Enjoying Pisco wine at Tacama

Lanny Scholes and Kathleen Roberts enjoy the wine tasting at Tacama Bodega in Pisco, Peru. Darrell and Dave Roberts obviously had a good time

Tacama Winery in Pisco

Formerly a monastary started in 1540 Tacama is one of the Pisco "Bodegas". Pisco is a clear grape brandy. We toured the grounds of the winery and the processing part of the winery. The area around Pisco is very much a desert - but the people have utilzed effective water mangement to grow the grapes.

Unique catcus are found on the grounds.

A lookout tower/belfry centers the estate. The bell was sounded several times of day to signal the workers.

June 17, 2010

Guano (Nasca gold!) on Ballestas Islands

Sea lions, penguins, boobies and many other species of birds deposit "gold" on the Isles in Parcas Bay. The Nasca Indians have sailed to the isles for hundreds of years to collect Guano - bird poop - to use as fertizer for the crops. You could smell the islands from far away!

Sea lions and boaters - Much to see in Parcas Bay, Peru

Sea lions sunning on the rocks at Isle Ballestas in Parcas Bay, Peru. Dave and Kathleen Roberts; Darrell and Elaine!!

Waves, Sea lions, boats - Much to see in Parcas Bay, Peru

Parcas Bay - Southern Coast of Peru

Parcas Bay is about 150 miles south of Lima Peru on the Pan-American Highway. We took a passenger boat to Ballestas Islands - the smaller version of the Galapagos Islands.

Humboldt Penguins and boobies are two of the many species found on this protected reserve.

Rick and Phyllis Roberts and Lanny Scholes are preparing for the boat. Elaine is enjoying the ride!!

Isle Ballestas - southern coast of Peru

What a morning - we had to leave the hotel before 5:00 am. Some confusion about the guide. Our private bus had a flat tire. We were traveling through the desert. Peru is a third world country afterall!

We arrive at Parcas Bay to take a passenger boat to the islands. We are late - and the boat is waiting!!

We pass a huge "geoglyph" on the island of Puerto San Martin - "El Candelabro". It is almost 500 feet long - it is stamped into the desert hillside by the Nasca natives.

We arrive at the islands of San Gallan and La Vieja - home to many unique species of bird and sea lion. The Humboldt Current flows close to the coast at the part of the Pacific Ocean - making the waters cold. The Islands are home to the Humboldt Penguins as well.

Natural arches have been formed by the sea making for dramatic views.

Enrico Poli Museum in Lima

Lanny got great information about visiting the Poli Museum on the airplane from USA. It was wonderful advice - an amazing collection of art, antiquities, treasures, jewels, ....

Enrico Poli emigrated to Lima and began his work as a cook. He became interested in ancient artifacts and started acquiring pieces for many years. His son shared the home's collection with us adding fabulous stories about the collection, the country, religion and life. What a treasure to be able to experience such a unique opportunity.
June 16, 2010 Lima Peu

Again - no photos allowed in the home -these are attributed to google images.

Larco Museum - Erotica gallery (Warning - expilict images)

The Moche culture used pottery to explain everything they did - from growing food, to preparing for battles to fertility idols.
Larco has amassed an amazing collection of Moche pottery involved with sexual acts. It is believed that most is seeking fertility for the people. You can decide for yourself!

Here is the link for more information.
http://www.museolarco.org

Gold pieces at Larco Museo

There is an extensive collection of gold pieces from seveal ancient civilizations - including the earrings ( I keep repeating - that is one huge hole in the ear lobe for these earrings!) Also head dresses of gold were used by kings and priests.

Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larcois Herrera

The museum is the largest private collection of Peruvian art - 45,000 pieces of Pre-Columbian. Rafael Larco Hoyle was a sugar cane baron. The museum is built over an ancient pyramid.
I have added photos of a Chimu warrior - as seen in Chan Chan. Several Moche pieces of pottery - the mountain giving life to people and a prisoner (always shown naked with a rope around his neck).

Cafe Museo and Museo Arqueologico Rafael larco Herrera

We had a lovely lunch on the patio of the Herrea Museum - a privately held collection of artifacts from all Peruvian cultures.

The landscaping was beautiful with buganvillas, cactus and many other plants.

Le Cathedral - Lima

The Cathedral was started in 1535. The remains (except his head??) of Francesco Pizarro - the conqueror of Peru- is inside the chapel with his name. The chapel is splendid with its gold moasics and paintings.

Most of the interior is in the Baroque style.

Changing of the Guard: Palacio del Gobierno - President's Home

The Changing of the Guard is a very elaborate ceremony. The military band plays several songs. Then the new guards come out with a step I have never seen. A goose step forward then a step to the side - could not get a great photo through the fence. An armed military presence insured crowd cooperation. The President's home is on the Plaza Mayor in center city Lima.

Police presence in Peru

We have seen a lot of police and security presence in most of Peru! (Except not in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu).

Armored cars, uzzi's, guards, crowd control, etc.

San Francisco Church and Catacombs

We toured the San Francisco church and convent in downtown Lima. Originally constructed in 1557 - but damaged and rebuilt after earthquakes.

The yellow front is 17th century Baroque and blue tiles from Seville Spain are found inside. Moorish influence is seen throughout the church.

One important feature is the catacombs were started as a cemetery in 1546. As many as 75,000 people were buried. The bones have been separated and the skulls are in a huge pit. .....