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.
Peru promoted at Canada's Salon International Tourisme Voyages 2008
The Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism (PromPerú) will promote Peru's tourist attractions during the Salon International du Tourisme et des Voyages - SITV 2008 (International Tourism and Travel Show) to be held from October 24 to 26.This show, which is targeted at tour operators and Canadian market consumers, will be attended by Peruvian business professionals and PromPerú representatives who will distribute promotional material.PromPerú's participation aims to answer the questions that visitors may have about Peru, help show them to plan their next dream vacation in the Andean country and meet the agents and major players of the travel industry in Montreal.
III international Conference on Tourism and Handcrafts
(Forimmediaterelease.net) MADRID/LIMA, Peru (September 25, 2008) - The synergies between tourism and handcrafts must be fully recognized and developed to become economic opportunities for local artisans, tourism competitiveness and promotion of host destinations. Handcrafts, tourism and their contribution to poverty reduction within the framework of the UN Millennium Development Goals will come under the spotlight during the III Conference on Tourism and Handcrafts, organized by UNWTO in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru.Tourism is currently one of the world's largest economic activities and the leading industry in many countries, especially in the developing world, where it has proven to be a strong contributor to sustainable socio-economic development and poverty alleviation in local communities.Tourism and handcrafts enable the development of small businesses and represent employment and income opportunities for people often left on the margins of local economies.Just like tourism, handcrafts are recognized for their potential to connect different people and cultures:- Handcrafts constitute an integral part of the tourism experience.- Handcrafts are a link to a foreign culture which greatly enhances travel, building on the ability to bind communities and foster the continuity of local traditions, thus preserving cultural heritage and diversity.Participants to the Conference include internationally-renowned experts from UNWTO Member States, international organizations, NGOs and private sector representatives in handcrafts and tourism. The III International Conference on Tourism and Handcrafts builds on previous Conferences in Asia (Iran, May2006) and Africa (Burkina Faso, November 2006).World Tourism Day 2008Following the Conference, Peru will host this year's official World Tourism Day(WTD) celebrations around the theme, “Tourism responding to the Challenge of Climate Change," on September 27.A year-long campaign around WTD has highlighted innovation and public/private sector collaboration. Ongoing actions include a series of regional level adaptation, mitigation and innovation awareness and capacity building activities around the world, as well as a follow up Ministers' Summit during World Travel Market (November 11, 2008).
World tour
HAVE you ever noticed how much of our world and lives are concerned with top hits and successes in every field? We tune in to the Top 40 for music while getting our fix for movies every week by checking out the Top 10 blockbuster list. For books, we have the world famous New York Times best-seller list as well its local variations in bookstores.
In 2003, Patricia Schultz’s 1,000 Places You Must See Before You Die became such a hit that the ubiquitous 501 Must See ... series of books soon followed. But this prolific series pale in comparison with its sister series from Cassell Illustrated: 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, 1001 Natural Wonders, 1001 Building and even 1001 Gardens.
1001 Historic Sites is the latest book from Cassell, and is very well-produced, in fact even topping its source of inspiration. Browse through it and you will never be satisfied again with the boring black and white photos of Schultz’s book. Also, the focused interest of 1001 Historic Sites and its companions ensures that each book has a depth that is missing from that of Schultz’s.
This particular book has a resonance for me. History is the story of humankind, and as such, it has a lot to tell us of human nature. The fascination is universal and to paraphrase author Jane Austen, it is a given fact that any place with the remotest sense of history is in need of tourists.
Check out major travel agencies and you will likely find great demand for packages to historical sites. It is an allure that should drive many people to have an interest in this book.
To reflect on the universality of this interest, the book is divided into five parts, each on one main continent of the earth (The Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania). This offers an interesting way to look at how differently cultures throughout the world have evolved.
In each section you will find great variety in the historical sites featured. Some are ancient forgotten cities such as Copan (in Honduras), while others are momentous engineering projects in 20th century history like the Hoover Dam in the United States.
Great places of pilgrimage are included, along with great battlefields (Gettysburg in the United States and Waterloo in Belgium), palaces and the homes of many great people. With 1,001 sites to choose from, this book will likely include most of the historical sites you have heard of.
If there is any criticism, I feel that the book is taken up inordinately with Europe because of a focus on Western history. Still, the section on Asia is quite comprehensive, with entries for China, India, Japan and many Middle Eastern and South-East Asian countries.
In total, there are 399 Unesco World Heritage sites listed in this book, including the “seven wonders of the New World”: Mexico’s Chichen Itza; Rome’s Colosseum; Jordon’s ancient lost city of Petra; China’s Great Wall; Peru’s ancient Inca site in Macchu Picchu; India’s Taj Mahal; and Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer.
