Peru: Another side of life: How fortunate some of us are.

Choquerriro trek: 5 or so days along the Andes.

  A visit to Nepal, Peru and many other countries gives one a little appreciation of how tough it is for so many inhabitants of those regions. At times, it's hard to believe we all live in the same world. We believe visiting these places is a reminder for a person to understand how fortunate we are when we are materially comfortable. Of course, that's not the whole story. While more and more we realize the purpose of life is to pursue one's passion, rather than chase the buck, (although that is probably a passion for some), the poor countries, inter alia, are excellent teachers of humility, appreciation, gratefulness and other qualities desperately required of the current era in wealthier societies. 

  We think a person can convince oneself that one is humble and appreciative of the material gifts one receives. However, the best example of this occurs once a person has been without these benefits for a few days/weeks. Immediately thereafter, running water, electricity, tasty food, a mattress as a few examples take on a new meaning. But what of those whose typical life is to survive without the basic comforts. It can tear the heart, bring tears to the eyes—it can be a cruel world. It has an upside though—it makes charity more meaningful. 

Getting high above the ruins.

Creating a crib from two chairs.
Children, oh Children, you make a difference.
Sorry, fellas. One of you is 'going to pot'...today.
I'm not a big guy. These fellows probably have not been nourished throughout life.
Home-sweet-Home for a few nights. One evening we had to deal with a horse which wanted to kick over our tent.
Jenni is leaving you today. Sorry, fella.
Our first funeral in Peru.
"Jen, I don't know whether there's enough space for you."
Machu Picchu below, observed from the path to the mountain peak of the same name. 

  Machu Picchu ruins covered in clouds.  

  Revealed. 

 A view into town. Agua Caliente.
Dropped off in a town close to the trailhead. Car sick after a rough ride.
Sprawling Cusco.
Tough climb as the air was thin and dirty. We were not feeling well at commencement, either.

The high point at over 15,000 feet.

The Israelis cover many parts of the hiking world and of course, need food.
Another tough day. The next morning, I turned over and slept on my stomach to vary the trip.

Taking a stroll in Cusco. We seemed to fit in well. Nobody could believe we weren't locals. 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

While he may talk a good game, the reality is... (Napping after 1,800 feet with 2,800 to go at altitude and recovering from a cold.)