Those were my best 3 days in Peru for sure. We went to see Machu Picchu!

First we took a nearly 1,5-hour flight with LAN airlines from Lima to Cusco. Cesar said that flying to Cusco is risky on windy days because of the air streams that appear there in the mountains. But that day was calm and sunny in Cusco. Indeed, it was so amazing to see this place after smoggy Lima with its desert areas around! Cusco was stunning. You fly nearly all the time above the rocks with very little signs of life here and there, and then, all of a sudden, you see this marvelous city high in the mountains. It’s all covered with red roofs and surrounded with eucalyptus and a small amount of pine trees. It looks very impressive on a sunny day, just like the one we came to Cusco.

Cesar told me to walk and breath slowly and was right, I felt my head was about to spin indeed due to that mountains air. But within a few minutes I felt totally well and could walk normally. The air was so crystal clear that it seemed it could ring if it were a little colder! Unfortunately we didn’t have time to walk through the city. I have to note here that it’s quite big and if you decide to go there leave for Cusco at least 3-4 days! We managed to take photos of Cusco only at night, waiting for our flight back to Lima.

We took a bus, I wanted to sit on the roof but Cesar told me that it’s only for a baggage. But I still hope to do it if I get to Cusco again! Within about 2 hours we arrived to a little village (sorry, I cannot recall its name) where we were to buy tickets to a train to Aguas Calientes. The way to that village was amazing. I saw a lot of little houses of simple people, they seemed to be made of bricks of brown mud. I should say they were surprisingly small, with small doors and small windows mostly. For a moment I thought that they were houses of dwarfs. But Peruvian people, and especially those who have Indian ancestors, are really quite short. The houses looked very simple and poor, but together with the landscape of Cusco surroundings, trees (the thing that is quite rare for many areas of Lima and its suburbs), mountain tops covered with snow, and fields, they had some beauty in them.

We came to the village in the night. It was significantly cold already. The village was surrounded with high green mountains (yes, yes, sure I couldn’t see they were green in the dark, but I felt they were! hehehe). And there were stars in the sky!!! That was breathtaking! The thing is that it’s quite rare to see stars in Lima at this time of year because most of time the sky is wholly covered with clouds.

I should say here that the train that is going to Aguas Calientes is interesting. I suppose it’s in fact the only way to get to Aguas Calientes. The train has carriages for tourists and carriages for Peruvians. Tourists, which can be understood, pay few times more for their tickets than locals do. But if you go there with a Peruvian friend, like I did, you will have to say bye bye to your friend for at least 1.5 hours because you two will have to go in different carriages. It’s forbidden for tourists to pay their price going in a carriage for tourists.

One more thing about the tickets is that if you’re a tourist, you can buy tickets at any time, and two-way ones. At the same time, locals can buy only one-way ticket coming to a booking office the day when they want to travel. That broke our schedule a bit because when we had to go back from Aguas Calientes, Cesar couldn’t find tickets for him for the same train, and I had to wait for him on the station for about 3 hours.

I also had fun trying coca hahaha. Even though I didn’t feel any effect indeed… In those places they offer you máte with coca, candies with coca, snacks with coca, and you even can buy dry leaves of coca in any of those places or even at the airport of Cusco. And you will not find all this stuff in Lima. At least we didn’t.

One more popular thing for this place, because of the height, is cream soups. In some places they offer you very decent ones, in others they feel too unnatural. But before climbing to Machu Picchu it’s better not to take anything heavier than cream soup indeed.

In the nighttime it’s quite cold there, of course. When we were there the temperature fell down to, I think, about 10 degrees or even lower. So be prepared for that. And of course it’s good if you have tracking boots and protection from the sun and mosquitoes.

Aguas Calientes, the place where your train arrives, is a very small town (I’m talking 100’s of people I guess), whole consisted of hotels and restaurants for tourists. It’s a place with its small square and a monument of Inca. And it’s a place from where you go (walking if you’re ready to climb the mountain, which will probably take you something about 2 hours) or by bus to Machu Picchu, finally!

