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The Floating Islands: The Enduring World of the Uro People of Peru

Traveling to Peru opens a world of diversity and traditions that are tied to thousands of years of history.  The story of the Uro People represents one of the oldest living cultures in the Andes, and it is quite remarkable.  It is also one in a series of stories on my journey through Peru’ magnificent countryside.  On my fourth day of traveling through Peru’s countryside near the City of Puno, we were promised a boat ride to visit the highest navigable body of water in the world. Lake Titicaca is 12,500 ft above sea level and stands as one of South America’s largest lakes. It’s surreal to see such a gigantic lake nestled in the mountains between Peru and Bolivia.  But the most interesting part of this lake is the 120 floating islands built by the Uro people, the oldest ethnic group in the central Andes dating back to pre-Inca times.  The opportunity to spend some time learning and engaging with Uro families was a priceless experience that inspired one’s faith in humanity.  Here’s a bit more about their resilience, their ability to adapt to change and preserve their way of life….

Twelve Days Across Peru: The Road to Machu Picchu

A journey through the countryside of Peru beyond just visiting Machu Picchu was on my list of places to go before I die. My objective was to undertake a slow-paced journey through Peru to thoroughly explore its countryside, landscapes, the imposing Andes mountains, colonial cities, rural towns, and its indigenous communities. I was particularly interested in experiencing village life that is deeply entrenched in the cultural traditions of the Inca ancestral heritage. To do this, I committed to a 12-day tour starting in the city of Lima ending at the ancient site of Machu Picchu, returning to Lima.   The adventure was beyond my expectations, with some minor hiccups, as expected when traveling in challenging terrain.  Here are highlights of what this journey was like and what I learned from this experience….

  From Guadalajara’s Grand Plazas to Tlaquepaque’s Artisan Alleys

A four-day road trip to the cities of Guadalajara with day tours to the neighboring city of Tlaquepaque, 20 minutes away.    Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city, the birthplace of mariachi music, tequila and the charreada (Mexican rodeo). Its historic center is impressive with huge interlocking pedestrian plazas that draw crowds all day surrounded by so many majestic colonial buildings with plenty of public art and sculptures. Interestingly, underneath one of its plazas is an underground train system. The contrast between modern living and the city’s colonial heritage is quite remarkable. The city of Tlaquepaque is where you get exposed to the artisan world of the region. One of the best places to shop and enjoy the culture of this area….

Puerto Vallarta: A Tapestry of Color and Culture

During my stay in Bucerias, Mexico, I made a day trip to Puerto Vallarta, a 20-minute ride from Bucerias where I am living.  This colonial city became famous back in the 1960s, thanks to a global tabloid sensation when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, both married to other people were carrying on a scandalous love affair during the filming of “The Night of the Iguana” (Can’t imagine that being a scandal today!).  Puerto Vallarta features both colonial and modern architecture recognized internationally as a resort beach town. Its boardwalk, known as El Malecon, includes unique surrealist sculptures along with boutiques, galleries, bars, and restaurants. I have visited this town several times over the past 15 years, and it has undergone significant changes each time, increasing its popularity. A fun place to stay or visit throughout the year….

Between Volcanoes and Valleys: Living San José

I stayed in the City of San Jose in Costa Rica for two weeks for a short stop on my way to Mexico. Costa Rica is renowned as a pioneer and leader in ecotourism.  The City of San Jose itself is not a big tourist attraction as most of its beaches, waterfalls, national parks and volcanos are hours away.  Get ready to move around and plan to stay in other part of the country to fully enjoy all that it offers.   A modern city, much like downtown Miami (not Miami Beach) with 90-degree weather during the day and a cooling down in the evenings. The city is known for its museums, nightlife and world known coffee.  The locals here called themselves Ticos and Ticas.  Everywhere you will come across local popular cafeterias known as “Sodas” where you can indulge in Costa Rican cuisine and enjoy some ceviche….

Culture, Coast, and Condo Keys: My Bucerías Story

 Since leaving Costa Rica, I have been residing in the beach town of Bucerias, north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  This quaint and charming beach town on the Pacific Coast was once popular among divers, searching for pearls found in oysters. Hence, its name Bucerias from the Spanish verb” buscar” (to search). The town has this Bohemian vibe, combining the best of Mexican culture with that of tourism, offering an opportunity to have a deeper connection to local life, natural beauty and amazing sunsets!  I liked it so much that I decided to purchase a condo here for getaways during the winter months and as an investment.  Here‘s what convinced me to take this leap….

25 Days in Quito: A Visual Diary of Culture, Color & and Cuisine

I spent 25 days in Quito, Ecuador, known as the first UNESCO world culture heritage site. It is 9,350 feet above sea level (at times, feeling a bit breathless). Quito is nestled deep into a valley surrounded by Andean mountains and volcanoes. One of the most biodiversity regions in the world. Its historic center was built on what was once part of the Inca civilization with some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in all South America, steeped in old traditions. It is also a very large and densely populated modern city. Three weeks in Quito and five days in the Galapagos islands made for an unforgettable experience is this part of the world. Here is what I manage to do in Quito, also known as “La Mitad del Mundo” (middle of the world) where the equator meets Ecuador…

Faces of “Carnaval”: A Visual Story from the Heart of Ecuador

During my time in Quito, Ecuador, I attended “Carnaval “(quite different from what I expected). First, carnavals in all Ecuador are rooted among the Huarangas natives which over time got mixed in with Christian beliefs brought on by the Spanish colonizers. Each city celebrates “carnaval” a bit differently where traditionally people throw at each other flowers, water, flour or foam during the festivities in honor of the second moon. The city closes down for several days, gradually opening up after Ash Wednesday, embracing a long tradition that symbolizes renewal and happiness. Quite the experience…

Bogotá Uncovered: One Week in the City of Contrasts

Leaving Cartagena for a week’s stay in the capital of Bogota, a city 8500 feet above sea level with a population of over 8 million.  Bogota is the Colombia’s cultural center as it dominated all forms of cultural expressions. A modern city with a beautiful historic center with much of its ancestral architecture still in place. No longer one of the most violent city in the world, Bogota today is a melting pot of all cultures from different regions known for its cuisine, murals, street markets, festivals and art.  I stayed several blocks from the historic, colorful Candelaria neighborhood, visiting many of its museums and historic buildings as well as making a trip to the popular Andean mountains to visit a friend. If you have plans to come to Bogota, check out my week in this amazing city ….

Navigating Nature’s Masterpiece: A Galápagos Cruise Experience

A cruise through the Galápagos Islands will allow you to not only understand the connection between Charles Darwin and his theory on evolution but to see the force of the islands’ volcanic origin (still active) and its biodiversity both on land and sea. Each island (got to visit 7) is a lasting memory of the unique wildlife and geology of this remote region. Home to many species, such as the Galapagos land and marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galápagos tortoise. But sadly, there are many challenges that threaten this “Living Museum” starting with rising sea levels, higher ocean temperature, invasive species, illegal fishing, over tourism and population growth. Although the islands are part of a national park, it may not have the resources to manage it conservation when there are so many uncontrollable factors and special interests. Here is my take on what was a lifetime adventure…