The Utah Historic Preservation Office and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced their plans to nominate archaeological and rock art sites in Nine Mile Canyon for the National Register of Historic Places. Energy companies are drilling in the canyon, and vibrations and chemicals from the heavy equipment could damage the rock-art panels. This editorial calls for the end of truck traffic in Nine Mile Canyon.
Here’s a summary of what preservationists have tried to do to save Ireland’s Hill of Tara from highway construction. Their new argument suggests that the downturn in the country’s economy requires Ireland to save its historic resources as tourist destinations.
Peru’s foreign minister, Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde, attended negotiations in New York City with representatives from Yale University. Last spring, Peru threatened to take Yale to court in order to secure the return of artifacts from Machu Picchu. “The fact that the minister feels that it’s appropriate for him to intervene suggests that there is a desire to reach an understanding,” said Yale archaeologist Richard Burger.
New Bedford, Massachusetts, became an economic superpower known as the Whaling City in the nineteenth century, and then a center for textile production. Industrial archaeologist Mark Foster saved 1,800 books and ledgers in the Merchants Bank from rare book dealers, and got them into the hands of the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s librarian.
A Roman villa has been unearthed at a supermarket site in Budapest.
Friday, October 10, 2008
MacKenzies marvel at Machu Picchu, mesquite festival in Fredericksburg
AMERICAN-STATESMAN
WISH YOU WERE HERE
Heights OF Machu Picchu are hard-won
From Bruce MacKenzie of Austin.
We had seen the classic picture of Machu Picchu, but we didn't understand how you actually got there. Even after planning, the trip held a few surprises for us. It turned out that getting there was half the fun — mostly.
Our starting point was the high Andean city of Cuzco (11,000 feet). If you fly from sea level directly to Cuzco, allocating a full day to acclimate is mandatory. I am reasonably fit, yet I developed flu-like symptoms within a couple of hours of landing. My wife spent that first night throwing up. The symptoms were gone the next day, but we were still out of breath after each flight of stairs.
At the base of Machu Picchu is Aquas Calientes, which exists solely to support visiting tourists. The town can only be reached by train or on foot. The choice was a no-brainer. Although the train leaves from Cuzco, our group took a bus from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo, a leisurely ride that swapped the more routine parts of the train ride for an extraordinary ride through rolling farmlands with the snow-capped Andes in the background. Life is hard there, as well as puzzling to the outsider. We passed a lone boy, with a parrot perched atop his head, guiding his llama to who knows where.
We took the train in Ollantaytambo and began a magnificent 90-minute ride that wound along the Urubamba River, passed Inca sites and mercifully got lower in elevation.
Once in Aquas Calientes, to reach the archeological site we boarded a bus for a comfortable but bouncy 30-minute ride up a dirt road with a dozen or more switchbacks. As we got higher, our anticipation increased with the thought of that first glimpse of Machu Picchu, but also with the thought of the bus slipping off the unprotected road. We arrived at 2 p.m., and the crowds were thinning. We practically had the place to ourselves, save for a few llamas.
The next day, we had a second visit to the site. This is highly recommended despite the $40-per-person-per-day fee. We had extra time to make one of the more extended hikes and contemplate the aura of it all. I chose to hike up to Intipanku, the Sun Gate. From below it didn't look far, even though the path is all uphill. I was out of breath as we reached a set of ruins and was disappointed to learn from our guide that we were not yet halfway to our destination. Onward and upward we hiked. It was still early morning, and the whole area was fogged in. Occasionally we got a tantalizing glimpse of the famous ruins as the fog cleared for a few seconds but then quickly closed in again. After an hour and a half, as we reached the top, it cleared. We had a beautiful view, not only of the main site, but also over the ridge behind Intipanku to the untouched rows of mountains behind.
What the pictures don't capture is the surrounding mountains and utter remoteness. It is truly a place to be experienced.
Bruce MacKenzie recently retired, and Judy volunteers throughout Austin. They just returned from a trip to southern Africa and enjoy planning their trips almost as much as taking them, he says.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
Heights OF Machu Picchu are hard-won
From Bruce MacKenzie of Austin.
We had seen the classic picture of Machu Picchu, but we didn't understand how you actually got there. Even after planning, the trip held a few surprises for us. It turned out that getting there was half the fun — mostly.
