Larry and Allan meet Papa Noel

After much anticipation, we were on a plane just after midnight, December 13, enroute to Lima where we spent our first night with men celebrating their soccer team's championship. We learned new team songs, avoided a tatoo of "U" (they are serious fans), and left for Quito the next day. We spent one week in language school which was absolutely wonderful until our teacher called Larry a Gordito - un pequena Gordito- poco, poco... The truth hurts in any language. We met language school friends with whom we celebrated the crowning of Ms. Quito. Bryan had been given his... er her title one week before we arrived at a language school function. On this particular night, Allan made her the sash and gave her the trophy which we borrowed from the bar where we all gathered. We did not do Ecuador justice for all the possible activities, but we spent over half of each day in school. We did manage a trip to the equator...

Then we left for Cusco, a very cute Colonial city, the heart of the Incan Empire in its day. Our wonderful new friend from Houston, Shilpa, was the only other participant with us and our guide on our two day Inca Trail/ Machu Picchu adventure. She commented as we were riding to the train that she was nervous about the hike. Larry said she had two strong men to help her. She asked, "Where are they?" Sassy, isn't she?! Of course, Allan added, "We're looking for them, too!" The first part of the trail was definitely tough - steep and at high elevation. We became Shilpa's sherpas. We then followed a drizzled, flattened path to our view of this Wonder of the World. It was fun to explore the entire lost city the next day. We actually hiked Wayna Picchu, the mountain in the background, and were grandly rewarded with magnificent vistas.

We spent Christmas eve and day with a collected group of friends from Kansas, Texas, Wales, Ireland, Arkansas, and California. We explored the city Christmas Eve, white water rafted on the Urubamba Christmas day, and gathered again for dinner and a Nirvana tribute band concert. Although we missed family, it was a very memorable holiday with a great bunch of people .

Lake Titicaca was next on our agenda. We took a bus to Puno from where we took a boat on a two day adventure to the floating reed islands of the Uros, Amantani, and Tequile. The reed islands are absolutely amazing, made of lake grown reeds and their roots upon which they build their houses, school and play fields. We stayed with a host family on Amantani, an island with no cars and limited electricity. Families still cook on wood stoked earthen ovens. Olga, Alfredo, their two children and our guide Jonathan were great. We hiked to Pacha Tata instead of Pacha Mama. Titicaca is the womb of the world in Incan folklore. Again we were rewarded with stunning views of the Andes and Bolivia in the distance.

Now we are in Lima awaiting our flight to Chile where we will celebrate New Years in Valparaiso. It is the second half of our trip and we will keep you posted. But the moment is here to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, what remains of it. We have thought of friends and family often over Christmas and with the approaching New Year. Drop us a note. Let us know how you are doing. Much love.