June 14, 2013
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| Mountains to rival, or exceed, those of California. |
We were last in Cusco, sensibly napping on our portable pillows; from there, we took one of Cusco's cheap
and plentiful buses to get to Puno, the city near the
always-chuckleworthy-sounding Lake Titcaca.
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| Assorted markets in the shade. |
On the way, we stopped to
view some mountains in chilly altitudes and some old walls and
markets in sweltering heat. Then on to Puno.
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| Inca walls of a sun temple. |
June 15, 2013
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| If I get seasick on this reed island, maybe I'll duck into this hut. |
The reed islands on Lake
Titicaca were made by people trying to escape from the clutches of
the Incas. They are free floating and wonders to walk on.
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| On the reed boat to Taquile, beautifully excited. |
We were
transported on a reed boat to one of the Uros islands, which has
beautiful views and cooperative markets.
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| Yeah, we could live here. |
June 18, 2013
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| Cher getting herself to a nunnery. |
From Puno we went to Arequipa,
a beautiful city near Colca Canyon, which is larger than the Grand
Canyon. Arequipa has wide streets and open plazas and was a delight
to walk in.
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| On the roof of the monastery, with the live volcano Misti in the background. |
We spent some time in an old monastery that originally
was inhabited by rich nuns who enjoyed the high life.
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| A wonderful shrimp and crayfish dish in the plaza: chupe de camarones. |
June 19, 2013
Colca Canyon took three days to
hike, but was worth it.
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| Colca Canyon, and the rest of the Andes, is home to the Andean condor, which is slowly making a comeback. |
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| Guide Jose and Cher. He was quite fit, unlike the photographer. |
The views going down and up were glorious, and we stayed with a family while there.
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| Not a bad view. |
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| At the summit. Nap time. |
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