The Inca Trail, Peru......The #1 highlight of Trip!

Well....we flew from Santiago to Peru~s capital Lima for a day prior to the beginning of our Inca Trail excursion. Was a little nervous in anticipation for such a long trek. 5 days to Machu Picchu through the Andes. We had heard a few stories along the way regarding altitude sickness, weather, sleeping in tent for 4 nights....etc. So you could imagine being a little apprehensive....except no pity from my husband.....who was like a little kid waiting for Santa!!

We flew to the high-flying Andean city of Cuzco on the 7th of Dec, it was the city of the Inca Empire and is now the archaeological capital of the Americas......AND the continent`s oldest continuously inhabited city. Definately my favorite spot yet....Noel feels the same.....highly recommend a visit there (you dont have to do the trek......you can take train to Machu Picchu!!)

We actually took the train back after the hike....only 3 hours journey through the valleys.....vs. the 5 day trek over the mountains...just a little easier on the body:):)

As you can see from the many photos......it was some experience....happy to report no altitude sickness and we both felt pretty good...except the 2nd day when we reached the highest peak...of approx 13,000 feet above sea level..........when i felt a little faint and breathless......but it was some feeling to reach the top!! Noel was very good to stick by me when he probably would have no problem up at the front with the guide.

Our journey was with a fabulous group of people....our tour guides..Cesar and Nisdalda.....and 7 Americans....2 Canandians, 4 Australians and our token Irish boy...who some called our lucky charm!! The first 2 days the sun was shining and the 3rd day was my birthday and I prayed for clouds and cooler temperture...which I got.....so it will go down as the most memorable birthday....Noel had arranged with the guide for a cake...and some of the porters even sang to me at our evenings campsite dinner so it was very cool. The last 2 days was a little rainy.....but considering it was rainy season we were very lucky!!

The porters were the most amazing men I have ever seen.....they carried all the equipment, including 5kg from each of us...our tents, toilets food and drink.......between all each porter had 25kg on their back....we only had our day pack with water and some snacks........so we were so grateful....you actually felt bad at times when they would pass you out....hurrying to the next site where either lunch or evenings campsite were all set up. There were 18 porters!! Their average income for the trek was 10 USD per day....imagine that for all the hard work. We also tip them at the end of the trek......so luckily everyone was very generous.

ok....I will download the photos as I could ramble on and on about the trek because it was the most unforgetable experience of our honeymoon!!

Will include the photos of Machu Picchu later on...they are on Noels camera which is not with us(thats a first!!!)

Santiago, Chile......first stop in South America

After our very long flight from Australia and the 13 hr delay...via Auckland we were very glad to arrive safely in South America.

Santiago is a very modern metropolis (4 million population...same as Ireland).......our internet search for a reasonable hotel found us very lucky....the Orly Hotel was situated in a very nice neighborhood with many nice cafes and restaurant in the area. Since we arrived late at night, it was handy that we could explore without any worry as the area was very safe.

Awoke in the morning to the beautiful Andes surrounding the city with 25 degree C (approx 75 F) weather for the 3 days so that was a bonus. The spectacular mountains have a downside......since they completely surround Sanitago, they prevent any crosswinds...thus a heavy blanket of smog hangs over the city.

We did a guided tour of the city with an English speaking tour guide.....wish more of my Spanish classes at DC came back to me......but we managed with the general.....get-by.....phrases.

The only other factor we had to manage was the money......approx 525 Pesos to 1USD......so you could either get pesos or dollars...and we were thinking in euros....so needed our thinking caps on....when thousands of pesos appeared to seem like alot of money!

Just another little tid bit on Chile.......it is the major financial center for the continent and headquarters for the likes of Yahoo, Microsoft and JP Morgan............this would become much more apparent after spending time in Peru, Argentina and Brazil. Definately the most modernized city in South America that we have seen!

Noel was quite proud to see the main Avenue in the city named after the son of an Irishman.....Bernardo O`Higgins, who had been the supreme director of the Chilean republic in the 1800~s!!

