Peru ~ Inca Trail

Fours days of trekking through the Peruvian Andes through sun, rain, ice, and wind. This was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but most definitely the best! Just being in the mountains for days without any connection to the rest of the world, learning the history of the Incas and experiencing the culture of the locals was truly spectacular. Here are a few of our favourite moments...

Day three we were lucky enough to be taken a different route to the rest of the tourists which was refreshing to be on our own (just a group of 13 of us). We went the route that Hiram Bingham actually went when he discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This meant a not so clear path, fighting our way through thick vegetation, some cactus scratches, and a few slips here and there but it was all well worth it. We were able to leisurely explore an Inca site hidden in the jungle that tourists never get to see. See how excited I am?

Just climbing down an Inca ladder...

Views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on our final morning.

We made it!

All Photos by Glenn Chiofalo for Looking Glass

Looking weary and overwhelmed but oh so happy!

Trekking the Inca trail was high up on our bucket list. The experience was everything we hoped for plus more. I can't even explain the spiritual feeling that takes a hold of you when you're there. There were mixed emotions of course, from the sheer exhaustion, the sense of accomplishment, and the the awe of being somewhere so remote and so unbelievably beautiful. The mountains have a life and energy that's indescribable and I definitely fell under their spell. It was the trip of a lifetime.

I love to adopt little special traditions whenever I explore a new place. I now have a new Quechua tradition of always sharing a little drop of my alcoholic beverage with Pachamama (Mother Earth) before drinking.

Have you got a bucket list? Crossed anything off it yet? I'd love to here of any traditions you've taken with you from far away places.

Next up will be photos from the Nazca Desert.

Clare x

Photos from The Sacred Valley of the Incas
See more of my South American travels on instagram

Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas

My first taste of Peru was the bustling city of Cusco (known as Qosqo in Quechua). There was a vibrant energy in this city that I just fell in love with. Unfortunately we didn't get enough time here but I was left feeling so enchanted that I vowed to come back as soon as I could.

Next up we met with our group and guide from G Adventures and headed out to the Sacred Valley. First stop was the Planeterra Weaving Community in the town of Ccaccaccollo (3600m above sea level). Below you can see the beautiful women and children from this community who showed us how they spin the alpaca wool, dye it with natural elements and then weave blankets, shawls and many more stunning pieces which can sometimes take months to produce just one piece! We also got to spend a little time with the alpacas and llamas, feeding them. 

Below is the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of this place. The Urubamba River is actually the start of the Amazon River. 

Next stop was the ancient town of Pisaq (3600m above sea level). The terraces you see below were all hand made by the Incas for crops and are still in use today.   

Just another day, standing amongst Inca ruins...

Below is the inside of a Chicheria - a place the sells chicha (corn beer). We watched a demonstration on how this was made and then ended our visit with a game of Juego de Sapo (the frog game).  

All images by Glenn Chiofalo for Looking Glass


My next post will be photos from the Inca Trail. The hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life! If you can't wait I already have some great snaps on instagram.

Where's the most enchanting place you've ever been to? I'd love to know.

Clare x

Giveaway!! Win Artwork by Musings From the Moon

images courtesy of musings from the moon

Like these beautiful, intricate artworks you see above? Well, you could win one!!

Meet Jenna Ramondo, the artist and the heart, hand and soul behind Musings from the Moon: A collection of intricate hand illustrated artworks inspired by quotes, nature, music and the universe. After studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts and working as a Graphic Designer, she found herself escaping the stresses of life by turning inwards and putting pen to paper ... And so Musings from the Moon began. 

"I never studied illustration and I like having no rules about technique. My favourite drawings are the ones that feel like they come from some place else, when I just show up with a pen and paper and forget the world. I don't think you need to study to be creative, I think anyone can tap into that place and that's where the magic happens. That's when everyone's individual gifts come out in the most unique and exciting ways."

"For as long as I can remember, I have loved quotes and inspiring words and have envisaged using them alongside my artwork to inspire and uplift other people. My main medium is black fine liner on art paper. I love using thin nib sizes so that I can create the intricate detail that features in most of my work." 

"The moon has always inspired me. When things get hectic in life, looking at the moon puts it all into perspective and turns my worries into a little spec compared to what is out there. I hope to give other people that piece of mind and inspiration by letting the moon and magical symbols fall from my hand and into my artwork."

