Ceramics Collection @ Rafael Larco Museum, Peru

Portrait vessel from the Moche Apogee period (1 AD - 800 AD) generally represented the ruling elites, priests, warriors and at times, distinguished artisans.

Double-spouted vessel from the Southern Huari Fusion Apogee period (800 AD - 1300 AD) included a bridge handle.

Double-chamber vessel from the Vicus Formative period (1250 BC - 1 AD) was developed in the north of Peru.  Large ear plugs indicate high rank.

 Moche Owl god (1 AD - 800 AD) was associated with the night, occult and death.

Double-spouted vessel

Splendour in Metal @ Rafael Larco Museum, Peru

Cuy or Guinea Pig - a Peruvian Delicacy

 Baby guinea pigs

Cuy on a platter for special guests!

For sale outside of the Cusco Central Market

Peruvians love cuy or guinea pig!!  In cities such as Lima, it can cost as much as 60 nuevos soles each and for a number of Peruvians, roasted cuy is a treat!

Machu Pichu - Lost City of Inca

Trekking up from the ticket booth entrance to the ruins at Machu Pichu and then to the Sun Gate on the hundredth year since its discovery by Hiram Bingham on July 24, 1911 was a thrilling experience. A hard core hiker doing the full Incan Trail over a few days to reach this destination may sniff at this feat.

Peruvian Hairless Dog

The Peruvian hairless dog may not be handsome; however, it has a high body temperature so it is most welcome as a bed warmer for the elderly and young children during winter where rural homes in the mountainous regions of Peru are not centrally heated.

Sacsahuaman Inca Ruins - Peru

"Saqsaywaman", phonetically sounds like "sexy woman" - A complex constructed of gigantic boulders interlocked in a jigsaw pattern, it was believed that this was a fortress inhabited by royalty.

Alpacas and vicunas grazing amidst ruins

A remaining doorway

Moray Inca Ruins - Peru

Circular terraces going down to a depth of about 100 feet.  Temperature difference between the top and the bottom of the pits could be approximately 20 degrees F.

Stone steps leading from one level to another

Outline of a building which may have been that of the caretaker.

Peruvian Chicha Beer

Peruvian chicha beer is made from sprouted corn.

The pink-colored beer is made from the purple corn and has a softer edge.  This one is favored by the ladies.

Covered urns containing the brew in a country bar!

Serving it up!

Peruvians Love Hats - Cusco, Peru

Peruvian Shaman

Vendors with woven belts

Unmarried Quechuan Woman

Quechuan children

Machu :Pichu Overlook

Spinning yarn by hand

Post-Funeral Gathering - White hats mean these women rule the roost!!

Quechua Family - Cusco, Peru

Brightly adorned with woven motifs of animals, birds, flowers and anything of significance on their shawls, skirts, hat bands, etc., Quechua families head down from their villages higher up in the mountains into town during market day or whenever they come for supplies.  The flowers on the women's hats indicate that they are not married and they are also hiding places for their money.  Nowadays, Quechuans are very enterprising in charging tourists like us a sole per person for any photo taken!

Fallen Angel - Cusco, Peru

Having dinner and drinks at the Fallen Angel restaurant in Cusco, Peru is somewhat like attending an art gallery during opening night, full of energy and buzz, yet somehow, feeling like you are in some secret hideout or boudoir at the same time.  There were many unique arrangements in each section of the restaurant.  A converted bed with lots of plump pillows covered in animal print served as seating and a glass-topped bathtub with real fish darting inside was used as a table.  A cool and creative way to recycle and of course, to sell art!

El Parque del Amor (Love Park) - Lima, Peru

The Lovers (El Beso) by Victor Delfin

Overlooking Pacific Ocean

Graffiti of love commitments etched on mosaics

Similar in design to Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain

Beckoned by the imposing sculpture of the lovers locked in a passionate embrace, this park is a rendezvous point for many couples or for those who want to stroll or relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean or daredevils paragliding off the cliffs not too far away.  The park is located in the Miraflores section of Lima, Peru.