Aguascalientes… more than just hot water

After the memory filled days of exploring Machu Picchu, the boys took the long route and made it up even higher as Ann and I skipped the bus ride and walked back to Aguascalientes.

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One of the outstanding features of this city, is how it sits hillside with a beautiful river running through it.

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Even though it is fully stocked with several gift shops, craft markets and tienda’s, we went for the group effort and indulged in a game of “table hopping”.

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This pleasant pause was with a local woman behind a card table, whom I believe was fully impressed with our enthusiasm for her amazing stuffed peppers and veggie potato snacks!

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Not only did we find Jenga at this pit stop, we found one of the last empty blocks to make our mark!

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Wrapping up our self entertaining excursion, we boarded a train to connect us to a bus, that finally dropped us off back for the walk to our hostel.

Tomorrow, the markets and inner streets of one of my favorite cities in South America… Cusco!

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Jump kick in Machu Picchu

Last year, I wrote about some secret tips that were given to me by a local. My promise still stands, if you’re ever going to make experience the sacred city, please write me and I’ll gladly expose a few hints that will enhance your journey! Until then, the secret remains amongst them who have made the trek with me.

4:00am- Alarm sounds to an already awake room of travelers.
4:30- Showered, packed and ready to leave.
5:00- Lined up at the first bus to depart!

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5:30- Bus ride in the dark to the base of the city.

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6:00am- Whats this? We’re the first people in line to enter the sacred city!

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The next 20 minutes is to remain undocumented for the strength of the “secret”… but here is one photo along the way before reaching our lookout point.

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Once arriving, the fog acted like a curtain that requested patience as it protected the artwork we all came to see. We took advantage of this moment with a few fun photos!

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Layer by layer, the curtains gracefully lifted as the masterpiece was revealed.

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On the way down into the city, I realized that I wanted to mix up the handstand photo from last year . How amazing are my friends? They patiently waited as I ran into the empty field (that was apparently off limits) and snagged the picture. Can you spot me?

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Time to head in and explore the walls that make up this mystical place.

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A happy picnic break to take it all in as we watched the herd of people (who slept in) make their way towards us.

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Between the four of us and our enthusiasm for fun pictures, it was hard to pass up any of the next photos!

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Here’s the classic pose and snap shots taken before our final hike down the trail.

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A sincere thanks to my new friends Colin and Ann for the incredible partnership and enthusiasm towards this remarkable journey. Hayden, you blindly booked a flight with the trust in me to make it happen… I’m honored for your company on this priceless journey as you enhanced the experience for all of us!

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Are we supposed to go through that dark tunnel?

Last year, I started my Machu Picchu post with what’s written below.

“I feel a huge challenge trying to describe through words and photos the magnitude of energy and massive beauty that this place holds. If Machu Piccu has been on your “list” or this page intrigues you whatsoever, please remember:

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN… SO DO IT!

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Before I begin sharing this priceless journey, if you haven’t read last years trek to Machu Picchu, you can do so at Machu Picchu link or The trek link. It has a more descriptive message of the actual route and facts that come with it. This year, it’s all about the friends and the adventure!

Living on the road has brought many new perspectives into my life as well as more than a few unexpected lessons that I plan on carrying forward. Lets be aware of how easy it is to live in “auto pilot” and go through day to day almost in a programmed sense, passing the garden without “smelling the roses” as they say. Ive grown to appreciate all situations in what they have to offer and am constantly reminding myself to be “in the moment”. Today…right now… This is my life.

With that said, I’m going to break up the Machu Picchu adventure into a few different posts, as the entire journey was special start to finish.

Hayden and I met as kids trying to balance homework and a social life while growing up in the small town of Folsom, California. Now, 17 years later, I get to pick up my dear friend from the Cusco airport as we have plans to hike Machu Picchu with Ann and Colin!

Let’s begin with the morning departure from our Hostel in Cusco. The four of us had reserved the bus to pick us up at 7:45 for the 5 hour ride to the base of our walk towards Aguascalientes. 9:00 rolls around and instead of a bus, we got a woman with her child that said “follow me”…. And so it began.