The landscape there is fabulous! I felt as if my big brother King Kong were living here indeed! And of course, we went walking. One more note for you if you like go travel to Machu Picchu. Try to start climbing in the early morning, because then you will feel much better due to the low temperature. As we didn’t manage to arrive to Aguas Calientes that early we started our way around 10 am and felt all the pressure of the sun in our hearts. But still it was amazing.

A little dog was guiding us several hundred meters until we paid her for her job with a little chocolate that we got in the airplane. Cesar recommended her to take it slowly and to enjoy it. Knowing his love to the chocolate I can imagine how he felt at that moment… The dog finished the chocolate, figured out that we’re not gonna give her anything more, and left us, going back with a group of tourists. She betrayed us but we accepted it. It’s not that easy to climb that mountain, especially when you cross the border of 2.500 meters and feel yourself like in an aircraft taking off. Your ears are blocked and you don’t have that big desire to continue anymore. But just a bit later you’ll probably feel good. There was one feeling that didn’t leave me, the feeling that this road just never ends! It’s long indeed.

When we finally finished our way to Machu Picchu we could only lay down on the grass and take a deep, deep breath! But it felt soooooo goooooood!!!

And… that’s not all! Don’t get too relaxed. To climb Machu Picchu is not all! Even walking there will suppose a lot of climbing! And there is one more little city situated on the mountain next to Machu Picchu. I suppose it’s about 700 meters more of climbing hehe. Cesar has been there before. This time we didn’t climb it but I know we probably will! I wanna do it!!!

So I will leave you here, walking on Machu Picchu. I enjoyed this trip a lot, it was really wonderful.

If you're interested to see many other photos of Peru that we've done, HERE is the link to our album.

And now, it’s time for me to continue my tour and to leave for Canada, to meet Chrisavgi who is waiting for me impatiently and for who I’m bringing a little Peruvian present from my wonderful friend Cesar, a joyous man with a big heart whom I will always keep in my thoughts!

Hasta luego amigos!!!

Hello my dearest friends!!!

I'm very sorry for my long silence but my way to this country turned to be way toooooooooo long!

I've missed you all alot but now I'm finally back, with new photos and a story for you! I'm still in Lima, Peru, where I'm spending my time with my wonderful friend Cesar. He's a great guy and we are having such a wonderful time together! He's taking me to the beach and car walks, to his brothers and sisters' houses, and some other places around Lima. We've visited a Park of Fountains and a Zoo Park. I'm posting some photos here (hope Yahoo will allow me to do that) and will try to post some more a bit later.

Here in Peru it's spring now and there is nearly no sun. The air in Lima is very polluted and there are nearly no trees. That looks a bit strange to me. But I do enjoy to the fullest my vacations with my friend, we're having lots of fun everyday hehehe

Peruvian people are wonderful and very warm-hearted. I admire their big hearts and strength because I can see now the real poverty that they live in, but they have such a great love to their country!!!

I'm staying in Lima for the next 2 weeks and after that will go to Canada, to my friend Chrisavgi. But before that I will sure try to post some more about my journey in Peru!

Wishing you all a wonderful time and thank you very much for staying connected to me, I really appreciate it highly!!!

Love you all,

Angie

We went to the famous Dubai Creek, where the modern yacht meets the traditional boat (Jaddaf) and the small Ibra or water taxi...

I was happy to jump over the handrail there and up to the top of some traditional towers... After we walked around 500 meters we arrived to Al Bastakiya, or old Dubai, where everything is still vernacular clean and well reserved (I believe my Austrian friend Lydia (aka Toni) was there with her hubby a couple of weeks back). Lydia, dear, I assure you that such a walk with Gaby is like a dream night! So I hope next time you’re visiting Dubai you’ll have a chance to meet, he can show you many lovely places and tell you plenty interesting stories hehe.

