Powered by Blogger.

Next Stop, Peru

I love to travel. I like to return to places I've enjoyed visiting -- a fourth trip to Chicago is scheduled for this spring -- and I like to visit places I've never been. For decades, literally, I've kept a list of places I want to visit and plan and research things to see on each trip. Somewhat regimented? Yes. My theory has been that if I get to somewhere once I don't want to miss anything I might enjoy. I've also scheduled my travels around work. Whether it meant not traveling at certain times of the year -- around Christmas -- or simply scheduling around events and colleagues' schedules, I tended to schedule somewhat far ahead. There wasn't a lot of room for spontaneity and I became used to it.

But that's all different now. There aren't a lot of long-standing commitments, unless I choose to make them. I did schedule this trip in the summer, but it may be the last major trip I schedule so far ahead. The big difference in this trip...it wasn't on my list of places I especially wanted to see. It sounded interesting and the scenery looked gorgeous, but for years I flipped the page in the brochure. Last summer I didn't flip the page and next month I'm going to Peru.

 Machu Picchu is on the cover of this guide I borrowed at the library today
 
I enjoy archeology sites and I'm especially interested in seeing Machu Picchu, the Incan city in the Andes. I'll also be in Lima, the capital and Cuzco, which was the Incan capital and combines both Incan and colonial sites.


 I'll also spend a few days in the Amazon, and yes, I'm hoping to see a monkey or two while I'm there. The Amazon rainforest will be very different from the cities of Lima and Cuzco, both of which have very high elevations.

I'm not exactly sure why I stopped flipping the page for the Andes and the Amazon, and really it doesn't matter. Something in me said this is the trip for now. Next month I board a plane for Miami and then another for Lima. I need to start brushing up on my high school Spanish and make sure I know how to use my new camera. Next stop, Peru and you know there will be pictures.


I enjoyed the NY Times Travel Show a lot. If I ever have doubts -- can't imagine that I will -- that there's nowhere I want to visit, yesterday's visit to the show reminded me that there are a lot of places left to see. Some I've been thinking about for a long time -- Sri Lanka -- and some I've never thought of before, like Greenland. I've got lots of brochures to read and enjoy.

I walked part of the way home yesterday after the travel show and enjoyed the spring-like day. Today it was winter and I wore a hat and heavy coat while I did my errands. The forecast for tomorrow is snow and I'm getting my boots ready.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy!

13 comments

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It's snowing here. Boots and warm clothing are a must. Your trip sounds very exciting !

The Cranky said...

Macchu Picchu! My father and I always wanted to go; hope you have a wonderful time!

Becky K. said...

I predict you will enjoy this trip. Mom and Georgia have gone twice. Both were mission trips but they went with enough time built in to go to many of the places you plan to visit. Our hearts are soft toward Peru as we have a friend from there whose family the moms stayed with and care about.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

It does seem like an interesting place to visit- very beautiful. One of my new son inlaw's groomsman was from Peru.

Deanna

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

What a great place to choose! I hope it is your best trip ever.

Nadine_Feldman said...

Sounds like a great trip! We haven't made it to Peru yet, though my stepdaughter did and loved it. It sounds wonderful!

Theresa said...

Oh DEAR, that sounds like an awesome trip:) Can't wait to hear all about your travels! HUGS!

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

Ah, you will be seeing Peru at the height of their summer - sounds wonderful! I love the textiles I've seen from there, and my husband, when he was part of the Peace Corps decades ago, said the people are exceedingly generous and kind.

Pam said...

You definitely wouldn't want to visit Chicago today ----- it's up to 9 degrees here now with plenty of snow on the ground! I've never considered Peru but bet it's beautiful and interesting. There are so many places to visit, I said we should not go anywhere from now on that we've been to before.

Susie said...

Buttercup, I always love to visit Chicago. I am so excited for you to go to Peru. Macchu Picchu will an amazing sight to . Get lots of pictures. Blessings, stay warm ...xoxo,Susie

Paula said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

Annesphamily said...

I have always wanted to go to Peru. Oh what fun that trip will be! I will share on my blog in a week or two, because I am doing the Warm Heart Wednesday with Jenny Matlock at jennymatlock.blogspot.com/ but my oldest daughters friend was in Rio de Jarneiro for New Years. I asked him to take a picture of the 98 foot tall Christ the Redeemer and he did! I love the photos you shared too. What a sweetheart! I just love landmarks and that one is something I will not forget because of his kind heart. Thanks to Ben for sharing! Hugs, Anne

Mimi said...

I am about the most "un-traveled" person ever. That wasn't the plan, but life doesn't always work out like you think it will. So I'll enjoy your trip plans from here.