Ahnalira
Posts: 16970
Joined: 7/6/2002
From: where Magic is real
Status: offline
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We've had an hour or so to relax and 'settle' into our sweet bungalows. and now we are gathering for the evening activities. The chairs are gathered around the fire...
The stage is cradled in the Andes and illuminated by a beautiful setting sun sky...
and the table is set in anticipation...
We gathered around the fire to share our a little about ourselves (this was really the first opportunity in the itinerary) like our names ... and why we'd come on this particular adventure. This was truly where the camaraderie started. Everyone was friendly and eager to laugh together. We represented a broad spectrum of lifestyles, and here we were joined in a common interest. It was a very good feeling Just one example of this will to good: As we were introducing ourselves, I couldn't help but make a witty quip (All who know me understand ), and I shared that - while I came to explore Macchu Picchu - I realized since the purchase of my handwoven shawl fit for a goddess I had really come to become a Peruvian Goddess. After that, my name in the group - Goddess. And I have to say... I liked it
We were having a traditional Pachamanca feast... our dinner would be cooked in buried hot rocks!
We moved to the pit to watch the chefs prepare. The stones had been heating over a fire. They had to be moved, the fire embers carted way, and the stones placed back in the pit. These guys are moving their hands really fast because those stones are HOT!
Once the stones are in place, potatoes and a variety of meats and vegetables are placed amongst them. Alfalfa leaves are used to hold the vegetables. Then the marinade is poured through the Alfalfa to produce steam and flavor.
Everything is covered completely with cloth and then buried. Finally - and my favorite part - we offer a prayer of appreciation and gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Goddess).
That I got to be part of it, made me VERY happy!
We left our dinner to magically prepare itself in the Earth of Pachamama while we watched the Andean Gods dance for us...
Sun God, Inti
Earth Goddess, Pachamama
These were two of the Gods who came forth to dance for us. The show has a story - all in local language, of course - so I wove my own understanding from the dance. Here a human comes forth to express appreciation and pray to the Gods (in my story)
They hear her pray...
and send many blessings our way...
It was a beautiful dance, and my heart was filled to overflowing by the music and dance and creativity AND it was time to fill our tummies....
Alan's plate shows the full range of offerings.
and mine the vegetarian...
We both loved all the sauces and many types of potatoes and corn presented. This evening was a highlight for us on many levels!
Tomorrow is river rafting through the Sacred Valley. Click here for Part 3
< Message edited by Ahnalira -- 10/6/2008 7:04:55 PM >
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Beauty and wonder everywhere I look. I am my dreams come true
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Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities Part 2 - Incan Tapestry... - 
I can't wait to see the rest of the Adventure! 