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We made a few turns to find a decent van stocked with two drivers, empty seats and a woman urging us to get in quickly, “Vamanos!”.

All smiles as we’re finally on the road towards one of the seven wonders of the world.

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The first pit stop is in the open country side of Ollantaytambo for a leg stretch, optional snack and a handstand of course!

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Even though this bathroom brought a tiny challenge of it’s own, it’s luxury compared to last year!

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Back into the van, I capture us still smiling (for now) as we have new sights along the way.
More than just mountains and clouds, you’ll see several animals and even cyclist who are making me feel slightly guilty of my sore bum.

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As we continue the climb up in elevation, you can begin to see the clouds roll in and take over the passage. This is almost a relief due to the unprotected cliff side that so gratiously accompanied the one way road. Each time another vehicle would approach head on, one of us would have to hug the mountain side in order for the other to safely pass. Not fun.

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See that tiny little bridge behind us with no guard rail? What you don’t see is that it’s barely suspended above thousands of feet of pure straight cliff side. What you don’t hear is us all gasping for air when the back tire didn’t catch on the tracks… Stomach, please return to your appropriate location and heart rate, it’s necessary for you to regulate again for the future of my journey.

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Arriving to Hydro Electronica means we get to stop for a quick break before we start our way by foot towards Machu Picchu. A toast, a few fun pics and the adventure continues!

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Find the tracks, find a four legged friend and keep on trekking!

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Three attempts to get us all in one photo… Fail.

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Awesomely awkward shot of all of us… Success!

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Finishing up the first hour brings more smiles and more more train tracks.

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From a distance we could here the tracks in use as the train blared it’s horn. We accepted this as a challenge to not only race the speeding beast, but snag a few cool photos too!

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Due to our relaxed pace, the walk took a bit longer than the average “trek”, but we were definitely ok with that. Considering the amazing conversation, great photo oportunities and the memories that came with it, I wouldn’t have changed a thing!

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The sun is sinking and adds one more fun element to our already exciting expedition!

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Arriving at night we head directly to get our tickets as the morning will only provide a 4am alarm and a line to depart by 5.

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Next step… Machu Picchu!

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Return to Club Suyai Wari!

After playing in the dirt and enjoying breakfast with the students, it was now time for the homework help, art and crafts, and anything else that kept them intrigued.

Real quick, I want to toot my own horn with the childish excitement I had when seeing my old painting still on the wall. Here is was in the process and finished last year…

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…and it’s still here!

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The kids arrived after school and were definitely ready for some quality time. These students aren’t orphans or homeless, just often times in need of positive attention. Traditionally, they go to school then wander the village or help their parents by farming or selling goods on the street. We’re here to supervise them being “kids” while directing their energy towards learning new skills to benefit their future.

All righty adorable little sponges, lets play! Option one is using your small motor skills and an imagination by playing with building blocks and hand braiding jewelry.

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For the older group, homework help and a game of memory with English words.

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Have more energy? Head outside for a game of fútbol!

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Hungry or not, everyone loves chocolate cake!

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Boys will be boys…

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…and girls will be girls.

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Once we played around the house for a bit, a few of the kids finally recognized that I was a familiar face. We had a little fun looking through old photos and comparing last years smiles to the present.

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To see these precious faces last year with the unforgettable experience I had with them, click here for the direct link to that post.

For more information about Club Suyai Wari, please check out their website at http://www.suyaiwari.org/

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For dessert… Hugs around the table.

It’s been said that you cross paths with people for a reason, season or a lifetime. In my case, I come across so many beautiful connections, I feel like they all have a reason. Some, for that very moment to bring joy or possibly a lesson that is needed at that time in my life. Others, I bond with imminently as if the purpose was to develop an instant friendship that without a doubt would continue on.

