First Stop - Peru - August 22-26

In deciding to spend only 5 days in Peru, I had no idea how difficult it would be to travel from Lima to Machu Picchu - my main objective in traveling to Peru. It will take the entire 5 days just to get there and back, spending only one evening at Machu Picchu "the best known and most inspiring archeological site on the continent." The last picture that I included in this journal is of the site. It looks like a photographers dream! The site was created by the Incas about the same time that Columbus was discovering America. It remained a mystery (even to the invading Spaniards) until 1911 when Hiram Bingham, an archeologist, discovered it. Besides the beauty, I think one of the attractions is the mystery. Why was it built? What was it's purpose? What about the 100s of skeletons found below the walls? There is only speculation at this point. It will be worth the trip, which starts in Lima, the capital of Peru. I arrive in Lima on Monday evening at 10:30 pm. After a quick nights sleep, it's off to the airport for a spectacular 6 am flight to Cuzco, the closest town next to Machu Picchu and once the formost city of the Incan empire. Cuzco is considered the "archeological capital of the Americas as well as the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city." This part of the journey invites altitude sickness; going from Lima (about 500 feet above sea level) over Huccaran (22,400 feet) landing in Cuzco (11,000 feet). The natives are prepared for sick tourists with a special tea that supposedly cures, or at least makes you forget the problem. A night in Cuzco and then a train ride (vistadome) on another spectacular journey to Machu Picchu. Hotels are very cheap in Peru, but I did spend a little extra to stay in Hutachay Tower, one of the few hotels actually at Machu Picchu. This gives me the opportunity to explore the site after the 1,000 other tourists leave. The trip back is the reverse of my description above, except that I have a day to explore Lima. Sue and Walt recommend the Gold Museum and the Main Plaza so it is a "must see." Friday night at 10pm I leave for the airport for a Sat 12:15 am flight out. Those of you who have used frequent flyer miles, know the adventure involved and why you need a lot of time to travel. To fly from Lima Peru to my next destination Cairo Egypt it will take 2 days and stops in the following places; Mexico City, Atlanta, Boston, Paris, Prague, arriving in Cairo on Monday morning at 2:10 am. The good news is that I get to spend 12 hours in Paris. Hopefully I can get to the Louvre Museum and check out the Mona Lisa's new home within the museum. Next week's entry: Cairo and the boat trip down the Nile. Stay tuned! Happy Trails - Marion***** A parting interesting fact about Peru: "Coca is cultivated on 46,700 hectacres - enough for 150,000 KG of cocaine (although much of it is actually used for legal chewing and tea making)."

RUOK?

This has been a week of checking on friends. First, with the terrible bombings in London, I was on the phone to be sure that friends there are OK. Thankfully all are fine. Ann was my neighbor when I lived there and we reminisced about the time we lived through a bomb scare. We are both here today only because the detonator on the bomb, placed under the Hammersmith Bridge, failed.**** Secondly, with Hurricane Dennis heading north, friends on the Gulf and relatives in Georgia are being monitored. Even though we in Jacksonville aren't in the "Cone of Concern" the winds have been really picking up. I saw a neighbor holding onto his little dog on their"walk" downstairs. I suggested diving weights for the dog. ****Despite all the major events going on I continue with the minor stuff of getting ready for the trip. As much as I am terrified of shots, I am pleased to announce that I lived through all 8 of them. Ellen at the Jacksonville Travel Clinic was incredible. She specializes in helping people who go on international trips, especially the areas of the world where medical precautions are necessary. By country, she had information on what was needed before during and after the trip. I think I've already hit my 44 lb. luggage limit just with medical supplies for "just in case." There is no room for clothes and personal supplies. I'll have to be creative.**** To everyone, please be safe during these uncertain times. Happy Trails, Marion

First Step of Journey - Machu Picchu in Peru 

Please Let Me In, I Promise to Leave

After completing visa applications for 10 countries, I'm beginning to pick up a theme running through most of them; you are welcome into the country as long as you can prove that you will be leaving. For example: Tanzania requires a copy of your bank statement to be sure that you have enough money to buy a ticket to leave the country (Just in case you lose your ticket??). Almost all of the applications require copies of your tickets for LEAVING the country. My favorite question on any of the forms is from the Kenya application: "Are you returnable to your country of residence/domicile?" My evil twin wanted to reply "No, but I can be exchanged for an item of equal or lesser value." Of course, I would never say that! Believe it or not, the easiest application was for China - only one page with simple logical questions. The toughest was Russia - 6 pages plus itinerary and copies of tickets. Their application was more detailed than any job application I've completed (my ex-husband's birthdate and birth place?) "Sonny, don't worry if Russian officials show up at your door. It's just my visa application." In addition to the application, I had to obtain all sorts of official documents from Russia to confirm that I have a place to stay every night. Only three weeks to complete all applications- but it's done. And now I'm just waiting for the FED EX guy to show up and take it all (with my passport) to Washington D.C. Wish me luck!! I am returnable, aren't I? Happy Trails, Marion