Huacachina and Nazca (October 10th and 11th, 2005)

After the fabulous Islas Ballestres we passed some time at the Hotel Paracas, here we are by the pool. However before long we were on the way to Ica where we visited the archeological museum. Then, Huacachina.



What a fabulous place, a lagoon and palm trees all surrounded by huge sand dunes. It is the classic desert oasis. We had lunch, a browse among the shops, and then hired a row boat for a different perspective.

Monday was the day of the light aircraft flight. Lorena did not realise just how small the aircraft were to be, the cabin of a Cessna 172 is smaller than a car.

We launched into the air for the perfect (vertical) perspective of the impressive Nazca lines. In 30 minutes we were shown the 12 most famous designs, this photo is of "the humming bird".

Fortunately, we then had time to fit in a visit to the Cementerio de Chauchilla. Nazca bones, skeletons and mummies in various small tombs in the desert. A visit to a local potter and a gold mining workshop rounded out a fabulous weekend.

Islas Ballestas (October 9th, 2005)

On Sunday morning we took a boat out to the Islas Ballestas, and saw an incredible number of birds including the "peruvian booby", "guanay cormorant" and "humbolt penguin". It was really impressive to see the very large "peruvian pelicans" flying.
And Lorena liked the "Zarcillo Inca Tern" because it looked like it had "golden earings" but she did not like the "turkey vulture" (it is a scavenger).
Such a vast quantity of wildlife, it is imposible to describe, we floated close to the islands, the beaches were packed with sea-lions.

Pisco and Paracas (October 8th, 2005)

Our first holiday, it was exciting to be heading away together. We took the bus from Lima to Pisco.






On Saturday afternoon we visited the "Parque de la Reserva Nacional de Paracas". The ocean provided a spectacular contrast with the sandy desert coastline. The "Catedral" reminded me of the 12 apostles in Australia, (well one of them).

We saw a beach with very red sand, a first for both of us and we took plenty of photos of birds on a beach, trying to get "the" ultimate wildlife shot.

Visiting Ayacucho (October 1st and 2nd, 2005)

Lorena and I wanted to spend more time together, but I had to work. So she flew to Ayacucho to join me for the weekend. She was a little apprehensive about the flight in the regional airline (Busre) in a very small aircraft (Fairchild SA227 Metroliner III). A highlight of the weekend was that we managed to fly together in a helicopter across the mountains. We spent pleasant times together in Ayacucho being tourists, visiting the sights, and simply being together. Unfortunately after a very short time Lorena had to return to work, although by now we had realised that we were falling in love.


We visited the "Casa de Andrés Avelino Cáceres"

Passing time in the Parque Alamendra in Ayacucho

Restaurant Nino - A romantic dinner

Simply together