This book features a huge number of colour photographs, 800 in total. Many are beautiful to look at and some, very poignant. I found the photograph of ancient Pompeii to be particularly haunting.
If you have a deep love for history - or even just a passing for it - you will treasure this book.
In 2003, Patricia Schultz’s 1,000 Places You Must See Before You Die became such a hit that the ubiquitous 501 Must See ... series of books soon followed. But this prolific series pale in comparison with its sister series from Cassell Illustrated: 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, 1001 Natural Wonders, 1001 Building and even 1001 Gardens.
1001 Historic Sites is the latest book from Cassell, and is very well-produced, in fact even topping its source of inspiration. Browse through it and you will never be satisfied again with the boring black and white photos of Schultz’s book. Also, the focused interest of 1001 Historic Sites and its companions ensures that each book has a depth that is missing from that of Schultz’s.
This particular book has a resonance for me. History is the story of humankind, and as such, it has a lot to tell us of human nature. The fascination is universal and to paraphrase author Jane Austen, it is a given fact that any place with the remotest sense of history is in need of tourists.
Check out major travel agencies and you will likely find great demand for packages to historical sites. It is an allure that should drive many people to have an interest in this book.
To reflect on the universality of this interest, the book is divided into five parts, each on one main continent of the earth (The Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania). This offers an interesting way to look at how differently cultures throughout the world have evolved.
In each section you will find great variety in the historical sites featured. Some are ancient forgotten cities such as Copan (in Honduras), while others are momentous engineering projects in 20th century history like the Hoover Dam in the United States.
Great places of pilgrimage are included, along with great battlefields (Gettysburg in the United States and Waterloo in Belgium), palaces and the homes of many great people. With 1,001 sites to choose from, this book will likely include most of the historical sites you have heard of.
If there is any criticism, I feel that the book is taken up inordinately with Europe because of a focus on Western history. Still, the section on Asia is quite comprehensive, with entries for China, India, Japan and many Middle Eastern and South-East Asian countries.
In total, there are 399 Unesco World Heritage sites listed in this book, including the “seven wonders of the New World”: Mexico’s Chichen Itza; Rome’s Colosseum; Jordon’s ancient lost city of Petra; China’s Great Wall; Peru’s ancient Inca site in Macchu Picchu; India’s Taj Mahal; and Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer.
This book features a huge number of colour photographs, 800 in total. Many are beautiful to look at and some, very poignant. I found the photograph of ancient Pompeii to be particularly haunting.
If you have a deep love for history - or even just a passing for it - you will treasure this book.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Peru and Inca civilization honored at France's Caen International Fair
In an effort to further promote Peruvian treasures around the world and encourage tourists to visit the Andean country, an exhibition called 'El Oro de los Incas' was inaugurated at the Caen International Fair, one of France's most important trade fairs.PromPeru, Peru's tourism promotion agency supported its participants and took advantage of the fact that approximately 250,000 people would be visiting this year's Caen International Fair.With Andean music and dances, El Oro de los Incas exhibition was inaugurated at the fair on September 19.Recognizing Machu Picchu, the sacred city of the Incas, as a historical and valuable find, the display has a considerable amount of space that displays everything from the train that takes tourists to Machu Picchu to what Hiram Bingham's campsite looked like.In an effort to make the fair more than a commercial event, organizers have affirmed they are focusing more on national treasures."We are trying to give the fair a cultural dimension with a high artistic value, a space of quality, of rigorous discovery, of evasion and information," said Philippe Bertin, the general director of the International Caen Fair.While China was the center of attention of the fair in 2007, this year Peru and its Inca civilization are the guests of honor. "It's a story Europeans love and one we want to propose to those visiting the fair. Personally, I had great desires to share the emotions I felt during my visit to Peru when I went to prepare this grand exhibition," said Bertin.
Peru police detachment to be set up in Colca Valley to protect tourists
Before the year ends, a Tourism Police detachment will be set up in Chivay, capital of the province of Caylloma, in order to intensify security in the Colca Valley and its surroundings, and supervise services offered by different operators, reported today the commander of the National Police (PNP) and head of Tourism department, Oscar Orihuela.The creation of this detachment will be coordinated with the municipality of Caylloma, which allowed the police to implement an office at the terminal of Chivay.Orihuela said they have requested to implement other offices at the main square of Chivay, in order to increase contact with tourists who visit this locality, and they are waiting for response."The mayor of Chivay promised to answer our request in a few weeks, we are waiting for it in order to protect tourists in this area as soon as possible", pointed out Orihuela.Police security along the small towns in Colca Valley, and the supervision of services offered by different tourist operators in this area will be developed by the personnel of this detachment.Orihuela explained that the supervision of tourist services offered by different operators is very important because there cases in which tourist services are not working properly and visitors do not have where to complain and enforce their rights.
