Archive for December, 2014

Guess the Dish

Monday, December 29th, 2014

Pears from Nalan
My friend Nalan gave us a box of pears for the holidays and I was trying to figure out how to eat them. I came up with a delightful dish, sure to hit our sweet spots while highlighting the sumptuous texture of the pears. Thanks, Nalan, for your thoughtful gift!

The ingredients were:
1. Raisins
2. Brandy
3. Pears!
4. Candy Roasted Pecans (as garnish)

How did I cook the dish, and what is it?

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Peru – Day 12 – Cusco to Lima to Denver

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Bar Cordano Interior
Bar Cordano in Lima, Peru

Lima Government Palace and Clare
Lima Government Palace

Dennis in the Historic District
Dennis in the Historic District

On our last day in country, we flew from Cusco to Lima and then walked around Lima. After spending the afternoon and evening in Lima, we had a late night flight back to Denver. Since we had the walking tour of Lima at the start of our trip, it was even more fun to walk around and explore. We managed to find Bar Cordano, where Ernest Hemingway used to go and sampled the local favorites.

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Peru – Day 11 – Machu Picchu

Sunday, December 21st, 2014

Intrepid Travel Group at Machu Picchu
Our Intrepid Tour Group at Machu Picchu
In Front: Jeannie, Laura, and Larisse
In Back: Andrew, Chrissy, Clare, and Dennis

Freddie at the Rock Quarry
Our Guide Freddie!

Huana Picchu Panorama - close up
Huana Picchu

Smiles at the Sun Gate
Smiles at the Sun Gate

On Sunday, we woke up at 5:30am, in order to get on the first bus to Machu Picchu. It was incredibly foggy and slightly wet outside, so I wondered how the day would turn out. I was hopeful it would burn off, as we prepared for the hike around the ruins.

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Peru – Day 10 – Sacred Valley, Ollyantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

Saturday, December 20th, 2014

Ollyantaytambo Hikers shop
Ollyantaytambo Hikers Shop

Peru Rail Selfie - Destination Aguas Calientes
Riding on Peru Rail

Aguas Calientes - Craft Market
Aguas Calientes Craft Market – Fun place to shop!

The Spa at Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes – The Spa!

On Saturday, we took a bus to Ollyantaytambo and then we road on the Peru Rail to Aguas Calientes. We visited the hot springs, went shopping, and had a nice relaxing evening.

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Peru – Day 9 – Horseback Riding at Saqsaywamen, Qoricancha, and Paddy’s Irish Pub

Friday, December 19th, 2014

Saqsaywamen Sign
Horseback Riding Near the Saqsaywamen site.

Horse Ranch Above Cusco
The Horse Ranch Above Cusco

Horse Riding Near Cusco
Climbergirl Riding the Slowest Horse on the Planet

Saqsaywamen Panorama
Pretty Views!

Intrepid Horse Riders and Peruvian Family
Group Picture. We met a Peruvian family while we were up there, so we included them in our picture.

Excited to Explore Qoricancha
Super nice Selfie at Qoricancha

On Friday, we decided to do a half day of horseback riding and hiking, up in the foothills above Cusco. It was near the Saqsaywamen cultural site, so we got the opportunity of walking around this ancient Inca sacred place. While on the horses, we had 2 horse handlers accompanying us, but they did not guide us around the ruins. So, it was up to us to explore while on foot!

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