Then we reached the Dubai Museum. It was closed but I was really impressed by its design, an old castle (Fahidi Castle)...

After that walk I felt full seduced by Gaby and couldn’t wait to kiss him.... ummuwwaahhhhhhhhh

Gaby was under pressure at work this week, so thanks God he sent me to Lebanon to enjoy the daylight...) but I can tell you Dubai is fantastic city of wonders, I was willing to go up to the highest tower in the world (Burj Dubai 850m) now still under construction and it reach 650m... can u see me I'm here up up at the top... you better get your Google now...

As you all know I've been to Lebanon recently. Gaby suggested me to accompany his friend, Christiane, in her short Easter trip. I was pleased as I've heard that Lebanon is a very interesting and ancient country.
The weather was excellent, the air was filled with sense of spring, the sun was shining brightly, and warming us up even when we were in the mountains.
I arrived to Lebanon wearing my lovely kimono. To my great surprise, Christiane introduced me to her brother, Jacques, whom I impressed by the way I looked He was so charmed that suggested me a trip to the mountains.

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is known to be the commercial and busiest city. It has several nightclubs, restaurants and other entertaining places, the famous market at the Martyr's Place known as Souk el Barghout , where many people pass by and enjoy a delightful meal, or even a cup of coffee at the enjoyable outdoor cafes available, and enjoy the sights of by passers walking and mixing in with the Lebanese public. In addition to those, Beirut provides the other restaurants and hangouts that people of all ages can go and have a wild time with Oriental, Pop, Blues, and Jazz Music provided by many fine restaurants. Ahhhh I love great food and a good music so much!!!

I enjoyed this city, especially its night life (don't ask for details hehehe).

Unfortunately, I still could see there traces of the last war. Because of the current situation there are not as many tourists in Beirut now as there were before. But I should say that this place is very beautiful and I hope very much that soon the peace and a normal life will be back to this wonderful place. People there are very kind and friendly (at least that's what I can say about my new friends).

We visited one of the well known places (I'm sure you've seen it on some prospects about Lebanon), Pigeon Rocks (they call it 'sakhret el raouche').


I wanted to jump from the rock but Jacques said it might be dangerous for my life. I said I was a stuffed monkey (just to put away his illusions about me and our possible future) but then he said I could cause damage to my beautiful dress. It was a weighty argument and I changed my mind (only later I realized that I could just take the dress off and try to jump, but it was too late already).

The weather was mostly sunny and very good for celebrating the Easter, I think. At least, I felt joy. I'm not posting here the photos of our celebration because I couldn't resist drinking the national Lebanese drink Arak. It's heavy but I loved it and couldn't stop. I didn't take much but even that little that I had was enough for me to end up sleeping in a dish of salad I can only say that I can justify my behavior because it was a national Lebanese salad and I thought that I should have tried it some untraditional way also (to help you excuse me for that little issue I'm posting the recipe in the very end of my post here. I know how my friend Susi loves international cuisine, so it's my present for you, Susaki, and others who are interested in it).

Mmmmmmm I still love my new dress so muchhhhhh!!! I'm so thanked to the guys for this wonderful present!!!

And here is my Prince Jacques! Hehehe it's MATURE CONTENT by the way. We decided that being close to nature I would feel more natural the way I was born I know I know, you can say that I allowed myself too much being in Lebanon... but the fresh air made my head spin and I lost control being hugged by my handsome friend (do you envy me girls???).
As you can see, I didn't lie telling you it was really warm there!!!

But there was still snow in the mountains. We didn't have ski's so we was just rolling on the snow for some fun. It was shining so beautiful under the sun, like many many little stars!!! (now you see, I had one more good reason for taking Arak! to get warm hehehe! that's a good medicine for such cases).