Our starting point was the high Andean city of Cuzco (11,000 feet). If you fly from sea level directly to Cuzco, allocating a full day to acclimate is mandatory. I am reasonably fit, yet I developed flu-like symptoms within a couple of hours of landing. My wife spent that first night throwing up. The symptoms were gone the next day, but we were still out of breath after each flight of stairs.
At the base of Machu Picchu is Aquas Calientes, which exists solely to support visiting tourists. The town can only be reached by train or on foot. The choice was a no-brainer. Although the train leaves from Cuzco, our group took a bus from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo, a leisurely ride that swapped the more routine parts of the train ride for an extraordinary ride through rolling farmlands with the snow-capped Andes in the background. Life is hard there, as well as puzzling to the outsider. We passed a lone boy, with a parrot perched atop his head, guiding his llama to who knows where.
We took the train in Ollantaytambo and began a magnificent 90-minute ride that wound along the Urubamba River, passed Inca sites and mercifully got lower in elevation.
Once in Aquas Calientes, to reach the archeological site we boarded a bus for a comfortable but bouncy 30-minute ride up a dirt road with a dozen or more switchbacks. As we got higher, our anticipation increased with the thought of that first glimpse of Machu Picchu, but also with the thought of the bus slipping off the unprotected road. We arrived at 2 p.m., and the crowds were thinning. We practically had the place to ourselves, save for a few llamas.
The next day, we had a second visit to the site. This is highly recommended despite the $40-per-person-per-day fee. We had extra time to make one of the more extended hikes and contemplate the aura of it all. I chose to hike up to Intipanku, the Sun Gate. From below it didn't look far, even though the path is all uphill. I was out of breath as we reached a set of ruins and was disappointed to learn from our guide that we were not yet halfway to our destination. Onward and upward we hiked. It was still early morning, and the whole area was fogged in. Occasionally we got a tantalizing glimpse of the famous ruins as the fog cleared for a few seconds but then quickly closed in again. After an hour and a half, as we reached the top, it cleared. We had a beautiful view, not only of the main site, but also over the ridge behind Intipanku to the untouched rows of mountains behind.
What the pictures don't capture is the surrounding mountains and utter remoteness. It is truly a place to be experienced.
Bruce MacKenzie recently retired, and Judy volunteers throughout Austin. They just returned from a trip to southern Africa and enjoy planning their trips almost as much as taking them, he says.
ASP Women's World Championship to be held in Mancora, Peru
Máncora, a pleasant and peaceful Peruvian place in the Piura region, will be scenario of the World Championship Tour .The 18 best world surfers will be present in this northern beach to compete, from November 3 to 8, in the sixth season of this championship.This competition can set the recovery of our main surfer, Sofía Mulanovich, to first place in the world ranking, but the most outsanding of the event is that Peru will be shown again as a tourist destination to practice surfing.“It shows us on the world screen of surf. People already speak about Máncora as a destination for this sport. It is like a chain, since they associate surfing with this part of the Peruvian north. I am a witness of how the fishermen's cove has been developed and turned into a pleasant beach", said the representative of the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism (PromPerú), Maria Seminario.In addition, she said that due to the level of this championship, she hopes that during this week the surf world will comment on this tourtnament. "It will also be fabulous if Sofia (Mulanovich) achieves the title, it would really help", she added.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
South Western grad hopes to inspire orphans with photography
Seth Shimkonis want to help the orphans of Peru tell their own own story.
In November, the 2000 South Western High School graduate will travel to Arequipa, Peru, for six months to teach the children of New Hope Children's Home the art of photography.
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, home to thousands of orphans according to UNICEF.
New Hope Children's Home began in 1995. More than 50 children, ranging in ages from 2 to 20, live there.
Eventually Shimkonis hopes to develop a program similar to Kids with Cameras. That program was created from the documentary film "Born into Brothels," which follows children who live in the red-light district of Calcutta. The children were given cameras to document their lives and surroundings, and the photos were then sold, with proceeds going toward the children's education.
"I'm still redefining it and figuring it out," Shimkonis said. "But I just wanted to bring something down to the kids."
Shimkonis, a 27-year-old professional photographer, traveled to the children's home in January on a mission trip with Liberti Church. During his 10-day trip, Shimkonis said he and 15 other people spent time with the kids doing arts and crafts, playing games and just giving them as much attention as possible.
Shimkonis said almost every person on the trip took a digital camera, and the kids were fascinated with them.