If you’ve been following even for a short while, you can remember Ann and Colin from Ecuador. They’re the adorable couple that came to the Donkey Den as I was leaving. With only 2 nights and a short walk to bond, we made plans to hopefully reunite someday either in South America or even back in the states.

Here we are a few weeks ago in Santa Marianita, Ecuador…

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…and now Cusco, Peru!

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We came back together with the intensions of having lunch or maybe a night out, but after a short conversation (and a Cusqueña Negra) it was decided that much more was in our future!

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Not only are we going to hike Machu Picchu together, they’re going to join me as I revisit the home I volunteered in last year! (To see that full experience click here)

We start by meeting up with one of the other volunteers. Abigail is here from England and was all smiles as we made our way to the tiny village of Huambatio. Follow now as we jump from taxi to bus to a decent walk before finally landing at Club Suyai Wari.

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We’ve made it! Now to figure out how to turn on the electricity and water while we wait for Enrique to get home.

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A few unexpected volunteers showed up with backpacks, smiles and an appetite… Problem solved!

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Rise and shine! Time for an adventure in the local school where we’ll be doing anything and everything that we can help with. A gorgeous morning walk leads us to a view that sits beyond this vibrant school. A quick tour before the kids see us!

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Ooh, which door will he go with folks?

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This was a little building full of recyclable designs, representing just a small portion of the reused objects placed within the property. How encouraging to walk around knowing these students are being shown how to use their creative minds!

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Shoe garden, toilet seat… Backpacks! Who needs planters when you can use your old purse? Time to get our hands dirty!

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With 5 happy, healthy and high energized volunteers, why not put us to some solid use? A great workout that will benefit everyone involved. Ready, set, go!

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As we finished up, we were literally taken by the hand and guided in for breakfast.
Step one- Pick a mug and gather around the table.

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Step two- Enjoy half of a hard boiled egg and a cup of warm quinoa soup. I love this place!

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Step three- Gladly return the hugs being passed around the table while holding back the tears of joy that gently fill your heart with the good stuff.

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Finally, rinse your dishes and put them in the bucket for tomorrow’s breakfast.

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Ann was kind (and brave) to walk with me as I tried to remember the way into the next village. Key word tried, as I forgot that there was a small bus that took you most of the way before the jaunt up the hill. Here we are realizing it, then hitchhiking our way to the finish line. Thank you Ann for your positive attitude during our accidental mini journey!

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Categories: Edibles!, Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The floating islands of Lake Titicaca!

First I arrive to Puno after an 8 hour night ride and wake up to see this as my view out of the bus window.

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After rolling into town, I took a short walk only to run into a very kind couple I had met on the journey over. David and Ros absolutley brightened my evening with their enthusiasm towards my journey, especially the hand stand portion in which they partaked in!

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I’m going to jump right into the purpose of my one night stay here in Puno, sounding just like it’s spelled is Lake Titicaca! Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, about 3,811 meter above sea level, it’s the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. With man-made floating islands and several other occupied pieces of land, I thought a day trip was well worth my time.

The excursion started with a quick native music performance that led into a peaceful boat ride through this massive body of water. (By volume, it is the largest lake in South America).

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Naturally, I got lucky and met a sweet couple from England that was all smiles and great fun to add to the day. Meet Sarah and Paul as we enjoyed the rooftop and attempted this tricky handstand. With limited space, a round surface completed with the rocking motion, she captured it on the first try!

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Another power duo that brought me more inspiring conversation was Veronica from Ecuador and Harold from Columbia. Now residing in the states, they’re creating ways to support the youth abroad (look for her link soon!).

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First stop is on of one of the many floating islands, home to about 2000 Uros. They live by fishing, weaving and now, tourism. As well as catching fish, they hunt birds such as seagulls, ducks and flamingos, and graze their cattle on the islets. They also run crafts stalls aimed at the numerous tourists who land on the islands each year. Although tourism provides financial opportunities for the natives, it personally gave me mixed feelings about being there. Was this their choice or am I just one more set of footprints on their sacred land?

