24th Nov Colca Caynon Trek

The Colca Canynon´s are 100 miles North West of Arequpia and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the States. We started early at 3AM stopping at the first village ´Chivay´ for breakfast. We then drove to Cruz del Condor but unfortunately only saw a couple of Condors flying in the distance. Too many tourists! We then started our walk downwards crossing the river Colca. The slippery, dusty trail and sorching sun were totally different conditions to Machu Picchu. Overnight we stayed in bamboo bungalows and enjoyed a swim in our pool with stunning views. Bliss. 

Day 2 was a 5AM start and a 3 hour climb to the top of the mountain to the village of Cabanaconde. This was tough, especially on an empty stomach. The afternoon was spent at hot spring baths which were lush. Just what the body needed. 

17th Nov Machu Picchu 4 day trek

Day 1 of our trek started in Ollantaytambo having breakfast before passing the Vilcanota River. It was a relatively easy day of 12km of hiking. We spent the night at Wayllabamba. Day 2 was tough! Climbing from Wayllabamba to Pacamayo (12km) all up-hill. We passed steepening woods and spectacular views. The highest pass on the trail ´Dead Woman´s Pass´was 4,200m exposing us to sorching sun and freezing winds. 

Day 3 was the longest, hiking 16km from Pacamayo to Winay Wayna. Passing through cloud forests and inca ruins the views were incredible. My favorite day so far. 

Day 4 was an early start of 3.30AM trekking from Winay Wayna up to the sungate to see the first glimpse of Machu Picchu through the misty clouds. Finally, we made our decent down to Machu Picchu arriving around 7AM and almost collapsing with exhaustion! 

´Peru Treks´ were a fantastic company to trek with. Amazing food, wonderful guides and hats off to the porters who practically run the trail whilst carrying around 20kg on their backs. 

Sacsayhuaman aka Sexy Woman!

Inca fortress in Cuzco. 

14th Nov Cuzco, Peru

Views of Cuzco city, 3400m above sea level. 

Udaipur

Flowers of India

Dreamy Alleppey

Renting a houseboat in Alleppey was probably one of my highlights of the trip. We opted for a small canoe and paddled through villages, rice paddy fields and even stopped for breakfast cooked by locals.

Dhobi Ghat, Bombay

It's fair to say I had a slight fascination with laundry whilst travelling around India. Firstly, i'ts all done by hand and secondly they dry it ANYWHERE. Up a tree, on the beach, over stones, railings, pavements, cables, rubbish..... I visited the Dhobi Ghat in Bombay, the world's largest human powered washing machine. The 'Dhobi's was their laundry in individual concrete pods.

Tea Picking in Munnar

After watching Indian women pick tea leaves with their bare hands in Munnar, I will never drink a cuppa in the same way again! Working long hours for probably very little money, these incredible ladies pick away with a big smile on their faces waving to you as you walk past. Driving through this Hill Station in the Western Ghats is aabsolutely breathtaking. At one point we climbed 2,500 meters above sea level and crossed the border into Tamil Nadu. It's chilly up there.

Thiruvathira Beach Resort, North Cliff, Kerala

 

 

I had an awesome time staying at 'Thiruvathira'  (a HIndu festival celebrated in Kerala) The lovely Vasantha is on hand to bring you chai in the morning and even cooked Idli's for everybody one morning. YUM!

Waves and Spaces

 Ginat waves at 'Varkala' and empty spaces in 'Alleppey'

                                                    

India 2012....

I recently spent 6 weeks in India visiting Delhi, Udaipur, Bombay, Goa and Kerala. Most of my images can be found here: http://www.laurablight.co.uk but I'll also be posting some of my blog to.