Monday-Tuesday November 21st and 22nd – Heading Home

Well, our adventures in Peru are coming to an end. It has been a wonderful time of exploring this fascinating country with its diversity of culture, history and geography. We have been to one of the highest lakes in the world, and climbed ancient ruins of people long disappeared from this land. We have spent money in the markets and marvelled at the diversity of crafts available. Sometimes we have thought – “I’ll get that later” only to find it not available. We have enjoyed
the dancing and singing and have even joined in on occasion. We learned about altitude sickness in its various forms and learned to listen to our bodies when they did not cooperate with all that we might want to do. All in all – it has been a very memorable time.
The last day in Peru saw a few headed back to the market (3.5 KM each way) to spend the last few Sols and pick up those last few trinkets, souvenirs and gifts. Some even picked up the now famous 2 S fish sandwich for their lunch (about $.75 Cdn)
Others took long, reflective walks along the beach to enjoy the sun, the sand and the ocean. Some spent some time in the lovely pool, soaking up some more rays and getting a bit of exercise. All spent at least some time reorganizing, repacking and weighing our suitcases to ensure none were
overweight.
We all had a leisurely breakfast and lunch, then checked out from our hotel at 1 PM and waited for the bus to arrive to take us on our journey home.
At 3 we were all loaded on the bus and then drove the 270 KM from our
hotel to the Costa Verde Restaurant in Lima. It took almost 4 hours due to rush hour traffic starting well outside Lima.
Our meal at the restaurant was an excellent dinner of fresh fish. We agreed that we have been well fed on this trip and this meal did not disappoint.
Heading out from the restaurant we took the short trip to the Lima International Airport which is actually located
in Callao (a suburb of Lima). After checking in – which meant being shifted from one line up to another, we all spent the next few hours exploring the stores in the airport, spending those
very last few Sols and just walking or sitting and waiting for our plane which left promptly at 12:40.
The trip from Lima to Toronto was uneventful with most of us sleeping a good part of the way. Then the dash to pick up luggage, check
through customs and head onto our connecting flights. The group going to Vancouver showed up as they were making the last boarding call, then, all on board – we had to go back for one more person – fortunately not one of our travellers.
At this time – we expect everyone is back home in their own comfortable beds with the exception of a few who were staying on to visit with family. It has been a wonderful trip – full of memories and adventure. Thanks to all who organized and participated.

A Special Thank You From Your Hosts
Some months back we were starting to plan a
tour to Peru. Each had their reasons and expectations. Now we have gone and
returned.
Joanne, Barb and Harry thank you for joining a group that came from the east to the west to travel together. We wish to thank each one of you, first for joining, but more importantly for doing your part to see that everyone was cared for and included. The 25 of you made a fabulous
group and we are pleased for that.
As you share your memories with friends encourage them to watch what tours Rostad is offering and perhaps they may travel with us a hosts some time.
We wish you the best of the Christmas season and may your future travels be a joy.
Thanks from Harry, Barbara and Joanne

Sunday November 20th – Nazca Lines

This morning we were up very bright and early at 5 AM so we could have breakfast before heading out at 6 AM for Nazca and an over flight of the famous Nazca Lines.
We headed south of Paracas on the Pan American Highway. First stop was Ica where we had a quick but necessary stop. This is a city of approximately 500,000 people, and is capital of the district. It is known for its production of wine and Pisco. There is also a good chocolate
factory, though we did not have time to check that out. The city is surrounded by sand dunes and is also known for its production of cotton.
As we headed from Ica to Nazca, we saw once again the pattern of many plots of land occupied by a small hut or house for the purpose of laying claim to the property. This may be by individuals or large corporations. Barbara our guide thought that the main purpose for the
land eventually will be agricultural. We also realized there were miles and miles of small Hauranga trees planted along both sides of the highway. This has the effect of greening the space and controlling some of the sand drifts.
We had been travelling mainly through desert land, with mountains off to the left (east). When
we turned off to Nazca we immediately entered a very mountainous region with switch backs, deep valleys and rocks on either side of the road. These rocks were devoid of any vegetation, so
when we turned a corner and encountered a very green fertile valley – it was a
very strange sight. In these fertile valleys are grown tangerines, watermelon and several other fruits.
Upon arriving at the Nazca airport we were divided into groups and arranged into three different flights. We all had to get onto the scale so that the 12 seat planes could be loaded to the best advantage. As we waited anxiously for our turn to go up in the airplane – we also had the opportunity to get in some last minute shopping at the little market just outside the airport.
The Nazca lines were first discovered in 1911, and a mathematician named Maria Reiche spent
50 years studying the lines in an effort to discover the meaning or purpose of the lines.
It was an interesting flight for each of us. As the plane banked and turned, one was glad
not to have eaten too much breakfast or snacks, but we all made it through the experience in good health, (That is – except for Margaret L. Who hit her head and needed medical care – but she will be fine!).
Here are a few pictures, which may or may not due the lines justice.
After we had all accomplished our flight it was time to head back, but not before a pleasant lunch in a neat restaurant in Nazca. We determined to forgo the wine tasting in exchange for a few extra minutes before supper in our hotel.
After a delightful supper accompanied by wine, beer and other drinks – thanks to Rostad – we had a great time with our gift exchange with our secret pals. Again – this was lots of fun and we all left around 9:30.
Tomorrow will be an easy day – check out time is 12 noon – some will venture to the market at 9 AM in time for lunch return and check-out. Most will enjoy time around the pool. We leave Paracas at 3 PM and head to supper in Lima, then home to Canada.

Saturday November 19th – Ballestas Islands

We had a leisurely morning today, with time for some to take walks, while others caught up on much needed sleep or time to sit over a cup of coffee and breakfast. As today was Ursula’s birthday, she was greeted with a rousing version of Happy Birthday, and presented with a CD by the hotel staff.
At 9:15 we met in the lobby for our very short trip to the harbour where we caught our boat for our tour of the Candelabra and the Ballestas Islands.
Our new guide Barbara was with us the whole time which made the transactions, and iinterpretations on the boat much better for all of us.
Once in the boat we were all set up with life jackets, and made the slow approach to see the Candelabra which is a geoglyph set on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula at Pisco Bay on the side of the hill facing the ocean. It has been carbon dated back to 200 BCE. The figure is 595 feet tall, large enough to be seen 12 miles at sea.
From this point we went out to the Ballestas Islands where we observed more birds of a variety
of species than many of us have seen in a lifetime. The islands were literally covered with birds,
and not just a few sea lions. Often different species were seen together, for example, terns in with penguins and pelicans. Pictures tell the story best, so here are a few.
After about ¾ hour touring around the islands we were headed back to the bay when we
encountered a pod of playful dolphins – an extra bonus for us all.
Then, back on land, some took the opportunity to go directly back to the relaxing atmosphere
of the resort, while still others decided to stay, shop and have a bite to eat
in the market. The walk back to the hotel which was estimated at 15 minutes was in fact 45 minutes to an hour, but a very pleasant walk just the same.
The balance of the afternoon was spent around the pool, or for some more adventuresome types – an opportunity to go dune buggy riding on the sand dunes, and sliding down the dunes on sand surf boards. Everyone had a fabulous time with whatever activity they chose.
This evening wrapped up with a delightful dinner and a poem created by Harry for Ursula, and
another opportunity for a birthday greeting.