The following is quite messy and all over the place. I have just returned from a trek and my mind is still at 4800 meters, so bear with me.
proof...
Following that thrilling excuse for a prelude, i´ll delve into the header. Locals call this area Paradise, or Peru´s most beautiful trek. The Santa Cruz circuit is a four-day trek within the famous cordillera Blanca, which teamed up with Cordillera Huayhuash make up one of the world´s most famous trekking regions. Ever seen that trademark sign Paramount Pictures has? the one with a snowcapped mountain and stars around it? I passed by that yesterday afternoon...
The most beautiful mountain my eyes have ever grasped...
Reaching a (literally) breathless 4800 meter Mountain pass, the trek takes you from temperate forrestry to snocapped glaciers, only to return through a lagoon-filled valley. Needless to say, there is a seriosu threat of falling over since your hread is usually too busy to look forward. Our group consited of 5 Israelis, a Canadian, a French couple, A Brazilian, an Aussie, and me (put me in whichever category you wish).
The others, as awestruck as me...
Our Guide, San Juan de Chancho (a nice nickname he gained for calling me Gil, literally means saint John of the pig...long story), was this 40+ old hombre on his umpteenth time in this circuit, but loving every moment of it. He is currently saving money with another guide in order to fly over to Israel and do shvil Israel, a month-long trek traversing the entire country...and like most Israelis who do that trek, he wishes to then go to India.
Nothing more I can say will justify the views i´ve had the pleasure of catching, and so I ho'pe my photos will help...
Nothing more I can say will justify the views i´ve had the pleasure of catching, and so I ho'pe my photos will help...
Lagoon at 4700 meters
Within the heavens-high canyon en route to the mountain pass...
I figured you´d all be interested to know what Hamlet looks like doing yoga at 4800 meters...
On a completely different note, some tidbits I believe you may enjoy:
1) 28th of July marks Peruvian independence day. In a proud display of liberal democracy enjoyed by the nation, a law forces every single establishment to place a flag of the Country somewhre on its premises. Failure to do so will result in a fine. vive la democracia!
The Cabbie´s broken wind-shield is from trying to run through a strike...
2) Lima: Just wanted to slip some pics in. Often an under-appreciated city, Lima is the first real metropolis I have come across since Buenos Aires bac in March. My theory on this trip thus far has been: Cities are a drain, but if you insist on sticking one in my path, better make it a REAL one. Buenos Aires was amazing, and Dima has its charm too. So don´t avoid it! enjoy the ceviche...
A cloister within the National Public Library...
A Moorish-influenced cross in Iglesia San Francisco, which also boasts over 70,000 bones in its catacombs, and a library fit for Harry Potter...
3) I release the following photo because, well franbkly i think its hilarious...but for the sake of those more religious or PC-minded (and my sake as well) avoid this last part, por favor!
Anyone wanna know how to offend billions of people in one shot? The following is a photo of someone wearing a devil´s mask. The mask is used on a certain holiday in Peru which doesnt necessarily include el Diablo. Yet this very same face is the one used to represent the Gringo (Spaniard in this case) devil worshipped in the Potosi mines of Bolivia (see prior entry on Potosi). Anyways, the photo is a bit blurry due to a subpar camera, but if you look hard enough, you may see the devil ´frontin´Jesus Cristo, possibly contemplating a nice snack...Wait, it gets even worse. This certain person, feverish after an arduous trek and little sleep, happens to be standing upon what is believed to be the navel of the Andean world- the very area where the crucial Incan holdiay of Intiraymi is celebrated...That person should be told something, right?
Anyone wanna know how to offend billions of people in one shot? The following is a photo of someone wearing a devil´s mask. The mask is used on a certain holiday in Peru which doesnt necessarily include el Diablo. Yet this very same face is the one used to represent the Gringo (Spaniard in this case) devil worshipped in the Potosi mines of Bolivia (see prior entry on Potosi). Anyways, the photo is a bit blurry due to a subpar camera, but if you look hard enough, you may see the devil ´frontin´Jesus Cristo, possibly contemplating a nice snack...Wait, it gets even worse. This certain person, feverish after an arduous trek and little sleep, happens to be standing upon what is believed to be the navel of the Andean world- the very area where the crucial Incan holdiay of Intiraymi is celebrated...That person should be told something, right?
Someone should inform him that this devil is a Gringo...
The horror...
I am completing this entry from Pucallpa, well within the jungles of Peru (Finally, some heat). It took me 2 buses and about 28 hours, and 2 armed guards (long story) but i finally made it. Hopefully, net time you hear from me, i´ll be in Iquitos, on my way to Columbia.
Suerte!
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