Machu Picchu

The 3 hour train ride winding through the Sacred Valley of the Incas lead us to Aguas Calientes from which a bus lead us to Machu Picchu.

A thick fog blanketed the mountains and the sites. Within hours the sun cleared the fog and revealed the majestic views of the Lost City of the Incas. It was discovered in 1911. Unspoiled by destruction by the Spanish. 

A steep strenuous climb up Waynapicchu (limited to 400 ppl a day) revealed a birds-eye view. Only then did it become clear how the city was designed in the shape of a condor.

My Dad, celebrating his 61st birthday on this day, made it to the top to our surprise!

Cusco Inca Capital

Cusco, the Inca Capital. Most of the ruins have been destroyed as the palaces and temples were destroyed by the Spanish. At the foundation of many of these Inca sites are now amazing churches and cathedrals. The old world charm and fusion of 600 yrs of cultures; Incan, Spanish and Peruvian adorn the streets.

One of the paintings is an amazing reflection of this fusion. The Last Supper where Jesus and his disciples are eating Cuy or Guinea Pig. 

Galapagos the Land

Galapagos, comes from the old Spanish name for "saddles" representing the distinct shape of the tortoise shell. The islands formed over 10 million years ago are still alive, spewing lava.

When the ship first arrived at dawn to Sullivan Bay, the red-earth and hundreds of craters was reminiscent of Mars, less the water of-course. If there ever was a Jurassic Park, this would be it.

No wonder the islands are voted #2 (among islands) in the New Seven Wonders of the World.

http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/ 

Galapagos Marine Life

The islands are heaven for the marine life. Here they rule the air, land and ocean. Darwin's evolution has given birth to tons of animals only found here. We swam with sea-lions, turtles, manta-rays, marine iguanas on private uninhabited islands. Dolphins and whales chased our boat. 

What struck me the most was the Giant Tortoise. They can weigh up to 300kg and are the world's longest living animals some of which have lived up to 175 years old. 

The marine iguana is only found in the Galapagos and is the only such species which can swim and lives off algae in the ocean. They are reminiscent of Godzilla!

Galapagos Cruise

4 nights on a cruise ship through the islands of the Galapagos. One of the most beautiful places on earth!

The ship is definitely  recommendable.

http://www.galapagosodyssey.com/

Venezuelan in Galapagos

Funny how my brother was recognized by the Galapagos "immigration" as a Venezuelan (despite showing a US passport). He was born in Caracas and gave-up his citizenship to avoid the draft. Nevertheless, they insisted he is a citizen of an Andean Pact country and was given a 50% discount ($50). Here he is!!

Arrival in Quito

Dad and Jon arrive in Quito at 4 am after a 27 hour trip! Jon is already wearing a Panama hat and ready to roll!

House Party

First dinner party with Jazz, Ana Maria and Hen. 

Menu: Stuffed Artichokes 

Plasma TVs

My plasma TV has been squealing since I arrived. Was sure that this was an easy insurance claim. 

10:30 am: Technician arrives. My head: spinning from the usual hangover and close encounters with regret. Technician: Listens to TV. Responds, It's the altitude. You need to buy a new TV.

It's just a bit bizarre so am sharing the moment of being dumbfounded. My Panasonic can't survive the altitude. Found an article in the New York Times related to the subject.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E5DD1338F932A35754C0A9629C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

By the way, the movie Friday the 13th is called Tuesday the 13th here. 

Horrible, hang-over. Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers ; )

Sneak Peak into my new Home

My new home is almost complete. I am waiting for a couple more pieces and then, it's ready to unveil. Definitely by the end of the month. Above are some highlights so far:

Biking Down Cotopaxi

I have officially reached the highest altitude in my life (4800 meters) and biked the way down. Certainly the feat was no comparison to my climb up Mount Fuji at 3776 meters a few years back. But the thrill of a 30 km downhill bike-ride was awesome. The bumpy ride down the dirt road opened up to majestic views including a 3/4 view of Cotopaxi which opened up from the clouds for a few minutes. The mountain is reminiscent of Fuji, both of which are "stratovolcanoes" with perfectly snow-capped symmetrically cones. At 5897 meters it is the highest active volcano in Ecuador (though Chimborazo at 6310 meters is the highest mountain).

The last eruption was in 1904. Based on historical frequency the next eruption would be expected 2024. This was a test ride to see if I should take my bro and dad there by bike when they arrive in a few weeks, but the conclusion is that it's too strenuous, too high and potentially dangerous to cap-off the tour of Quito, Galapagos and Machu Pichu. I will look into other plans including the Black Eyed Peas concert on the last night in Quito!