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.