Peru Calling

by Rachel Williams (Viva Expeditions)

Published in the New Zealand Motor Caravanner Magazine
December 08/January 09 Edition

I had always believed that knitting was women’s work! Somewhat of a hobby undertaken in the leisure time of typically retired ladies to produce cute, fluffy items such as baby clothes, scarf’s, hats and soft toys for the grand children.

Yet a place exists that defies this logic, a hidden pocket of the world where customs, folk law   and tradition dictate how people have in the past and still continue today to lead their ordinary, or perhaps extra ordinary, day-to-day lives.

As we neared the pier of Taquile Island, located on Peru’s mystical Lake Titicaca, our guide Hamilton pulled on a long red and white knitted hat that hung down his shoulders giving him a somewhat comical look that reminded me of one of Santa’s Elves. Hamilton explained that this was a “chullo”, the traditional head gear worn by all men on Taquile Island. He was right. As we pulled up along side the pier we were warmly greeted by a mass of chatter, laughter and red hats!

 Click here to read full article now

Ancient city discovered deep in Amazonian rainforest linked to the legendary white-skinned Cloud People of Peru

 By Daily Mail Reporter

A lost city discovered deep in the Amazon rainforest could unlock the secrets of a legendary tribe.
Little is known about the Cloud People of Peru, an ancient, white-skinned civilisation wiped out by disease and war in the 16th century.
But now archaeologists have uncovered a fortified citadel in a remote mountainous area of Peru known for its isolated natural beauty.

Click here to read full article now