The Tetons have nothing on the Andes

The minute I got home I told Justin that the Tetons paled in comparison to the Andes. He didn't really believe me until he saw the pictures. He is still loyal to his Tetons, but I've got him intrigued by the Andes. :)

You know, there is so much to say about Peru. It was a singular experience. The culture is so different, and yet, oddly similar.

Lima, with it's industrialized spanish influence and insane driving will forever stick in my mind of what a city on the coast could be. Things I will never forget are the beautiful waterfront and the parks that line the ocean. The smell of the water and the humidity in the air. The driving that nearly cost our lives on countless occasions. The chance to eat chicken's blood and the first taste of an oyster. Not to mention paragliding over the ocean!

Arequipa seemed to be the Paris of Peru. The center square was the most exquisite place in the city. At any time in the day you could see hundreds of people gathered there. They fed the birds, took romantic walks through the gardens or just sat in the shade of a palm tree and took in the scenery. The people would welcome you into their homes just to hear you speak and to share your persective cultures. The University there welcomed us with open arms and we were humbled and overwhelmed by their hospitality. The memories of the wonderful culture and the way they embraced us will remain in my mind forever.

Cusco was perhaps the most interesting place of all. You walked through the town and you were bombarded by the indigenous nature of the city. EVERYTHING was built around the remaining Incan walls. They became artwork in restraunts, foundations for buildings and in many cases vague memories of the ancient culture and its domination over the land. I´ll never forget some of the things I saw and heard. MachuPichu is not just a picture, it is place. It is three dimensional with tunnels and homes, workshops and temples. It was someone´s home once and I was humbled to see it. I will truly miss it. The mountains seem to loom in the distance and when you get close to them, they command your respect. They have their own personality and if they could speak the tales they could tell would suprise even the saviest of traveler or historian. I miss Cusco already.

All in all, the trip was a gigantic success! I can never think of mountains the same. As a matter of fact, when we flew into Utah, and I saw the Rocky Mountains, I just laughed. i couldn't believe how small they seemed! Who knew?

I am humbled by the memories even now. Words will never describe the effect of the trip on me or my life. I hope that I can remain true to the lessons learned and the memories treasured.