Mountains, Ruins, and Animals...

We just returned from a whirlwind jaunt to Peru and Bolivia. Our time away was memorable and exciting, full of many new experiences and highlights. It was our first time in South America, though hopefully not our last. We barely scratched the surface of that amazing continent. Much of our time was spent in or near mountains. High altitudes humbled us at times, as even a few flights of stairs took our breath away in the beginning. The cultures were vibrant and colorful. We ate lots of potatoes, bread, and papaya. Additionally, we rode in some crazy taxis and buses. We explored endless Incan Ruins, and saw a lot of incredible animals in the Amazon. The sights were unreal. There were moments when we felt frustrated, however, by transportation delays and overzealous salespeople. Working through those challenges, reaffirmed our love for the adventure of it all. Traveling is truly about the journey, and not the destination. Sometimes it is good to practice the art of letting go and trusting that things will work out. For those are the true moment of joy and awe, when you find yourself bumping down a crazy and unfamiliar road, amongst a group of other travelers who are equally in disbelief and shock about their current reality. Though no one is certain of the when or where of an arrival, everyone can look out the window and feel amazed by the same rosy sunset that makes us all feel lucky to just be.

Hiking in the High Peruvian Andes

Machu PicchuMaking New Llama FriendsA Festive Parade of Dancing ChildrenSunrise in the Bolivian PampasSearching for Anacondas in the AmazonANACONDA!!!Fishing for Piranhas, Catching Something ElsePotato Vendor in La Paz, Bolivia