January 11, 2025

CUSCO, PERU - Day 2

We started the day with breakfast at our Inn and then we did a 5 hour walking / driving tour of more of Cusco and the ruins. I was surprised how big Cusco is with a population of roughly 500,000. It is the 7th largest town in Peru and the former capital of the Inca Empire. We started the tour in Plaza del Armas again and walked down to the museum of Coricancha, the former most important temple of the Inca Empire. Then we drove out to four archeological sites overlooking the city - Saksaywaman (pronounced sexy woman), Q'enco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. All four involved mini climbs and had varying elements of what awaited us at Machu Picchu - a great warm up! A lot of us were feeling tired and still had dull headaches from the altitude. Thankfully, I acclimated well just taking Ibuprofen and smelling a natural oil they provided and you spread on your hands. The views were nice and we went at a nice relaxed pace.    

  • Coricancha Museum, former Ince temple

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  • Astral Map

    tracking solstis

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  • Saksaywaman

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    kids using ruins as slides

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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  • Slab for preparing human sacrifices

    Slab for preparing human sacrifices

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After the tour we had a light dinner and headed to train / bus station. We then took 4+ hour ride to Aguas Callentes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. We arrived slightly late and in the pouring rain. A quick walk to our Inn and everyone went to bed.

BONAIRE - Day 2

By Patricia Patrick • April 30, 2025
BONAIRE - Day 2 - One of my top 10 so far!

BONAIRE

By Patricia Patrick • April 30, 2025
View from one of high spot in the center of island looking out toward port. Island very dry and arid with lots of divi trees bent over in the winds and two types of cactus - one edible and the other poisonous ( used to build fencing). The Miller's and I did a private van tour around the island and then we ended tour at a beach for a couple hours R&R. Our fabulous driver/ guide came back and picked us up and concluded tour back to port and gave us each a gift ( Bonaire magnet). She was super! Below are slat fields - a big industry for Bonaire - harvested every March. Salt shimmers in sun as the water evaporates in the pools.

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD

By Patricia Patrick • April 22, 2025
PORT OF SPAIN, TABAGO - The Miller's arrive for a visit!