Artworks are available as gift cards, prints, original artworks and one-of-a-kind message stones. You can purchase these online at www.musingsfromthemoon.bigcartel.com or at various markets in Melbourne, Geelong and the Surfcoast. Follow her creations on www.facebook.com/musingsfromthemoon or Instagram @musingsfromthemoon 

~

GIVEAWAY!

Jenna is giving away either a 5x7" print or stone (winner's choice) from her website. All you have to do to win is follow me here on Looking Glass, and follow "Musings from the Moon" on both facebook & instagram (@musingsfromthemoon). Leave a comment below saying which print or stone you'd like to win & why.

Entries close Monday 9th September 2013. Entries open only to Australian residents. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!

Clare x

I'm Back! Plus a Giveaway!

Image from my instagram

I'm back from my South American adventure & ready to get back into the swing of things! Anyone else find it difficult to get their groove back after a long holiday?

I will be posting my pics very shortly but up first I have a very exciting giveaway to announce in the next couple of days! Art lovers watch this space!

I also have the photos from my bestie's wedding in Fiji to show very soon too. These have been a long time waiting as we had to wait for them to feature on Polka Dot Bride, Bula Bride, and Tamiz Photography's blogs first. Can't wait to share them!

In the meantime you'll find plenty of my holiday happy snaps on instagram.

Besos

Clare



Guest Post - Keri from Ivy Clad

I'm so happy to be here with you while Clare is on her incredible adventure.

One of my favorite red barns, on last week's Sunday afternoon drive route.

For the last 10 years, with my husband and now two daughters, I've made my home in the southwest part of Missouri, a part of the United States where life runs at a slightly slower pace than you'll find in large American cities. Small farms dot the landscape of outlying areas, and picturesque red barns are easily spotted on hobby farms and acreages just minutes from town. Last weekend, I drove by one of my favorite red barns in the area, & snapped these photos with my phone.

The red barn, above, sits next to a double pond divided by a red & white painted bridge. 

Missourians are, in general, fiercely independent people. They are adventurers at heart, too, and their love for the outdoors is second-nature. I have a feeling Clare would love them. 

Around here, ample rivers & lakes play host to a favorite regional pastime-- canoeing & kayaking. In the last few years, my husband has become an avid kayaker spending hours in winter and summer, even in snow and ice, kayaking on a nearby lake. I am not nearly that committed to the sport but will occasionally go along for a leisurely paddle. If you're a very casual paddler, take these tips from me for a smooth ride: 1) Go in a tandem boat. 2) Sit in the seat that offers the least steering & power capability. 3) Take an avid paddler with you who won't mind paddling double-duty for a few (or more) strokes. 4) Take a camera, even an iPhone will work. When you're showing off your photos to your friends, no one will suspect you were a complete free-loader in the boat.

When I took these photos a few weeks ago, my husband & I were paddling the Passat G3, a tandem kayak made by Seaward Kayaks in British Columbia, Canada. It's a fantastic boat, both swift and stable. We'd made a make-shift seat in the center hatch for our 3-year-old daughter who happily wiggled and danced & generally did her level best to flip us the entire trip. 

From the larger area of the lake where we began, we paddled into narrower, shallow areas that lead to a nature reserve. Here joggers & walkers join the bird watchers and photographers on foot trails hoping to spot white-tail deer & birds, & sometimes the occasional bald eagle during the right season.

This small white-tail doe eyed me while I interrupted her dinner.

The little doe, now hiding from me. You can just see her flank through the brush.

I hope you've enjoyed this little peak into my part of the world as much as I've enjoyed telling about it.

You can often find me here on this blog in the comments section, chatting with Clare. You can also find me at my blog, Ivy Clad.

Cheers!

Keri

~

Thank you, Keri, your pictures of kayaking in Missouri and the red farmyard barn are spectacular! I really hope to visit some day. 

Please pop by Ivy Clad and say hi to Keri. You'll see her magnificent gardens and more on life in Missouri, USA.

Back soon from my South American adventure!

Clare x

Guest Post ~ Heather from Lost in Arles

Dreaming of next door

 

While I appreciate where I am, in the ancient town of Arles in the South of France, at times I catch myself dreaming of next door. In this case, that would be a village further up the Rhone, one whose name I am keeping to myself for now, selfishly, superstitiously, as it is a shade of a Secret Provence, one that time forgot. While here I am besotted with weighty presence of the Roman Arena and the Antique Theatre, there I let my hands drift over wildflowers. I push through the crowds of tourists whilst walking my two dogs here and there let them run free.

