South America

As we said last month South America seems to be on quite a few travel plans. So we are continuing with Joyce’s recent travels there and hope you continue to enjoy reading about her experiences.

Since last month Joyce has sent me a CD with a hundred or so great images from her trip. Obviously too many to think about publishing here. We covered her time in Galapagos last month and now we can catch up with just a few images before we go on with her diary.

I’ve decided that I am the grandma of the trip. I am now traveling with 4 Couples most married less than 2 years and all honeymooners and much younger. However grandma here has been the heathiest and most evergetic.

They all go to bed and I am ready to hit the town but of course do not as i will not go alone.

She has Moose though and he got into all sorts of scrapes on Galapagos! (Ed)


Maxchu Pichu
So we are back from Maxchu Pichu. Those Incas knew how to pick the best real estate. Location is incredible. Surrounded by the Andes and covered in clouds it is a magical site to see and explore.

Walked several hours among the sites. They must have had long legs because the terraces and steps between each row was quite wide. I was double stepping the whole way. The twon has hot springs so a few of us went to the springs to relax. Of course it was a 100 step walk up to get there. They make you earn every site and activity here. So much for 24 hour fitness.

Christmas is not such a big thing here (neither is Hanukkah). We were in a restaurant and a local band came in to serenade us. Before long we were doing the Perusina version of the hora around the room.

So lets talk food. I have not tried nor do I plan to try guinea pig which is the specialty here. I did eat alpaca and it wa quite tasty although I still prefer wearing it. Trout is garlic butter is very nice. Pizza is everywhere. Here they have a special tea which you drink to help with the altitude. It is a type of leaf which would be illegail in the US. There are over 500 types of corn here. Popcorn is common but quite different.