Peru (part 6) - back in Lima

After an amazing exeprience in Machu Picchu, we are heading back to Lima, to spend some more time with Javi's family.

On Thursday before Easter, tradition dictates we take a procession of the 7 churches. We walk from 1 church to the next, say a prayer, and move on to the next church..


On Good Friday, Javier's dad takes us to a beach resort just outside (north) of Lima. Here you enjoy the pool, the beach, the sea and forget about the city... nice and relaxing.

We take it easy on Saturday, do some shopping and visit the mountain behind Lima, which gives us a view over the city. It is hard to see all the way to the coast because of the polution!
The evening is all about spending some time with the entire family, have a nice dinner and enjoy the nightlife.

Sadly this is also the end of our trip. We had back to the airport to catch our flight back to the US on Sunday (or Monday morning thanks to 6 our delay of our Continental flight!!).

But even the delay cannot take anything away from this amazing trip... start planning next trip back!

Peru (part 5) - Sacred Valley

Still staying in Cusco, we have a trip in the Sacred valley.

We also visit a farm with Lama's , Alpaka's and their family..

Doesn't Javier look a lot like this one??!!

More amazing scenery and more Inca sites. It is amazing how this civilisation managed to construct and moved these giant blocks of stone, building temples, etc.

Peru (part 4) - Machu Picchu


After a good night sleep (which means going to sleep at 9 - 10 pm), we wake up at 4 in the morning. But there is a good reason for this, today we are going to Machu Picchu.

They are picking us up at the hotel at 5, so we can take the early train (around 6).

The train ride takes about 4 hours, and brings us to Aguas Calientes. The scenery on the way is amazing. Going down in altitude, we are surrounded by mountains (some of them have some snow).



Once arrived at Aguas Calientes, a bus will bring us up to the ruines of Machu Picchu. Actually, Machu Picchu is the name of the mountain. This was the main capital of the Incas during their rule of the continent. It was well hidden in the mountains and jungle of Peru, and therefore never discovered by the Spanish.

The Inca king and selected people lived here.. Today, the only habitants are a family of lama's!



This is definately one of the most amazing places I have ever visited..

Peru (part 3) - Cusco and Sachsahuaman


After a few days in Lima, we fly to Cusco in the south of the country. This area was the main region of the Inca's. Over here, there are a lot of ruines and Inca sites to be found.


After a flight of an hour, we arrive in Cusco. Arrival in this place is not easy... Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,300 metres or 10,800 feet. Once you get out of the plane, you feel a bit dizzy.. but the beauty of this place makes it definately do-able.



We leave our bags at the hotel and we start our tour of the city and a visit to the ruines of Sachsahuaman (easy name to remember..sounds like "sexy woman").


Enjoy some photos!

Peru (part 2) - Lima city tour

On the second day in Lima, we decide to do a city tour, to get a better view of Peru's capital.

Here are some more pictures from the different places in Lima.

Peru trip (part 1) - Mid March 2008

In the middle of March, before I start my new role, Javi and I went to Peru for about 10 days. This was a great trip. We had such a good time. We saw some more family members in Lima, went to the beach, and of course visited Cusco and Machu Picchu!

To start, we spend some time in Lima, the capital of Peru. We did the touristy thing and did a tour in the city to get a better feeling of Lima. Also for Javi, who lived here, it is a good learning experience, and he notes how much it has changed since he lived here.

The weather was fabulous; what a difference to the cold of New York!!

New Year in Connecticut

After spending Christmas in Belgium, work brings me back before the end of the year to the USA. And so we celebrate New Years Eve in the US.

Similar to last year, we spend the evening at Javi's family in Stamford...full with music, food and plemty of drinks (some more then others)...

Christmas in Belgium

I know I know, I am a litle bit behind schedule.

It has been quite hectic and haven't been very good in keeping this blog up to date.

So here goes... some pictures from way back at Christmas in Belgium.

It was sooooo nice seeing all my family again. And those 2 little devils have grown so much!!