Lens Artists Photo Challenge #27: My Travels (Enchanting Peru 4)

Some of us choose our travel designations based on the iconic nature of the place. My trip to Peru was no exception.

Like most travelers who visit Peru, we fell in love with Machu Picchu long before deciding to take the trip. And, when we planned the trip with our friends, we called it the Machu Picchu trip despite the fact we had less than a day there.

Here is a Peruvian music for you to enjoy. It’s called the “Lost Tribes”. The flute music tells the history slowly and beautifully (it may take a few seconds to start after you click).

During and after the trip, I fell in love with the land, mountains, people, and culture.

We met many hard-working, proud, and happy Peruvians.

We were told that homeless people are almost nonexistent in Peru because when a person is in financial need or has a health problem, people in the village will offer help and care, which is almost the same social culture in many countries in Asia.

Below is a tradition family celebration. First a designated family member gathers and arranges seeds, leaves, oil, etc. from the field, then wraps them up carefully before burning them. This celebration symbolizes the life cycle of people and nature.

Many houses reserve a place for the family to remember their ancestors.

The house is not complete without placing an ornament on top of the roof for blessing.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

–Ibu Battuta

But, travel is not always pretty. As we know weather is not within our control and can surprise us. Also things do happen, like it or not. They can be unexpected and disappointing.

Our last part of this trip was flying to Lima, from there we were going to connect with a flight back to Miami. At the airport, we were told there would be a delay due to a mechanical problem, which ended in a 5-hour delay. Because it was a small airport passengers had to go outside to buy food. Everyone in our travel group was supportive, we entertained one another with our stories, which made the long waiting a little shorter.

When we finally got on the plane, after settling down, N was showing her anxiety and began to cry. She had some concerns about the flight due to the long delay. Hubby and I took turn to comfort her. Luckily, the flight was smooth and short. By the time we were flying back to Miami, N was telling me her travel plan for 2019.

My friend J who overcame her worries from day one and hiked all of the ups and downs throughout the trip without asking for help or complaining. H had problem to keep his balance, but he didn’t give up, and did his best to keep up with us. Weeks later after the trip, we still talk about this adventure. We know in our heart that “it leaves marks on our memory”.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you.

It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

— Anthony Bourdain

It is a privilege to host this theme for the first week of 2019. It has been a great pleasure working with Tina, Patti, and Ann-Christine for our Lens-Artists Photo Challenges. They are remarkable photographers and writers. Each week, it leaves beautiful marks on my blog journey.

Thank you very much, my blog friends and followers for your support. Together we have cultivated a community to which we can all belong. Through your beautiful photos and stories, we share laughter and smiles… in the blogosphere.

 

Happy Travels!

Tags: