out of reach...

That stare and determination when something is just out of reach... priceless.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

birds of a feather...

There I am, in Colca Canyon (Chivay), Peru, with a huge bird of prey on my head.  Those claws had a mean grip.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

the ancient disc...

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Even with the flu Mark managed to climb the ruins and take out the Frisbee.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

the parallel...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

shpongle eyed...

There I am!!  Night of Sphongle = Best Night Ever!

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

tastes like chicken...

What's a vacation without trying all of the local cuisine you can't find back home?  Peru served up some delicious meals and the most flavorful food we could have dreamed of, but not all was fun and games.  This was by far the most exotic meal we ordered and it literally tastes just like chicken!  Cuy, or guinea pig as we all know, is a traditional food for the people in the Andean regions of Peru.  It was quite a surprise to see the entire animal brought to the dinner table, which made divulging the little creature a bit morbid.  In all honesty, it was very good and I would order it again if I had the chance, perhaps without the head still included.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

arrangement...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

together again...

Colca Canyon, Peru.  The deepest canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.  This view looks down on the Colca River and the step-terrace cultivation the local still use, just as the pre-Inca.

This photo is dedicated to one of the most inspirational men I've ever known, John Johnson.  My grandfather lived a truly extraordinary life.  Everything I do and strive for is because of him and my grandmother.  They were enthusiastic travelers and I was lucky enough to show him my own journey through these photos.  To see my experiences in Peru brought such a look of joy to his face.  We said goodbye to GG last year and now we say goodbye to JJ.  I miss him so much already but the hope of the universe bringing them back to together puts a smile on my face.  Thank you for everything JJ.  Love forever...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

puno sunrise...

There is nothing better than being greeted by a magnificent sunrise such as this after enduring a long overnight bus ride in the pouring rain.  The trip from Cusco to Puno was anything but enjoyable on the two story charter bus packed full with tired travelers.  Our hopes to sleep on the bus for a few hours after the 4am arrival were diminished when the told everyone to unload and quickly sped away.  The only saving grace of the morning was this beautiful site over Lake Titicaca on the boarder of Bolivia and Peru.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

tambombachay temple...

Tambombachay Temple is an Incan bathing site situated on top of a natural spring in the Saqsaywaman National Park of Cusco.  Tambombachay is a very small temple with intricate aqueducts and several Incan made waterfalls.  It's main use was for bathing, the reason why it's so small, but the spring and surrounding areas had ample wildlife which were also major hunting grounds.  

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

the ridge...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved

the butterfly...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

old mountain...

Sneak Peak of our most incredible day in Peru at Machu Picchu.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved. 

saqsaywaman...

Sexy Woman you say?

Saqsaywaman is located 2km from the city. Together with the city of Cusco, this monumental complex is considered the first of the new seven wonders of the world. This huge construction was planned and built by Andean Man. The Incas called it the House of the Sun and the Spaniards called it a fortress because of its zig-zag shape and the 1536 revolution. The construction, which is made up of three platforms one on top of the other, was one of the most important religious complexes of its time.

The mixed-blood historian Garcilaso Vega described in his book "The Royal Commentaries" every detail of this sacred spot, its walls, rooms, towers, doors and canals, which have sparked great interest and admiration from visitors and residents alike. The enormous boulders that form part of the construction were put together perfectly without using mortar. The heaviest weighs up to 125 tons. Archaeologists are currently excavating and have discovered water fountains, canals and rooms. In a nearby flat area, every June 24 local inhabitants hold the Festival of the Sun, or Ind Raymi. Saqsaywaman witnessed important historic events

Text Source: Cusco Info

© Images by Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

instagram...

Now on instagram.  Follow me @amanitascosmos

the flora...

The Peruvian Rainforest in Aguas Calientes, right below the majestic ancient city of Machu Picchu, holds a stunning array of naturally growing flora.  The bright colors and imaginative shapes are that out of a fairy tale and every one more breathtaking than the last.  

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

torito de pucará...

"There's a legend that says that Amaru, ancient god with the shape of a snake, emerged from the bottom of a lake and turned into a bull, an animal characterized by its strength and size which is always willing to help them plowing the soil. This brought fertility and wealth.

In order to honor Pachamama (or Mother Earth), the natives celebrate a ceremony in which they make lacerations on a bulls skin to make it bleed (without killing it), then put hot peppers (rocoto) on the bull's nose and set it free. This makes the bull run freely towards the sacred mountains while spilling its blood on the soil, which was believed to make it fertile.

In order to obtain fertility, some people put little ceramic bulls on their roofs when the houses are first blessed. This sculpture is known as Torito de Pucará (Pucará is a town where the bulls were originally sold)."

(Information Source)

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

indica the great...

To our beautiful girl Indica:  Only four years old and one of the weirdest members of our family; you were taken from us too soon.  It seems something is missing from the house now that you're gone, but we will never forget the comfort and love you gave to each of us.  You loved to eat, loved chasing those little toy mice and were our 5am alarm clock every morning.  Your poor little sister Sativa misses you more than anything and it breaks our hearts to see her looking around for her best friend.  

We love you forever and always pretty kitten cat.  Rest in Paradise.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

the llama tamer...

Little Peruvian girl walking her llama up to the Saqsaywaman ruins.  Quite a large load for such a little girl but she somehow managed to pull that llama into place for the picture.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

peace yo...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

the beetle...

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.