The grown-up gapper: Inca Trail - part two
After three punishing days in the mountains we were beginning our journey to Machu Picchu. For weeks I had been tipsy with anticipation at the thought of visiting this legendary Inca city. But as we sat on the bus, shivering in our filthy clothes, bones aching, there was no talk of the wonder that awaited us. All thoughts were on the hot showers at our hostel that night.
At Ollantaytambo we were herded aboard the Vistadome to Aguas Calientes. Operated by Peru Rail, this slow but comfortable train has overhead windows that afford a view of the mountains chugging by. Vistadome is the expensive way to travel to Machu Picchu - with a less luxurious backpacker train and a local service offering cheaper alternatives.
We found ourselves in a first class carriage and wolfed the free packed lunch sheepishly, aware that the stink emanating from our group was choking the appetites of fellow passengers
Needless to say we were stripped and showered within moments of arriving in Aguas Calientes. It was too late in the evening to walk up to the hot springs the town is famous for - a pity as they are probably its only redeeming feature.
Aguas is no more than a commercial resort - a newly-built staging area for Machu Picchu consisting of a dull assortment of restaurants and gift shops. Everything here is twice the price of Cusco and the place has about as much soul as a Disneyland parking lot.
A fourth consecutive early night was in order - in any case we had to be up and on the bus before dawn to catch the sunrise over the city. We eschewed the option of waking at 3am to hike two hours up the mosquito-infested mountain, opting instead for a comfortable ride to the summit.
At 5am, Aguas really comes to life. Hundreds of tourists queue along the pavements, waiting their turn to board the early buses. The journey is spectacular - the surrounding mountains blanketed in morning mist, semi-tropical vegetation spilling onto the road sides. After the barren drama of Lares valley, Machu Picchu feels like another world - lush, humid and ethereal.
As the bus climbs relentlessly, zig-zagging its way up the dirt track, passengers fall silent. It is so isolated, so intimidating and so very high, that one wonders why any civilisation would dare venture up here at all - let alone build a city on the mountaintop.
But to the Incas, a people who worshipped the sun and stars, building most of their major cities at several thousand feet, Machu Picchu was a natural progression.
This soaring triumph was the seat of government for the Inca empire. Political and religious decrees were set here and relayed back to the capital, Cusco, by 'chasquis' - runners who traversed the Andes bearing messages encrypted in knotted string. These 'quipus' were the only method of recording information in a culture that achieved such spectacular feats as Machu Picchu without ever writing anything down.
At the entrance to the site, more long queues - and a quirky tourist-pleaser - the chance to have 'Machu Picchu' stamped on your passport. Dawn was breaking by this time and we were itching to get inside to watch the first rays climbing over the eastern mountains.
Our guide raced us up to the highest point of the site, thighs and hamstrings grumbling up the steep Inca steps. Behind us the mist was churning faster, warmed by the early sun. Then we were there at the very top - the Guardhouse - and turned to see the deserted, magnificent ruins drenched in golden light.
This was enough for me. Yes, I was interested in the guided tour that would follow. But it is this heart-stopping view, revealed by the dawn, that I will always remember.
After a significant spell of gawping and frantic photography we were led round - our guide pointing out the Temple of the Sun, the astronomical observatory and the agricultural terraces that made this mountain city self-sufficient. Around 200 people lived here, mostly priests and political advisors to the Sapa Inca - ruler of a vast and complex empire that stretched nearly the length of South America.
Exactly what happened to this tiny, eminent community is a historical mystery. In the Temple of the Condor, mummified bodies were discovered. They died of syphilis - suggesting perhaps that Machu Picchu was wiped out by an Old World disease. Another theory suggests that its inhabitants fled to evade attack by the Spanish conquistadors.
Whatever the truth, for several hundred years life here had evidently been luxurious. The accommodation was lavish - The Sapa Inca himself enjoying a royal enclosure that included an indoor toilet and a bed large enough for 12 concubines.
By the time American explorer Hiram Bingham 'discovered' Machu Picchu in 1911, it was overgrown with jungle and lost to the modern world. Local people maintain that they always knew of its existence - the story goes that Bingham bribed a local farmer to reveal its location.
Among Peruvian historians, Bingham is a reviled figure. His team are blamed for plundering the site of its gold and precious stones and many sacred artefacts were later taken back to the vaults of Yale University, which to this day refuses to return them to the Peruvian Institute of Culture.
As our tour drew to a close, the warmth of the sun and the exertions of our four-day trek conspired against us. The upshot was that my trek mates and I can claim the dubious distinction of having slept for two hours on the grassed terraces of Machu Picchu.
