Chachapoyas and a sidetrip to Huancas 7/10/07 - 7/11/07

One 9 hour bus ride (check!), on flat tire in the middle of the highway (check!), one 3 hour road block (check!), one 2 hour taxi ride (check!), and of course, a side excursion to a nearby river (and check!)

and we were in "Tha Nofen Hailans" (The Northern Highlands) of Peru!

Chachapoyas is a city in northern mountains of Peru and alrough it has changed its location several times due to climate, disease and a lack of defenses against rebelling local groups, it now stands at an elevation of 2,234 meters (7,657 feet), with a population of approximately 20 thousand people.

Until recently built highways, Chachapoyas was fairly isolated from the rest of Peru and so the tradition of local food, drinks, and dress have remained throughout the generations. The women wear skirts, even in the cold mountain climates, bright sweaters, Cajamarca hats or large scarfs, babies tied to their backs by handwoven blankets, ponchos, military hats, you name it . . . and horses are still a main way of travel through the mountains to "nearby" towns and villages."

We took a side-trip down this dirt road which smelled of all kinds of flowers and trees

and ended up in Huancas, a local district known for its pottery, hand woven garments, and mountain views

Here are some great little glimpses we caught on camera . . .

And of course . . . THE VIEW!
We took a stroll around the town and then along the mountain for some close-up actionand spent hours enjoying the mountain´s fresh air and little treats.

Flowers and other goodies for Sasha . . .

Bugs for Mishka (of course):

uhm, many beetles! In fact, Mishka became The Beetle Man

even a stickopelis bugagpolis!

It was hard to tear the man away from the bushes and every few minutes, "Babe! Look another beetle" . . .

which inspired us to make a little treat to our fans back home.

Sit back and enjoy . . .

Hehe, on the way back, a kind woman taught me a little about making thread
And it is NOT easy! First they collect the wool, then they spin it around a small stick into small thread, then they die it all kinds of colors, and finally weave it into rugs, shawls, blankets, etc. A lot of work! Makes you appreciate the way people live here.
And of course, we can´t forget Softka´s evil step-brother Brutis who resides in Huancas.

Don´t worry Softka, he doesn´t know where you are!