Cedars of Lebanon... I fell in love with them! They are so beautiful and special!!!
They are the most treasured among all the native tree species present in Lebanon. Scientists call them Cedrus libani The Cedar of Lebanon is cited numerous times in religion and mythology. In addition to its significant role in the Epic of Gilgamesh (a very interesting one, by the way!!!), the Cedar of Lebanon is regarded as a world tree in several mythological passages. One deeply mythological passage sees the imperial nation, the embodiment of history, under the figure of something like a world-tree. The cutting of the cedar is seen as the destruction of world-empires - really, as the end of history. People's understanding of ecology, the dependence of human history on maintenance of the natural environment, simply makes this primitive insight explicit.

I had a great time sitting on and under the cedars! Their smell is magnificent and they purify the air so well, making it very pleasant and healthy!!! They have so interesting shape and the top! Their shape, specifically the form of their trunks, change depending on the density of the stand. When located in a high density stand, the Cedrus libani grows straighter, whereas when growing in a low density stand, the Cedrus libani develops its lower horizontal branches and spreads them out over long distances.
I was always amazed how wonderful everything is on our planet, it seems that some great mind lives in all spacies here, hidden from our eyes!

The recorded history shows a group of coastal cities and heavily forested mountains inhabited by the Canaanites around 4000 BC. These early inhabitants referred to themselves according to their city of origin, and called their nation Canaan. They lived in the narrow East-Mediterranean coast and the parallel strip mountains of Lebanon. Around 2800 BC Canaanites traded cedar timber, olive oil and wine from Byblos for metals and ivory from Egypt. The Coastal cities fell to Amorites around 2000 BC, and to Egyptians from round 1800 until 1200 BC when they recovered independence.

The Canaanites who inhabited that area were called Phoenicians by the Greeks (from the Greek word phoinos, meaning ‘red’) in a reference to the unique purple dye the Phoenicians produced from murex seashells. The Phoenicians mastered the art of navigation and dominated the Mediterranean Sea trade for over 500 years. They excelled in producing textiles, carving ivory and working with metal and glass. The Phoenicians built several local cities East of the Mediterranean among which are: Byblos, Tyre, Sidon, Berytus (Beirut), Tripoli, Arvad Island-City, Baalbek and Caesarea.

They established trade routes to Europe and Western Asia. Phoenician ships circumnavigated Africa a thousand years before those of the Portuguese. They founded colonies wherever they ventured on the North and South of the Mediterranean in Cyprus, Rhodes, Crete, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Marseilles, Cadiz, and Carthage around the first Millennium B.C.

Inventing the Alphabet

Around 1600 B.C. the Phoenicians invented the alphabet, and passed them onto the world. The Greeks adopted the 22-letter alphabet from the Phoenicians which has led to the Latin letters of present day.

Constructing Kings David and Solomon Palaces and Temple

The Phoenician king Hiram of Tyre (989-936 BC) built a palace for David and two palaces and a temple for Solomon. The Bible provides a vast amount of information about them. The Phoenicians built David’s Palace and Solomon’s Temple. They also built King Solomon two palaces, of which one was called 'Forest of Lebanon'. Craftsmen of Phoenicia used Lebanon’s cedar and metal to accomplish the work around the mid of the tenth century BC.

Yield: 4-6 servings

2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1 loaf flatbread
6 leaves romaine lettuce, torn into 1 inch pieces
1 diced cucumber
2 diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1/2 cup chickpeas

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, salt, pepper, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil. Let stand for 1/2 hour.

Toast the bread in a 350 oven for 5 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Break the toasted bread into 1 inch pieces.

In a large bowl, combine the bread, romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, bell pepper, and chickpeas. Drizzle the dressing mixture over the salad, toss it together, and serve at once.

Uffff... I believe I have said a lot about my trip. However, all this is just a very little part of that what could be said about this country. Hope you didn't get tired of reading it.
I'm now back in Dubai, will post some more photos later and leave for Canada.
Below, I'm also putting a beautiful slide show with more photos of Lebanon and a lovely song.