Melbourne.....

So on the 26th of November....headed to our last stop in Austalia..Melbourne...fortunately the gorgeous weather followed and most days between 75-85 degrees and nice and cool at night.

And as you can see from photos...bright blue sky most days.

My friend Michelle (Gebrian) Lawton....a childhood friend lives there with husband Rohan and son Jack...so lots of excitement with our first time to see Jack. They insisted we stay with them even while under house renovations....so they had a busy week. We had a fabulous time, they arranged a trip 2 hours south to Wilsons Promotory National Park, Australias most southern tip and you can see for yourself the picturesque spot that it is. We had such a great night.....and it was a good excuse for Michelle and Rohan to get away from the craziness of the last few months. And thanks to Sue..Michelles friend from Boston who babysat.....Sue....it was so good to meet you again!!!!

We also had a couple days exploring Melbourne....another beautiful Australian city....what a buzz. Noel visited the Ocean World ....and photographed the sharks....probably wishing he could dive in with the staff who were feeding them.

And as you can see from the rest of the photos...we did some visiting in Melbourne...Noel knew when he married me that there would be family and friends to visit....even in OZ.

Brian McEvoy...Sinead and Maire moved over last year from Strabane so we were able to see their new house for a nice barbecue and a great laugh! And to hear their good news of number 2´s expected arrival in May.

We also headed Notheast of Melbourne about 3 hours to Rachael Martens ( my dearest Auzzie friend, married in Gurteen) hometown of Chiltern....to see the rural countryside of Australia.

Her parents, Barry and Jeanne gave us a wonderful tour of the vineyards in the area and of the famous Ned Kelly´s stomping ground.

Her new niece Tahya was along for the ride and finished the day at her brothers Chris for dinner. So it was great to finally see Rachaels home and meet all the family.

So thanks to all for all the hospitality.

Next stop....South America....Santiago, Chile.....with stop off in Auckland, New Zealand....journey ended up taking about 30 hours with a delay in Auckland. But we arrived here safely...and are now preparing for our Inca Trail trek.....so will fill you in on all the travels next week.

take care xoxo

Just a few more Sydney photos.....

So yes...lots of catching up with friends in Sydney....even on our last night, Pete Falzon came over to Manly and met us for dinner, he was on route to Adelaide with a stop over in Sydney so nice to catch up and for him and Noel to meet.

The colorful bird above (the name escapes me) frequently visits Nancy´s balcony for a little feeding....so Noel was in his element with that job!!

And Caroline and Nancy made us get out of the car and take a photo in front of this beautiful sign....Noel was just delighted!!

Blue Mountains....west of Sydney

Well we celebrated Thanksgiving outside of Sydney......Caroline flew down from Brisbane and Nancy took a few days off work for the celebrations. Noel was bombarded with 3 women.....but managed just fine....I think he was entertained at times...what a trooper! So the 4 of us headed on our weekend road trip. The closest thing we managed to get in honor of our holiday was sweet potato and pumpkin soup which was just divine....on our arrival to Katoomba, the gateway town to the blue mountains.

We had a change in weather....was bizarre only 2 hours west how much cooler it became and we had this haze over the mountains so that was a bit unfortunate. So we headed for the day to the Jenolan caves, the oldest ancient limestone caves in the World....so that was something to see.
Then some beautiful walks down in the valley...Nancy a fabulous tour guide!!!

On our way back we pulled off onto a dirt road for Noel to check out this giant termite mound.....and to our surprise 2 kangaroos ran past with joeys in their pouches.....so what a great way to finish off our road trip.

Thats not a real snake...but Noel wishes it was......him and Nancy both loved their deadly wildlife. Have to say.....we were very sad leaving Manly, especially Nancy and her wonderful hospitality...and of course the most amazing views to wake up to every morning.

Nancy.....cant wait for you to visit us next summer thanks again!!!!