Fruit, Mototaxis, Inca Ruins, and More

Another week in Peru and continuing on into the Sacred Valley and the small town of Taray. The Sacred Valley is at about 9,000ft as opposed to the higher altitude of Cusco allowing for easier breathing, longer walks and a general increase in stamina all around. The weather, though early summer, is still more Spring like to us with frequent afternoon showers and temps ranging between 40´s - low 70´s. We´ve also become accustomed to more Peruvian fare. This tends toward rice, potatoes, meat (any kind, really), chicken and, to a lesser extent veggies. One thing that is quite a bit different but incredibly enjoyable is the ubiquitous JUGO, or juice. There are many tropical fruits in season year round and are readily (cheaply) available to all folks. The fruit drink is rarely diluted. If you go to the juice section of a local market you will be rewarded with 2 full glasses of the pureed fruit of your choice. You simply pick out the fruit combo you like, in Kai´s case - banana, mango, pineapple - watch the fruit cut up, pureed and presented to you, all for the equivalent of $1.15. It´s an incredible delectable treat!

Our second week of language school went really fast. We stayed on site this time in a dorm room with five beds and a beautiful garden area. We were joined by 7 other students, most of whom were from Holland. Their energy and willingness to fearlessly explore another country was refreshing and invigorating. We´ll miss them as they continue on their respective journeys and hope for a visit from them to the farm someday. We also loved our professoras who have officially helped Michael and I speak in past and future tense. A wonderful and most helpful accomplishment as we continue to navigate thru this country and language. You´ll notice a picture of a mototaxi, these are taxis where a frame was built around a motorcycle and can reasonably seat 3 adults. It is the main form of transportation anywhere outside of a large city like Cusco. They lack suspension of any kind and can be a teeth/bone chattering ride on dirt roads - but it beats walking during the rain showers!

We had a chance to explore salt mines that have been

used since Incan times and also visited famous concentric terraces in Moray thought to have been used as an agricultural lab by the Incans as these bowls have very different microclimates depending on the terrace level.

On Sun the 21st we got to enjoy the company of my safely arrived sister and niece. We look forward to the 4 day Machu Pichu trek starting on Wed. Until then, we are in Cusco sampling mercados, museums, incan ruins and, perhaps, a national specialty - guinea pig (forgive us Kevin

and Andrew!).

Take Care and Be Well,

We Are!