Tracing the Footsteps of the Incas...
A Dream Come True!

Most of us dream about travelling to a special place or country.  I was
lucky enough to be able to do just that in October 2007... mysterious
Peru and Machu Picchu have always inspired my imagination.

Our adventure started in Cusco, the old Inca capital, visiting the
Sacred Valley of the Incas.  We enjoyed the colorful markets in Pica
and Calca, where we tasted fresh bread right out of traditional clay ovens and admired the beautiful knitting and weaving. 

The highlight or our trip was hiking the Lares Trail, part of the old Inca network of trails, trekking to the lofty heights of 4562 meters. Yes there was a lot of huffing
and puffing in our group of 16 but we all made it and are mighty proud of it!

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was shrouded in mist and fog,
which enhanced the mystery of this magical place.  It is impossible to
visualize how this magnificent city could have been built high up in the Andes.

Lake Titikaka, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3800 metres,
has its own magic with remote islands and the amazing floating reed
islands of the Uros Indians who still survive holding onto their
traditional lifestyle. The people of Amatami Island hosted our group
for one night and we were allowed a glimpse into their simple lifestyle.
There was dancing in the evening to the Pan flute and we all
received a touque knitted by the men of the island.

Peru, its people, its mountains, its history, still visible in the many
ancient sites, was an experience that has enriched my life and
will never be forgotten.