The Tour Begins!!!!

Feeling better at the Sonesta Posada

Wednesday 8/13/2008

Today we woke up and everyone was alot better, although Rachel still had a bloody nose. We got her oxygen, and then went to breakfast. We were able to walk around the old Monastery - it is so pretty and peaceful. Rachel and I talked to an Andean woman weaving. It takes her 2 months to weave a cloth that is about 2 feet by 5 feet. She and her family raise the Alpaca, spin the wool, dye the wool with plants or Cocinella, and weave the cloth. Of course I bought one! We were almost wishing we could stay at the Monastery during our "Tour" part of this Peru Adventure. We took a cab to the Sol y Luna, however, and changed our mind. The place is spectacular! I wish this blog site would let me easily post pictures, but it continually logs me out when I try. We met our Disney guides after taking a swim. They seem very nice. Tonight dinner is a traditional Pachamanca - should be fun!


Sol y Luna Pictures - click here!

Pachamanca update
So - a Panchamanca is basically a Wilderness Awareness-ish style dinner. They heated rocks on a grate over a fire pit for several hours. Once heated they threw the rocks in a pit along with potatoes, alpaca, pork, chicken and lamb; added some platanos and fava beans and some sauce. Covered everything with alfalfa, then wet bags for steam, then dirt. It was ready in 45 minutes and very good. While we waited to eat, we were entertained by a traditional “show”. Peruvian music and traditional dancers representing the Gods of Sun, Moon, Lightning, Earth. It was very entertaining until the God of Abundance came out. This was a character dressed up and carrying a beat up truck, a house and worst of all, an American Dollar! I was pretty appalled. After all, this is what I was worried about with Disney – the whole over-materialistic thing. I’m not sure why they would promote the worship of the almighty dollar!

And now, I feel the need to justify my shopping experiences, as discussed throughout my other posts! So far we have been good in Peru. Pat, as usual, has purchased nothing. The kids each were given a budget of $50 to spend how they liked during our 2 weeks – souvenirs, treats, etc. They also had the opportunity to convert some of their own allowance and gift budget money into Soles and spend accordingly. So far they have been very good, and actually have purchased mostly gifts for others rather than for themselves. I did spring for my fabulous sweater, but I’m including that in my clothing budget, esp since I have worn it every day! (It does not smell – and even got a little wash when my Aqua Con Gas exploded on me during the bus ride). As for souvenirs, I have so far spent under $100 and actually feel good about it, because it has all been to the Andean craftspeople. Knowing how little they actually make during the year and how they rely on this income, I’m okay with helping support them. Especially since all my stuff is gifts as well (except my weaving). I don’t like a lot of “stuff” in my house.
Well, all that being said, I’ll continue to keep an open mind about the tour. We met our fellow travelers last night and they are nice. I like our tour guides - Alejandra and Chris. Just please don’t “Disney” everything out!!!!!!