This is my entry for the Daily Post weekly photo challenge. As soon as I read the topic, I immediately thought about the road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The buses that traverse this road are not for the faint of heart nor weak of stomach. I speak from experience. I found the ride up tolerable as we travelled at a lovely slow speed, but the ride down was another story. The second day of my visit I went up by bus but I chose to walk down. I was alone on the walk and it was a little uncomfortable at times (being all alone on the forested path) but it was a good choice for me.
Here is someone who was sure-footed at altitude.
It is worth any amount of discomfort to experience Machu Picchu.
Peru
photo challenge : street life
Here’s my better late than never submission for the street life photo challenge. I knew I had some great photos to illustrate this theme, but I didn’t get a chance to scour my photos earlier. This shot was taken on a visit to the Cusco area in Peru. I was delighted to see everyone wearing traditional clothing – such a contrast with the way people dress in North America.
weekly photo challenge : community
This week’s photo challenge made me think about people you are exposed to when travelling. My first photo shows a group of friends travelling in Turkey. We weren’t friends before the trip but we formed our own community as we travelled together in a foreign country. It was terrific getting to know each other as we shared experiences in another part of the world.
My second photo shows a community of weavers in Peru. These wonderful people (mostly women) invited our group to spend time watching them work, and then to share lunch with them. Potatoes were roasted in a fire pit and served with cheese. We contributed delicious bread from a nearby village. Joining their community, even for a few hours, made for a memorable day.
weekly photo challenge : culture
I couldn’t resist this photo challenge. Seriously. Isn’t this a huge reason why people travel? To share and learn about culture in other parts of the world? I know it is a strong draw for me. I selected a few photos from my visit to Peru in 2010. These photos were taken very early in my trip in the village of Chinchero, and I was blown away by the people and color and traditions that make up part of their culture. It was an amazing introduction to Peru!
There are a couple more photos from this fall celebration here. Do check out other entries this week – it’s an interesting WordPress challenge.
