Today we traveled back from the frigid lakeside town of Puno to the warm metropolis of Lima on the Pacific shore. On our way, we've had many amazing cultural experiences, but it sure hasn't been easy. Today was a great time to relax, enjoy each others' company, and check out the deals in the downtown markets. I really can't stress enough how much this field study has meant to me. Discovering the Inca Empire, and its descendants, has been not only mind-expanding, but also spiritually transcendental, and for that I have only Jalh, Patricia, and my fellow Tars to thank.
The return to low elevation has left me feeling rather invincible at the moment. I think I'll go run a marathon or something. Catch you back in the US of A!
~Matt
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 6
Today we visited the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. I was sick today and almost did not make it out with the group, but I could not be more thankful that I put forth the effort to go. Arriving at the islands is simple enough, until you step off the boat and onto the totora reeds sink beneath your feet. At first you feel unstable and as if you will continue sinking, as you step around and walk a few feet onto the shore your footing becomes more concrete. You can feel how stable the island is, it is comfortable in it´s place. We all sat around in a circle on benches made out of totora reeds (most of the island is made of totora reeds). Our tour guide asked us to step up onto the benches, we all sort of looked around with uncertainty before actually making a move, once we were all standing up he then told us to jump down on the count of 3. With even more uncertainty we all took a second before completely committing oursevles to the jump. The power of our group landing at the same second made the island shake, not tremendously, but enough to feel the force of our weight. I never questioned the stability of the island from that moment on.
After we felt how balanced and sturdy the island was we were given a demonstration on how it is built. Most islands will last between 15 and 20 years, and some have been known to last up to 25 years. The islands, which were originally created as a means of defense as they were more mobile in face of a threat, are composed mainly of totora reeds. The roots, khili, as well as the reeds are both naturally floating plants which allow the island to stay on top of the water. The roots are cut into cubes, about 3´x3´ thick, sticks are driven into the top and then they are attached together with ropes. Once this layer is finished the island is anchored to the sea floor and totora reeds are layered on top of the island for flooring. The reeds are placed in a weave fashion and where the houses are placed on the island an extra layer of totora reeds are placed as a foundation.
After the demonstration we had the opportunity to go into the houses of some of the natives and they dressed us up in their clothing, we all joined together outside once more in the clothing and danced together with joined hands. It was a really incredible thing to experience and although many pictures and videos were taken, nothing could capture the true beauty of that moment.
~Melody
This day trip was a whole lot of braving the cold, but we had a great time learning and partying with the Aymara and Quechua peoples of Lake Titicaca. Here's the last video of the trip, enjoy!
After we felt how balanced and sturdy the island was we were given a demonstration on how it is built. Most islands will last between 15 and 20 years, and some have been known to last up to 25 years. The islands, which were originally created as a means of defense as they were more mobile in face of a threat, are composed mainly of totora reeds. The roots, khili, as well as the reeds are both naturally floating plants which allow the island to stay on top of the water. The roots are cut into cubes, about 3´x3´ thick, sticks are driven into the top and then they are attached together with ropes. Once this layer is finished the island is anchored to the sea floor and totora reeds are layered on top of the island for flooring. The reeds are placed in a weave fashion and where the houses are placed on the island an extra layer of totora reeds are placed as a foundation.
After the demonstration we had the opportunity to go into the houses of some of the natives and they dressed us up in their clothing, we all joined together outside once more in the clothing and danced together with joined hands. It was a really incredible thing to experience and although many pictures and videos were taken, nothing could capture the true beauty of that moment.
~Melody
This day trip was a whole lot of braving the cold, but we had a great time learning and partying with the Aymara and Quechua peoples of Lake Titicaca. Here's the last video of the trip, enjoy!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Day Five
The big day has finally arrived- none of us could wait to finally reach the shrouded misty heights of Macchu Picchu. We took some incredible footage, brought to you here via Youtube and Flipshare Video.
Day Four
There's much more to see in the Sacred Valley than just Cuzco city. Today's adventure took us to a ranch with Llamas and Alpacas, and then to the mountainside ruins of Ollantaytambo. It's all here, in HD!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day Three- "A Pretty Good Day At The Hospital"
Today was a rather eventful day for me, but not at all in the way indicated by Professor Dulanto´s lesson plan. I woke up early this morning with a lot of pressure in my chest and running a high fever. Although I hated missing the trip to Korikancha, one of the most important historical sites on our itenerary, it was definitely for the better. While the rest of the group was eating breakfast this morning, Justin and I were on our way to a private clinic in downtown Cuzco. Although I was in quite a bit of pain, the nurses there took great care of me, and by noon I was up and about again.
In the evening, I was able to make it out to the Planetarium with the rest of the group. I have always found astronomy fascinating, but as Melody would say, ¨"Who doesn´t?" We got a very in-depth lesson on Inca cosmology, and the celestial bodies that were important to them in determining the agricultural schedule necessary for the survival of their people. Among these are the Pleiadeis, a cluster of seven stars which indicates weather patterns by their movement, and the Southern Cross, which could be considered the equivalent of Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere. Another interesting fact is that the Incas recognized the planets much in the same way as the ancient Greeks; to both of these cultures, Mars, for example, represented warlike tendencies within humans.