When we awoke we decided to shun the bus ride back to Aguas Calientes, tackling instead the one-hour descent down a steep and ancient stairway, beating our way through clouds of evil mosquitoes in the baking heat.
Painful as it was for our aching limbs, it was a fitting end to an exhausting, exhilarating Andean adventure.
At Ollantaytambo we were herded aboard the Vistadome to Aguas Calientes. Operated by Peru Rail, this slow but comfortable train has overhead windows that afford a view of the mountains chugging by. Vistadome is the expensive way to travel to Machu Picchu - with a less luxurious backpacker train and a local service offering cheaper alternatives.
We found ourselves in a first class carriage and wolfed the free packed lunch sheepishly, aware that the stink emanating from our group was choking the appetites of fellow passengers
Needless to say we were stripped and showered within moments of arriving in Aguas Calientes. It was too late in the evening to walk up to the hot springs the town is famous for - a pity as they are probably its only redeeming feature.
Aguas is no more than a commercial resort - a newly-built staging area for Machu Picchu consisting of a dull assortment of restaurants and gift shops. Everything here is twice the price of Cusco and the place has about as much soul as a Disneyland parking lot.
A fourth consecutive early night was in order - in any case we had to be up and on the bus before dawn to catch the sunrise over the city. We eschewed the option of waking at 3am to hike two hours up the mosquito-infested mountain, opting instead for a comfortable ride to the summit.
At 5am, Aguas really comes to life. Hundreds of tourists queue along the pavements, waiting their turn to board the early buses. The journey is spectacular - the surrounding mountains blanketed in morning mist, semi-tropical vegetation spilling onto the road sides. After the barren drama of Lares valley, Machu Picchu feels like another world - lush, humid and ethereal.
As the bus climbs relentlessly, zig-zagging its way up the dirt track, passengers fall silent. It is so isolated, so intimidating and so very high, that one wonders why any civilisation would dare venture up here at all - let alone build a city on the mountaintop.
But to the Incas, a people who worshipped the sun and stars, building most of their major cities at several thousand feet, Machu Picchu was a natural progression.
This soaring triumph was the seat of government for the Inca empire. Political and religious decrees were set here and relayed back to the capital, Cusco, by 'chasquis' - runners who traversed the Andes bearing messages encrypted in knotted string. These 'quipus' were the only method of recording information in a culture that achieved such spectacular feats as Machu Picchu without ever writing anything down.
At the entrance to the site, more long queues - and a quirky tourist-pleaser - the chance to have 'Machu Picchu' stamped on your passport. Dawn was breaking by this time and we were itching to get inside to watch the first rays climbing over the eastern mountains.
Our guide raced us up to the highest point of the site, thighs and hamstrings grumbling up the steep Inca steps. Behind us the mist was churning faster, warmed by the early sun. Then we were there at the very top - the Guardhouse - and turned to see the deserted, magnificent ruins drenched in golden light.
This was enough for me. Yes, I was interested in the guided tour that would follow. But it is this heart-stopping view, revealed by the dawn, that I will always remember.
After a significant spell of gawping and frantic photography we were led round - our guide pointing out the Temple of the Sun, the astronomical observatory and the agricultural terraces that made this mountain city self-sufficient. Around 200 people lived here, mostly priests and political advisors to the Sapa Inca - ruler of a vast and complex empire that stretched nearly the length of South America.
Exactly what happened to this tiny, eminent community is a historical mystery. In the Temple of the Condor, mummified bodies were discovered. They died of syphilis - suggesting perhaps that Machu Picchu was wiped out by an Old World disease. Another theory suggests that its inhabitants fled to evade attack by the Spanish conquistadors.
Whatever the truth, for several hundred years life here had evidently been luxurious. The accommodation was lavish - The Sapa Inca himself enjoying a royal enclosure that included an indoor toilet and a bed large enough for 12 concubines.
By the time American explorer Hiram Bingham 'discovered' Machu Picchu in 1911, it was overgrown with jungle and lost to the modern world. Local people maintain that they always knew of its existence - the story goes that Bingham bribed a local farmer to reveal its location.
Among Peruvian historians, Bingham is a reviled figure. His team are blamed for plundering the site of its gold and precious stones and many sacred artefacts were later taken back to the vaults of Yale University, which to this day refuses to return them to the Peruvian Institute of Culture.
As our tour drew to a close, the warmth of the sun and the exertions of our four-day trek conspired against us. The upshot was that my trek mates and I can claim the dubious distinction of having slept for two hours on the grassed terraces of Machu Picchu.
When we awoke we decided to shun the bus ride back to Aguas Calientes, tackling instead the one-hour descent down a steep and ancient stairway, beating our way through clouds of evil mosquitoes in the baking heat.
Painful as it was for our aching limbs, it was a fitting end to an exhausting, exhilarating Andean adventure.
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