cactus spines...

Cactus exhibit at the United States Botanic Gardens in Washington D.C.

© Anna Johnson, 2013.  All Rights Reserved.

memorials of dc...

Cherry Blossom Season in DC

Vietnam Woman's Memorial Statue

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Path to the Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Overlooking the Reflection Pool to the Washington Monument

Korean War Veterans Memorial

World War II Memorial

Representing California at the WWII Memorial

Happy Tourists!

© Anna Johnson, 2013.  All Rights Reserved.

good friday...

On our last night in Arequipa, Peru, we stumbled into the Plaza de Armas in which the celebration of Good Friday was taking place.  The scene was much different than something we would see here in the US.  A recording in Spanish played throughout the entire square, day and night, speaking of Jesus and his last moments before crucifixion.  Bible quotes would repeat and the sounds of a man getting beaten and tortured rang throughout the area.  A parade walked through the streets with the people reenacting Jesus' demise.  It was really interesting to be able to witness the different ways this culture respected the holiday.  All the while we were blessed with another beautiful sunset.   

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

tbt family...

Some old school pictures for a nostalgic Throwback Thursday.  Included is myself, Mom, Dad and Sister Sarah.

barranco street art...

 Art found on the streets in the Barranco District of Lima, Peru.

© Anna Johnson, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

a floral touch...

Pretty flower garden in the town of Ollantaytambo, Peru.

© 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.

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.

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.