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Stepping onto the floating island gave you the sensation of walking on a mattress or firm trampoline covered in thick straw. Whether or not the natives were thrilled to have company, they maintained gentle smiles as they welcomed us. We got a lesson on a Totora reed that is often eaten for iodine, can be used to treat hangovers and used in tea. When in pain, the reed can be wrapped around the wound for relief and if it is hot outside, they roll the white part of the reed in their hands and split it open, placing the reed on their forehead as it’s cool to the touch. It tasted like fresh celery and lettuce, yum!

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I chose to stay back and check out the huts rather than taking the jaunt around in the traditional boat.

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This is 18 year old Julia, a new mother that has lived her entire life on the island. I was so thankful that she was eager to sit and talk and even more joyful when she allowed her baby girl to reach out for me.

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Another round with bright sights and kind people as we wrap up this stop.

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After about an hour we headed for one of the largest islands called Taquile. Once you dock, it’s a solid climb to the central plaza for a gorgeous panoramic view. I hope the photos give you at least a partial idea of the incline that these natives live with everyday. Keep a lookout for the elderly man carrying stock up the hill behind me!

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Finally!

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This is a ceremony happening in the center where the “leaders” gather and discuss issues in regards to the island. The hats represent the status of the men and the women are wearing garments that shows she’s married to a political figure.

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Noon hits and we’re guided (by a local in sweet sneakers!) to our hill top lunch that is really in someone’s front yard! Here, the buildings make as homes, tienda’s and restaurants. Up, up we go again!

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Take a seat, enjoy the view and meet Katrina and Emma. These friendly ladies were traveling here from England and made for great lunch dates! We were served quinoa soup and homemade bread with raw salsa. For the main dish, Trout that was caught that morning! There’s no electricity on the island, therefore they can’t keep fish for long resulting in the real use of the term “fresh catch of the day”. Dessert was hot tea made with coca and mint leaves.

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Now for the photo tour of the walk down the other side of the hill.

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The sky darkened as we made our way back to Puno.

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Although today was uniquely entertaining, I’m already looking forward to my departure tomorrow. Returning to one of my favorite cities in South America… I’ll see ya soon Cusco!

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Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Getting lost put me exactly where I wanted to be!

When walking the streets in Arequipa Peru you’ll see more taxi’s than cars and more pedestrians than taxi’s. Mingled in with the traffic and rush of the daily busy life you’ll find street side vendors, children in school uniforms and random sights that are typical to the Peruvian culture.

I’ll start with a grand shot of the Center Plaza including the gorgeous mountain that peaks behind it. Although it was surrounded by busy streets, it seemed to bring the freshest air in the city and what appeared to be every bird.

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I have no idea.

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Leaving from here I made unplanned turns weaving in and out of the alleys and side streets just to see what I could find. Please join me as we get lost!

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This is a school bus with all of the backpacks secured on top, I love it!

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This next photo is special for several reasons. First off, I think it’s precious! Secondly, I literally stopped in my tracks as soon as I heard a famous American pop song blaring from a small tienda. I wanted to snap a photo of exactly what I saw at that very moment. What a contrast to hear Taylor Swift while melting into a different culture.

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I finally found a street that wasn’t bogged down with traffic and as I rounded the corner a four letter word smiled right at me…. Y.O.G.A!

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Not only was it a yoga and massage studio, but turns out they have amazing food as well! I decided to spoil myself and indulge in the everything they offered.

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Here is the yoga/massage room followed by a photo of my yoga instructor and masseuse (which happen to be a happy couple!).

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Brace yourself as I reveal the cost for my day of pampering.
Private yoga class, a delicious lunch and a full body massage = Grand total of $24 US dollars!

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The Peruvian Cooking Experience

I arrived in time to check in at Casa De Avila, grab a shower and meet up with the group for what is called “The Peruvian cooking experience”. I’m usually not the first to sign up for an organized excursion, however this has great reviews and besides, who doesn’t love to cook, eat and drink?

The day started with a guide through the local market, I felt like a little kid in a candy store!

