Each time I think I've decided on THE place to mention, I think of another place I want to go to just as badly. I thought about cheating and running down a list of each place I so badly want to visit, but looking around I see that people have pretty much stuck to one place, so I'll refrain from cheating. This time.
So where is my current dream destination (current meaning today), as requested by the delightful ladies, Lexa and Julie as they celebrate their book releases?
Peru.
Peru combines so many things I'm looking for in a travel destination. The sentinel mountains, harboring the ruins of Machu Picchu. The exotic Amazon river teeming with species I've read so much about, but never seen. Pink river dolphins, people! Manatees. Giant river otters. Anacondas? EEK!
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| By Photographer: RubykPhotographer: Rubyk [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5) or CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons |
They even have their very own mystery of the ages: The Nazca Lines. 30 figures etched into the sands of the desert, fully visible only from the air, yet created well before they had the capability of human flight. How did they create these? And why? Oh, surely you guys know by now how much I love a good real-life mystery!?
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| By Unukorno (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
I would delight in the rich cultural heritage of Peru. In learning more about the country. Of seeing the history outlined throughout the country, its buildings, ruins, and people.
So today? Today my dream destination would be Peru, for it's a place that has danced its way into my imagination and beckons for me to learn more, to dance, to celebrate, to explore.
Where would you go? Have you been to Peru? Is it on your list at all?
May you find your Muse.
43 comments:
Those lines were created the same way the pyramids were built - using math beyond what others were using at the time. Now as to why, when they couldn't view them from the sky, is a mystery.
Hi Shannon,
We need to get you flying on Blog Air, the blogger's favourite airline. Take you to some amazing destinations such as Peru.
A good friend of mine did some extensive travelling through South America. Machu Picchu was one of the awesome highlights of her adventure.
I hope you make it there.
I would like to go to Bora Bora. I had an amazing time on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I visited the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Shannon.
Gary
My dream retirement home would be in Belize. I'll never see it happen, unfortunately, but it's a dream I have.
Been to Peru, as well (Lima). Despite being depressed over the abject poverty I saw, it was a breathtaking place.
I think I ate guinea pig, too.
Tasted like chicken.
It was cows rolling on the ground. Seriously.
I have no particular dream place I'd like to go.
Peru would be cool to visit! It is interesting to wonder why they created those figures when they couldn't see them from the air.
You do like exotic locales, Shannon. Fantastic photography, I'd imagine.
Get your shots, for sure.
Peru sounds amazing! Giant otters? Pink dolphins? Puzzling lines in the desert? Muy mysterioso!! Definitely better than being drunk in Tijuana. lol
Great choice, Shannon! Thanks so much for joining the hop. :-)
Great choice! After all the documentaries my hubby and I have seen featuring Machu Picchu, it would be awesome to see it in person. Magical, almost.
It would be a lovely place to visit, and there are so many places and no real chance to see them all - I feel we are truly blessed to be able to view them via such wonderful pictures. Photography a gift we take for granted. I do hope you get to go on your dream trip!
Peru sounds like an incredible place to visit!
My son visited the Dominican Republic and said it was beautiful, I can only imagine Peru would be the same. Very nice choice, Shannon.
Peru has a sense of exotic mystery... great choice.
I think I know nothing about Peru except for the Nazca Lines. As a kid, I was 'addicted' to explore the secrets of these lines, which made me a hardcore reader of everything Erich Von Däniken :)
Great post!
Wishing you the chance to get to Peru! And after this post, me too. I confess to never considering it and now I feel a bit daft :) X
shahwharton.com
Peru! Great choice. I would love to go and see the land, nature, and all the historical places.
"Even the longest journey starts with a first step."
If you really want to travel you just have to decide on it and get going. Every travel is full of small annoying practical details, and most travels are relatively expensive. You have to decide it is worth it, and take the time. To second guess yourself before you've even taken off will ensure you never go anywhere.
So just do it! :)
I would love to see Machu Picchu, but I can do without the Anacondas? EEK is correct!
