Peru

We have returned to Knoxville tired and sick. After 12 intensive days, we questioned our stamina for non-stop activities until we realized that we had contracted some type of respiratory illness. Two weeks later, we are still recuperating.

Peru 2004 was a very different type of trip for us. Not only did we spend time in the backcountry with our 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, but we spent 6 days exploring the cities and small villages that make up the oblong shaped Sacred Valley. We like this combination of travel time!

Our thoughts about Peru are mixed. We found the rugged Andean beauty in stark contrast to the daily struggle to survive. Many soul jolting visions remain with us including young children with dirty hands and faces pushing candy bars for 1/sole, old men and women making their way up mountain roads-bent in half under the burden of cornstalks strapped to their backs, open doors in small villages that reveal dirt floor dwellings with few furnishings, very young children and women tending the family livestock while men hand plow fields, thin hungry mongrels roaming the streets and always the pushing, pushing, pushing to buy postcards, carved gourds, watercolors, knit finger puppets, water bottle holders, CD's, candy, woven bits of traditional fabric sewn into something eye catching to tourists.

While we viewed life for many Peruvians as very difficult, in reality, it was just everyday life to people who know life no other way. We found Peruvians to be quick with a smile or laugh, unfailingly kind, helpful, proud of their country (but not their president), very proud of their heritage and anxious to share their knowledge and opinions with us. We have returned home more humble, appreciative for our lifestyle and grateful to the people who provided a small window into Peruvian life.

We are in the process of recounting our travels. The links to the left will be activated as we complete each day's adventure. We have over 800 digital pictures to sort through and will set up the photo gallery as soon as we can narrow down our selections.

(posted 7/24/2004)

Update (7/04/2005)

Today I finally finished and uploaded the Peru journal. It has taken me almost a year! Over the last 12 months, John and I have found this trip is often in our conversation. We can't get Peru or South America out of our thoughts. Our feelings are no longer mixed...given the opportunity, we would go again in a second!

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