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Anybody else find it hard to order a fresh juice smoothie while sitting across from raw animal “parts”?

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I don’t necessarily have a weak stomach, I just don’t have a strong desire to indulge in this section. Ready… hold your breath… I’ll run through it for you!

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Leaving the edible portion of the market takes you into every other imaginable item you can purchase. There’s fabric, car parts, cooking utensils, pet food, clothes and more. Here’s a glance as we make our way around.

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Peruvians use indigenous animals for both their cuisine and their traditional medicine. Last year I tried roasted guinea pig (by “try” I mean I put it in my mouth and removed it quickly). Here is a dried llama fetes and hanging prepped frogs. They that take these dried up little fellas and blend them into smoothies, soups and other dishes.

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On that note, lets eat! As we return to the kitchen, ingredients are laid out, we suit up and the instruction begin.

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Tradition goes, if you can peel an entire tomato without breaking the skin to create a rose, you are now ready for marriage. Look out world!

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Cooking is complete and now it’s time to eat!

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An amazing meal topped off with yet another new favorite dessert! This is an ice cream made with the protein rich grain of quinoa. Sign me up!

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The end of the experience includes a private lesson on how to make a traditional Peruvian beverage called Pisco Sour.

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This is my Pisco making buddy from England. Scott, I loved the fun conversation and fully appreciate the photo sharing. Cheers till London!

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A very special thank you to the creator and owner Armando. His magical energy keeps this place feeling alive and so welcoming. If you are interested in a fabulous day of local food and drink, please check out the website at Peruviancookingexperience.com

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Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Floor seats in the Lima airport

This is when “Her Happy Trails” has a slight bump into “Her not so Happy Trails”. During my 19 hour trip from Quito to Arequipa, I met some incredible people, took some amazing photos and then instead of pushing “import”, I pushed “delete”! Did your heart just break like mine did? Let me follow that sentence with the full gratitude that I am safe, healthy and still have all of my belongings. Always need to be thankful for the positive side, right?

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Ive departed from Quito and have now checked in for the beginning of my 9 hour layover in Lima Peru. Due to the fact that I had the entire night in the airport, I figured a hot tea and free wifi was a great way to burn some time. Now imagine a vibrant brazillian girl about my age with an unmistakable glow, sitting at a Starbucks coffee table with the only empty chair across from her. I asked to sit with her and in minutes we were chatting away about well, everything! Our conversation felt like two friends that had finally reunited, taking time to share similar traveling stories all the way to discussing the beauty of being in love.

Visualize a photo here of a gorgeous girl with happiness radiating from her eyes. Marcella, you were a such a joy and perhaps I’ll see you in another path crossing!

After a comfortable visit, she offered me the other half of her dinner (which you know cost a bit in the airport) and a sincere hug goodbye. Dinner, tea and a new friend in the first two hours. What a beautiful start!

By this time, it’s 10:30pm and I don’t depart until 5:30am. A stroll around the airport takes you in circles staring with a blank gaze at the over priced souvenirs and sugar filled snack options. This is where the picture was supposed to be of a massive mountain of every candy you could imagine to be purchased by the weight.

I decided to plop down (because sitting is what you do in a chair) and stretch out on the floor. What’s that… Are my ears deceiving me? I hear a familiar song that comes from my home state of California being played. It’s clearly not on the radio and the vocals are in an original tune. I have another 7 hours to find out where this gift is coming from! I didn’t need to search long as I rounded the corner, there sat an adorable guy with his backpack as a cushion and his guitar in hand. I had no hesitation to plop down directly across from him (this time more gracefully of course, due to his magnetic smile) and enjoy the music.

After having floor seats to his private show, we started to chat the usual “where are you from… Why are here…etc.” Instead of describing (and possibly boring you) I’ll just say it was yet another easy conversation with a friend that I was just catching it up with. His genuine smile and kind eyes matched his positive personality that I truly hope to connect with again. Considering he’s based in LA, another long layover might be in my near future!