 

There is a moment for everything in life, I suppose. My young adulthood was spent amidst the bustle of Manhattan and I swam in the river of its corpulent energy. That is, until I met a Frenchman named Remi and suddenly, all of the paparazzi spiked nights of clinking martinis didn’t seem so interesting anymore. I just wanted to be where he was. So that is what I did. I picked up and let my love lead the way to Paris, then together we swan-dived to the South, down-shifting in speed as I went. And I think it might be time for yet another release of the clutch.

 

If I have figured out anything from living under this soupy sun, it is that time is a precious bijou to be flaunted on your ring finger, appreciated by all. It is not that I want more of it but I want the space around me to feel its grace. That is the essence of Provence. Not lavender, not the perfume of rosemary in the hills or a sweaty glass of rosé at an outdoor café.

 

We shall have to wait a bit to see if we will make a move or not but until then I will keep dreaming…and if we stay put, well then I will just keep remembering…how lucky I am, fortunate to live in any Provence, secret or not.

Bisous,

Heather

~

Thank you, Heather, for gracing us with your presence as I'm living it up in South America! Please visit Heather's blog if you're like me and love to daydream of Provence....

Clare x

Guest Post ~ Ultimate Katie

"There's No Place Like Home..."

The beautiful Clare has asked me to share what I love about Australia, while she is off gallivanting around South America on a well-deserved holiday with her hubby. Yes, it goes without saying that I'm well jealous.

I've actually done a lot of international travel myself, but there is something truly special about coming home, especially when my home is such a beautiful country as Australia. It's almost a shame that my particular strain of the travel bug tends to pull me overseas instead of inland, because there really is a lot to offer here, and so much diversity!

Our Home is Girt by Sea

My parents live in a little town called Bargara, on the coast near Bundaberg (where they make sugar and rum!) and it really is a little piece of paradise. It's the start of the Great Barrier Reef, and home to one of the largest natural turtle rookeries in the world. While my husband and I were living back with my parents a couple of years ago, Clare and her hubby came to visit and we actually went to see the turtles laying eggs at Mon Repos. It was so much fun!! All in all, Bargara really is the perfect location of a relaxing holiday, with safe swimming beaches, sunshine all year round and a truly country town laid back mentality.

photos of Mon Repos courtesy of Queensland Blog

Our Land Abounds in Natures Gifts

In 2007, I was very fortunate to spend 4 months living and working in Yulara right in the middle of Australia. The area is filled with natural geological pheneoma including the most famous, Uluru. I recently stumbled on this AMAZING elopement photographed by Ben Adams, which took place in the beautiful outback. I was genuinely taken aback by just how stunning it is. Don’t you agree? You can view the rest of this incredible elopement at Ben's photography blog.

ben adams elopement pics

Of Beauty Rich and Rare

My home today is at the foot of the Blue Mountains, which is an incredible series of sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, rivers and gullies that feature great bushwalking tracks and stunning panoramic view points. This year, as part of my 30 Before 30, Clare and I along with our hubbies, hiked the National Pass from Wentworth Falls and up the Grand Stairway (which nearly killed us, by the way…hahaha!) It was GORGEOUS!! I'm so glad we got to do it, because not only was it another item crossed off my list, practice for Glenn and Clare before they jetted off to hike the Inca Trail, but it was also a great way to experience our home turf. 

Blue Mountains photos by moi

As part of my 30 Before 30 List, I've included a few more experiences here in our home state, as well as a few interstate ones as my "stretch" goals:

#7 Run/walk/skip my way to the finish line of a 5km fun run – The 4 of us are all registered for the Colour Run in Sydney on August 25^th!

#8 Play tourist and take a walking tour of my home town, Sydney

#9 Go on the Q Station Ghost Tour in Manly

#11 Hire a van and travel around Tasmania

#24 Explore the Jenloan Caves

#25 Take a wine an dcheese tour

#26 Go glamping on Cockatoo Island

#27 Ride the River Cat

#28 Climb the Harbour Bridge

I can't wait to tick them all off the list…and I'm sure my bestie Clare will be right by my side the whole way! J

 ~ Katie x