Que Ocupado!

On Saturday Gabe and I played tourists. First, we successfully caught combis (minivans that hold about 15 or so people) all the way out to the ancient ruins of Pachacamac (say that five times fast!). Most of the ruins were pre-Inca, constructed several hundred years before the birth of Christ. The vista was quite stunning: the hot sun bearing down on almost lifeless yellow sand. On one side it was rolling dunes into villages and hills. On the other side, it was a fertile valley fed by a river.

We took a tour to the Temple of the Sun, the highest point in the ruins. Along the way we passed an ancient cemetery where you could still see (I kid you not) pieces of bone, textiles, and hair that had been preserved in the dryness of the climate. Up on top of the temple you could see the coast and the ocean as well as a set of islands. (Pictures from left to right: Looking out into the desert, me pulling a double hawk/awkward moment at the Temple of the Sun.)

The Temple of the Sun housed the highest priests. Pilgrims would fast for twenty days outside of the complex, and then wait inside the complex for a year for their opportunity to ask the priests for favors. We also head a few stories recounting virgin sacrifices and the like.

The weather was pretty intense, and our two hour tour was pretty exhausting. While relaxing near the museum at the entrance, I saw the ugliest dog ever. It shocked me. First, I admit, I was laughing at it. But then I started to feel bad for it. The poor thing was wearing a t-shirt. It was practically hairless and had been suffering from sun damage. I still managed to take this picture for you all to behold the creativity of God. (Pictures from left to right: Gabe discovering the wonder of opposable thumbs, me avoiding looking directly at the camera, U.D.E (Ugliest Dog Ever). Do yourself a favor and click on that bad boy for a close-up view!)

Later in the day we took a Mirabus tour where you sit on top of a double decker bus and see the city. Yes, this was quite touristy. But it was nice, Gabe was ecstatic, and we drove a few kilometers along the beach and saw the beautiful parks and water. Muy tranquilo!

Apologies, right now I'm too tired to write in any more detail. Having some troubles sleeping... enjoy the photos and videos! Click on the pictures for a bigger view.




Pictures from top to bottom: Waiting for a combi to take us back to fertile land, sunset over the Pacific.