He said the kids loved taking photos of themselves and always wanted to play
In November, the 2000 South Western High School graduate will travel to Arequipa, Peru, for six months to teach the children of New Hope Children's Home the art of photography.
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, home to thousands of orphans according to UNICEF.
New Hope Children's Home began in 1995. More than 50 children, ranging in ages from 2 to 20, live there.
Eventually Shimkonis hopes to develop a program similar to Kids with Cameras. That program was created from the documentary film "Born into Brothels," which follows children who live in the red-light district of Calcutta. The children were given cameras to document their lives and surroundings, and the photos were then sold, with proceeds going toward the children's education.
"I'm still redefining it and figuring it out," Shimkonis said. "But I just wanted to bring something down to the kids."
Shimkonis, a 27-year-old professional photographer, traveled to the children's home in January on a mission trip with Liberti Church. During his 10-day trip, Shimkonis said he and 15 other people spent time with the kids doing arts and crafts, playing games and just giving them as much attention as possible.
Shimkonis said almost every person on the trip took a digital camera, and the kids were fascinated with them.
He said the kids loved taking photos of themselves and always wanted to play
Food fairs should be organized in every Peru city, says Minister Araoz
Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Aráoz proposed Sunday to organize gastronomy festivals in every city in the country, following the success of the International Gastronomy Fair "Peru, Mucho Gusto"."Let us all take advantage and make our cities a food festival to encourage more investmets in developing food services and related services", she said.Related services include from those who make the dishes to who make the linen, furniture for the kitchen, machines, people who serve in restaurants, cashiers, and waiters. "It's a whole industry that generates so much employment, with heart and hospitality".On the last day of the international gastronomy fair, minister Aráoz confirmed that this contest as well as all those during World Tourism Week, had been very successful."We have been active in forums about tourism and handicrafts, tourism and climate change with the authorities of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and several ministers of the world", she explained.People from all social levels and ages have visited the International Gastronomy Fair "Peru, Mucho Gusto," not just to enjoy the Peruvians dishes, but also to wander, taking into account that in this competition large restaurants and small establishments are competing.
Ash, Rajni Shoot Song For ‘Enthiram’ At World Heritage Site
The world’s hottest woman Aishwarya Rai, and the Kollywood superstar Rajnikanth, created waves by shooting an amazing song sequence for their upcoming flick ‘Enthiram’, in Peru.
Ash and Rajni shot the song at the UNESCO world famous heritage place, Machu Picchu, becoming the first to shoot there.
Robot as ‘Enthiram’ was in news continuously for different reasons.
Previously, Kingh Khan was asked to play the lead role but he denied because of creative disputes with director Shankar.
But then Shankar managed to convince the biggest of superstars, Rajnikanth. After some creative conflicts, Robot was assigned a new name as ‘Enthiram.’
Ash and Rajni shot the song at the UNESCO world famous heritage place, Machu Picchu, becoming the first to shoot there.
Robot as ‘Enthiram’ was in news continuously for different reasons.
Previously, Kingh Khan was asked to play the lead role but he denied because of creative disputes with director Shankar.
But then Shankar managed to convince the biggest of superstars, Rajnikanth. After some creative conflicts, Robot was assigned a new name as ‘Enthiram.’
Produced by Ayngaran and Eros International, the music of the film will be composed by AR Rahman.
After ‘Jeans’, Enthiram will be the second movie for Ash under Shankar’s direction.
Earlier, in an interview, Ash talked about the Tamil superstar, “Rajni Sir is such a wonderful human being. He has been so close to the family, too. I am glad and honoured to be working with him.”
When asked about heroines getting sidelined in a Rajni film, Aishwarya said, “I don’t think it’s a fair statement. You can’t but be fascinated by this phenomenon called Rajini sir. He is so super-fascinating and intriguing to his audience. I don’t think it’s a deliberate attempt by any director to sideline any actor/character working along with him.”
In this way, Enthiram is worth a watch to see this fascinating pair on screen.
After ‘Jeans’, Enthiram will be the second movie for Ash under Shankar’s direction.
Earlier, in an interview, Ash talked about the Tamil superstar, “Rajni Sir is such a wonderful human being. He has been so close to the family, too. I am glad and honoured to be working with him.”