David, I’m so sorry that the priceless photos I took of you were deleted, this simply means we need a retake! I cheers to your experiences that led you to the cold floor in Lima… honored to have been apart of it.

They say “time flies when you’re having fun”, or in my case, when you’re reconnecting with new friends. It’s now 2am and I figure a nap would be better than nothing at all, so I headed to my gate and dozed off to be woken up with the boarding call to Arequipa.

I survived the flight which was one of the most turbulence filled that I’ve had in awhile and collect my bags. Red eyed yet thrilled to be back in Peru, I see my ride to the hotel where I had reservations. I thought for sure, it was my exhaustion when I was struggling to comprehend his sign.

As if I didn’t need another reason to smile, look at what they thought my name was… this HAS to be me!

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Next post in Arequipa… Sneak peak!

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Categories: Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment

Can you balance in a handstand on the equator?

My final 48 hours in Ecuador was spent in the capital city called Quito. Between checking in, checking out, bus transfers and rides to the airport, my “tourism time” was limited so I’m going to wrap it ip in one post.

Although it was a short visit, my adorable accommodations made for the perfect hideaway from the busy streets surrounding it. The Butterfly Hostel is a combination of rooms for temporary guests and apartment styled living for extended stays.

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The kitchen was useful and the common area was overflowing with vibrant colors.

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The owner Diana is beyond welcoming, almost instantly feeling like family. She helped with directions, local eats and “anything needed”. Thank you for the wonderful conversations and warm greetings!

Exiting the hostel took me on a fun walk through the popular neighborhood called Mariscal, otherwise known as the tourist district or “gringolandia”. I really didn’t spend too much time exploring here because my ultimate goal for the day was to get to the equator.

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My trek of reaching the equator consisted of a walk to the metro that dropped me off at the terminal to board the bus to the final transfer leading me to the “Metad de Mundo”. (Middle of the world -aka- the equator). Due to the crowded journey and not so safe areas, the pictures I captured along the way were minimal.

These are the only two photos I snagged. First, a woman selling chocolate covered strawberries topped with a marshmallow. I have yet to mention how much they love their marshmallows here!

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To my knowledge, this isn’t a typical sight but it made me instantly say in my head, “In case of an emergency, please use as a flotation device”.

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As I finally made it to the entrance of the park, I was fully prepared for the mobs of tourists and families that would be following the guides.

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Hmm, looks like I have the place to myself. I actually felt a little awkward walking around this huge park as one of the only visitors.

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Most of the store tenants that I passed appeared to be so eager to see another human, that it almost felt mandatory to stop and look at every shop. Even harder to say “no gracias” to all of them.

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I made it!

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They say it’s hard to walk in a straight line on the equator, turns out standing on your hands is easier!

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On the way back I treated myself to a frozen yogurt, just my size! Can you imagine a chain shop in the states trying to stay in business selling this option?

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I now leave Quito with a major announcement to all of the people who know and share my love for frozen desserts. An Ecuadorian traditional delight has now topped my list over ice cream, gelato and brace yourself… Even better than frozen yogurt!

Helado de Paila means “ice cream from a copper pan.” Sugar, pure fruit pulp, and egg whites are placed in a brass pan, which is on a bed of ice, sea salt and straw (to slow down the melting of the ice). The pan must be previously prepared by boiling it for three days with ash and bitter orange. The ingredients are then stirred as long as necessary to make the mixture freeze.

This simple but time consuming process develops what I can best describe as the creamiest snow cone mixed with the iciest frozen yogurt. My favorite part is the extremely cold, firm texture that prevents it from instantly melting in the South American sun.

I preferred the non traditional flavors that included but wasnt limited to chocolate and my personal favorite of vanilla. I devoured mine with so much enjoyment that I forgot to take a picture! Here are a few I found online. Introducing Helado de Paila!

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Well that’s it for now Ecuador, next stop is Peru!

Travelers tip: I highly suggest not going on a city search for Piala the day of your flight out of the country… Without a map! I barely found my way back before heading to the airport. Oops.

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment

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