photographyAndrew Seal View all 3 comments

…After a good night’s sleep and a king’s breakfast we’re off to explore this historic city founded in 1535 and formally known as the City of Kings. We are looking forward to visiting the Inca market, Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. The XVII century church and cloister of San Francisco with its catacombs will be a highlight, particularly having visited the Basilica di San Francesco in Assissi a few years ago. We also hope to visit the Larco Museum to see its incredible collection of Peruvian and Pre-columbian art. Apparently the collection is famed for its erotic pottery, which on a G-rated blog I won’t be posting. You’ll just have to use your imagination! Finally we will visit the ruins at Huaca Pucllana where we plan to have dinner. Better hurry, lots to see…

What a day! I think we did it all. Up early at 5:30 for our flight to Cusco. Join us…

Machu Picchu -10 Lima

June 5, 2013UncategorizedLima, Peru, photography, Pisco SourAndrew Seal View all 4 comments

…as I was saying, “next stop Lima”. Well here we are after a red eye flight with little sleep. From Kit’s Beach to Lima Beach. It’s always so exciting to be in a part of the world you’ve never visited before: new sights, new sounds, an unfamiliar language. Already we have experienced great warmth and hospitality from everyone we’ve met. We had a memorable buffet lunch at Mango’s overlooking the bay and the day ended in true Peruvian style with two Pisco Sours. I think we could become addicted quite easily. Cheers Michele…

Machu Picchu -11

June 4, 2013Uncategorizedphotography, PoppiesAndrew Seal One comment

…It’s finally arrived: departure day! We’re packed, excited, and ready to go…well almost. Just a few last minute details as always. I wanted to share one last gallery of our beautiful poppies with you. They haven’t disappointed as you can see (see Machu Picchu -27). Next stop Lima. See you there…

Machu Picchu -12

June 3, 2013UncategorizedEnglish Bay, Kit's Beach, photography, Seagulls, VancouverAndrew Seal

One final glorious afternoon on Kit’s Beach before packing and leaving tomorrow…

Machu Picchu -13

June 2, 2013UncategorizedphotographyAndrew Seal

…Only two more days to go until we leave! Today we spent a spectacular Sunday morning hiking the Pacific Spirit Park, Acadia Beach and Spanish Banks, this time in all the gear: backpack, camera bag, water bottle, poles, boots; ready for anything. I think people on the trails must have wondered if we had lost our bearings from some survival boot camp. Thanks for all your messages of support and encouragement; its great to know that you’re our there cheering us on as we begin our South American adventure. Since I began the blog just over two weeks ago I have learned a great deal about the technical aspects of blogging and think that I have become a little more adept in the process. Hopefully I can put it all to good use in the coming weeks so that you will be able to share in the excitement and wonder of our journey to Machu Picchu.