When asked about heroines getting sidelined in a Rajni film, Aishwarya said, “I don’t think it’s a fair statement. You can’t but be fascinated by this phenomenon called Rajini sir. He is so super-fascinating and intriguing to his audience. I don’t think it’s a deliberate attempt by any director to sideline any actor/character working along with him.”
In this way, Enthiram is worth a watch to see this fascinating pair on screen.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Peru Gift Show 2008: Creating Cultural Ties Around the World
The trade market is an international roadway connecting countries through their own cultural artifacts. For Peru, these contributions are vital in preserving and solidifying the country’s historical image. With handcrafts, portraits, household items, down to the very colors, artisans are the country’s life line to the trade market. They present to the world the identity of Peru.
One of the best ways to expose these items to the world is through exporting. Zaid Arauco Izaguirre believes so and she’s helping Peru gain wider recognition through the country’s biggest expo in the business, Peru Gift Show. As Office Manager to PromPeru, Izaguirre is helping bring 140 exporters from North and South America, Europe and Asia to attend the 10th anniversary of this grand exhibition. “We want cities around the world to adopt our culture, to decorate their homes Peruvian,” said Izaguirre when asked to explain the main focus of the expo. It’s a way for countries around the world to see what Peru has to offer to the trade business.It’s difficult to ignore the influence of Peruvian art. Locally, these images are all over. Peru Gift Show is trying to accomplish just that but globally. Such a country with a rich culture as Peru should be able to get a piece of the global market pie. Riding that global wave of success are the artisans, who specially handcraft each item down to the last detail. Unlike other countries, who have the luxury of using technology to mass produce their products, Peru is forced to use other initiatives to compete in a market where higher demand means more bang for your buck. It’s one of the reasons, says Izaguirre, Peru Gift Show seeks more independently-run businesses like high-end boutiques instead of stores like Wal-mart. This is a major advantage Peru has over mass producers. Peru can guarantee each item is 100 percent hand-made and one of a kind, something mass producers cannot promise.This week’s expo is expected to make a record setting US$5 million from potential buyers who will invest in products made by Peru’s most talented artisans. That beats last year's US$3.2 million. To find such talent, PromPeru dedicates one year in search of the best local producers to present at Peru Gift Show. These artisans are one of the main reasons Izaguirre believes Peru Gift Show has a social responsibility to the community. The majority of these artisans are creating crafts that were handed down to them over three generations. Aiding in the preservation of traditions like these is Peru’s gift. So the next time you happen to be in a boutique and you find an item that says “Hecho en Peru”, keep in mind that piece was once in the hands of a Peruvian craftsman.
One of the best ways to expose these items to the world is through exporting. Zaid Arauco Izaguirre believes so and she’s helping Peru gain wider recognition through the country’s biggest expo in the business, Peru Gift Show. As Office Manager to PromPeru, Izaguirre is helping bring 140 exporters from North and South America, Europe and Asia to attend the 10th anniversary of this grand exhibition. “We want cities around the world to adopt our culture, to decorate their homes Peruvian,” said Izaguirre when asked to explain the main focus of the expo. It’s a way for countries around the world to see what Peru has to offer to the trade business.It’s difficult to ignore the influence of Peruvian art. Locally, these images are all over. Peru Gift Show is trying to accomplish just that but globally. Such a country with a rich culture as Peru should be able to get a piece of the global market pie. Riding that global wave of success are the artisans, who specially handcraft each item down to the last detail. Unlike other countries, who have the luxury of using technology to mass produce their products, Peru is forced to use other initiatives to compete in a market where higher demand means more bang for your buck. It’s one of the reasons, says Izaguirre, Peru Gift Show seeks more independently-run businesses like high-end boutiques instead of stores like Wal-mart. This is a major advantage Peru has over mass producers. Peru can guarantee each item is 100 percent hand-made and one of a kind, something mass producers cannot promise.This week’s expo is expected to make a record setting US$5 million from potential buyers who will invest in products made by Peru’s most talented artisans. That beats last year's US$3.2 million. To find such talent, PromPeru dedicates one year in search of the best local producers to present at Peru Gift Show. These artisans are one of the main reasons Izaguirre believes Peru Gift Show has a social responsibility to the community. The majority of these artisans are creating crafts that were handed down to them over three generations. Aiding in the preservation of traditions like these is Peru’s gift. So the next time you happen to be in a boutique and you find an item that says “Hecho en Peru”, keep in mind that piece was once in the hands of a Peruvian craftsman.
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