No video today, but some great footage of the Ollantaytambo ruins tomorrow!
-Matt
In the evening, I was able to make it out to the Planetarium with the rest of the group. I have always found astronomy fascinating, but as Melody would say, ¨"Who doesn´t?" We got a very in-depth lesson on Inca cosmology, and the celestial bodies that were important to them in determining the agricultural schedule necessary for the survival of their people. Among these are the Pleiadeis, a cluster of seven stars which indicates weather patterns by their movement, and the Southern Cross, which could be considered the equivalent of Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere. Another interesting fact is that the Incas recognized the planets much in the same way as the ancient Greeks; to both of these cultures, Mars, for example, represented warlike tendencies within humans.
No video today, but some great footage of the Ollantaytambo ruins tomorrow!
-Matt
Day Two
Today we traveled. A lot. I have been on buses traveling up very steep mountains before in Europe, looking out the window and seeing the edge of the mountain is not typically a good feeling -- I thought I had already experienced that fear. I was wrong. On our way to the hiking site we were really blessed to be able to see some parts of Peru that have not been impacted by tourism in any way, shape, or form. Part of it just did not seem real. There were flocks of sheep all over the road, and littles kids who were trying to get them safely out of our bus' way. We got to seem some of the original agricultural tools at work, fields and fields of corn, and even climbed to our first ruin at Makallaqta. This was an incredible sight as we took our first steps into the Inca culture and looked first-hand into their ingenious architecture.
Melody
The scenery and mountaintop ruins were absolutely breathtaking- so was the hike up! Here's the video for today's adventure.
Matt
Melody
The scenery and mountaintop ruins were absolutely breathtaking- so was the hike up! Here's the video for today's adventure.
Matt
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Day One
arriving at Orlando International Airport was intimidating at first. It felt like my first few weeks at Rollins where you're still trying to get your footing. I was still trying to get to know the group even though we'd met several times before the trip for orientation.
Actually getting to Peru was a journey within itself -- with delays, interesting flight attendants, lay overs, and continually keeping track of the group. I instantly felt bonded to the group before we even made it here. In retrospect, I was so thankful for the journey here because when the last person finally made it through customs we all rejoiced like it was graduation. "One step closer to a shower!" seemed to be the group-thought.
Creating the commradery before you make it to the destination is essential. The newbies can ask the vets how to fill out immigration papers and when you are with fifteen other people ready to experience a new culture there is no way they will lety ou lose your passport. Occasionally you need someone to whisper "we're in Peru right now!" to keep you in the moment. Walking down the street someone said "I think Peru might have the cutest babies of any country!" -- overhearing things like that bring you out of your own little world and allow you to experience a new aspect of Peru you never would have noticed before. In The National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology, and History Dr. Dulanto talked about Tique in the ancient Inca Empire. The idea of opposite, but complementary items coming together. It is a pattern in the Inca remains, and it made me think of the diversity of our group. We have freshman, seniors, Spanish natives, individuals who can't even speak Spanish, some of us have never traveled abroad, and othres are regulars. Though different, we complement each other. I think we creat a whole new experience within the trip by getting to know each other. \
Sometimes it's really great traveling in a group - and not just to picture share.
~Melody
Between airports and hotels we've already had some cultural experiences. Check out my first video here!
~Matt
Actually getting to Peru was a journey within itself -- with delays, interesting flight attendants, lay overs, and continually keeping track of the group. I instantly felt bonded to the group before we even made it here. In retrospect, I was so thankful for the journey here because when the last person finally made it through customs we all rejoiced like it was graduation. "One step closer to a shower!" seemed to be the group-thought.
Creating the commradery before you make it to the destination is essential. The newbies can ask the vets how to fill out immigration papers and when you are with fifteen other people ready to experience a new culture there is no way they will lety ou lose your passport. Occasionally you need someone to whisper "we're in Peru right now!" to keep you in the moment. Walking down the street someone said "I think Peru might have the cutest babies of any country!" -- overhearing things like that bring you out of your own little world and allow you to experience a new aspect of Peru you never would have noticed before. In The National Museum of Archeology, Anthropology, and History Dr. Dulanto talked about Tique in the ancient Inca Empire. The idea of opposite, but complementary items coming together. It is a pattern in the Inca remains, and it made me think of the diversity of our group. We have freshman, seniors, Spanish natives, individuals who can't even speak Spanish, some of us have never traveled abroad, and othres are regulars. Though different, we complement each other. I think we creat a whole new experience within the trip by getting to know each other. \
Sometimes it's really great traveling in a group - and not just to picture share.
~Melody
Between airports and hotels we've already had some cultural experiences. Check out my first video here!
~Matt
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