I agree. Peru is fascinating and mystical and mysterious. I'd love to go there too.
Peru isn't on my list but now I may have to reconsider...
I would love to go to Machu Picchu, too, but I think my #1 choice (today) would be the Greek Islands. Ah, to spend a summer there...
My sister-in-law is Peruvian, so my nieces and my bother visit every year--my SIL has relatives there. I get so jealous when I see the picture (and taste the candy!). I think that I might accompany them... soon ;-)
Peru is an amazing country. Of all the places I've visited, it's by far my favorite. The number of cultural sites within driving distance to Cuzco are numerous, and the people are incredibly friendly. If you do go, add these sites to your list: Cuzco, Ollaytatambo, Moray, Pisac, and the Maras Salt Mines. :)
That hike to Machu Picchu would be amazing. And I've always wondered about those Nazca lines. Stuff like that gets the imagination going. Like who was here hovering over ancient Peru to see those????
You had me at Pink river dolphins! Love that particular mystery, too--that's fascinating. Excellent choice!
WriterlySam
Peru has been on my radar since I was a kid, mainly because of Paddington Bear (and the marmalade sandwiches). I'd love to see the markets, too. Thank you for sharing and the follow.
Peru is a great choice and one I haven't seen yet. And those Nazca Lines are fascinating to contemplate...an adult fairy tale.
Oh, I totally cheated and went with destination(s)! I just couldn't narrow it down to one. Plus, I'm bad to the bone! ;D
Right with you on mysteries like the Nazca Lines! That stuff ties my brain (delightfully) in knots and sends it on wild flights of fancy. :)
I want to go to Spain, Ireland, and Italy.
I love how Peru has "danced its way into your imagination." This is a sure sign of a dream destination. Great photos too! I hope that you make the trip one day Shannon.
Julie
My father-in-law traveled extensively and had been to just about everywhere except Peru. When asked why he didn't go he said, "I ran out of time." He reached a point where his health wouldn't permit it, and he wished he had made the trip when he was younger (and by younger I mean in his 70's LOL).
Today on this rainy, cold day in Georgia the only place on my mind is the beach. Never been to Belize, but it's sounding great right about now!
Oooo- Machu Picchu! What a fantastic choice! That place is so mystical I struggle to believe it's real. And I've never even heard of the Nazca lines! How this mystery not as hugely popular as the Bermuda triangle? Mystery, indeed!
And I'm right with you on the huge list of places, BTW. Whenever we daydream about winning the lottery which is often) the first thing I think about is the many, many dream vacations I'd take.
Peru would be cool. I have a friend who went there so heard about it from her.
Every time I read another blog, I'm like, oh--I should've thought of that. It was hard to choose.
Great Choice! I've seen photos of Peru, and I have to admit, I'm intrigued every time. Ooh would love to visit Macu Picchu as well. And the Amazon River!! Quite fascinating indeed!
I haven't been, but I want to go dancing in Peru. A friend travel there, and I marveled at her photos.
May you find yourself blissfully lost in Peru some day.
xoRobyn
hey peru!!! it was my choice too! lol
first other peru i have seen on this list
good taste :)
Oh, I just came from reading Jeremy's post about Peru and now here it is again! I wonder what the odds are of that LOL. You both made me want to learn more about this place, it seems amazing.
Thanks for taking part in our hop, Shannon!
Better late than never, and Peru is definitely an intriguing place to visit. Though I've never been, I wouldn't mind getting lost there for a few weeks vacation myself sometime.
I've always been intrigued by the site, but I'll bet it's hot there, so I probably wouldn't visit. Nice pictures anyway.
There are so many fascinating things about Peru. I would love to see the Nazca lines and Machu Picchu. I love history. The older the better. :)
Macchu Picchu is on my Bucket List too!! Excellent choice. I've heard it's positively astounding!
My family is originally from Peru. I visited there a long time ago, when I was still a child, but I hope to go back there again someday. Great choice!
Really nice choice. I hadn't seen anyone else with Peru yet. Sounds like a really neat place to visit. Especially with the Amazon =)
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