I’ve often make the comment not another ‘ABC’ ! Affectionately known as (another bloody cathedral)… we can’t seem help ourselves going into every one …is that the fear of missing out on something? In Guanajuato these fine baroque and neoclassical buildings, churches and temples are the result of the prosperity of the silver mining in, Read More
You may get horribly lost in the streets of Guanajuato, but … so what! This is the most fascinating place in the world to be lost – and I highly recommend walking until you are lost. We’re definitely lost – completely lost deep in the magic of discovery…
Gibbston Valley – New Zealand’s Famous ‘Valley of the Vines’ Just a short 20km drive from Queenstown is a picturesque valley laden with grape vines…
The overwhelming culture of the country is often best represented in the cuisine. Nothing epitomises the vivacity of the Spanish social life better than tapas and raciones. But do you really know what they are? What if you get up your nerve to wander into a bar, and you find that there is no, Read More
Visiting Madrid? Not many places in the world will you observe the equilibrium of old and new carried off with as much sophistication as in Madrid.
The blue sky stretches over the sun-lit valley, and it seems no wonder the Incas were worshippers of the sun. A spectacular view of the sacred valley emerges as we make a steep descent down a couple of thousand feet. The road is windy and the scenery is quite a contrast to the city of, Read More
Dancing through the streets of Cusco the fifteen saints and virgins from nearby churches are paraded to the beat of the enchanting Peruvian music, all in celebration of Corpus Christi. It’s a vibrant beat and thousands of strong, well dressed men ‘dance’ the patron saints from their church to the main cathedral.
A vivid portrayal of a complex history, “Cradle of Gold” sweeps me back to 1911 when Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, what a story, what an adventure it was. In a fascinating region known for awe inspiring landscapes I am poised to relive Hiram Bingham’s discoveries in the Andes through the eyes of Chris Heaney.
Now that I have your attention… it’s actually Sacsayhuamán in Cusco – but all we have to remember was “sexy woman” to get the pronunciation correct. She’s an old Inca fortress in the back of Cusco city that stands at an altitude of 12,000 feet and possibly the best display of the Inca’s most extraordinary, Read More
Unbelievable… Imagine standing on a pinnacle, 7,000 feet up, gazing down in awe on the most famous Inca ruins, totally surrounded by the majestic ‘Andes’ Mountains. Yes, we’re at the magical ‘Machu Picchu’, the heart of the Inca Empire. A living testament of man’s harmonious interaction with his natural environment.
Dubbed ‘The Reliquary of the Americas’ with some 40 churches and chapels, and 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters in the Old Town alone, it’s easy to understand why. Most people use Quito as a stop over for the nights either side of Galapagos Islands. We are so glad we have longer to explore this, Read More
Otavalo is a must-see destination in Ecuador. Just under two hours’ drive north from Quito, the journey itself is a treat. We travel through the beautiful Andean scenery, with plenty of great little places and stalls to stop at on the way. The market is an experience for all the senses: the aromas of, Read More