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 

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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