PERU

Kyle with friends Kurtis,Nick and Chris

Majority of us wish to make a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu and for many travelers to Peru, a visit to that lost Incan city is the whole purpose of their trip. However, Peru is offering much more – from archaeological sites of pre-Columbian cultures, colonial and ultra modern architecture, colourful folklore, rich gastronomy - to the trails that mark the way from dense jungle to glacial peaks.

Peru is, as complex as it is a true paradise for an active Traveller.
I have never been to Peru. To visit this magical country was The Biggest Dream, the top on the “possible-lottery-win-wish-list” of a man who had the most influence on my life. This is written in the memory of Djordje (George) Djordjevic.

 Location 

Peru is the third largest country in South America (after Brazil and Argentina).

Situated on the western side of South America continent and facing South Pacific Ocean, Peru is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.

What to see 

Besides Machu Picchu that top the list there are many other attractions in Peru equally worth seeing: Lake Titicaca, Andean Agricultural Terraces, Nazca Lines, Ballestas Islands, often called Peruvian Galapagos, Condors in Colca Canyons, unique Liamas, Mancora – surfer hangout with gorgeous beaches, amazing mountain range Andes and the Amazon rain forest that covers more than 60% of Peruvian territory and is one of the most popular destinations for tours and cruises.

Lima left and Amazon rain forest right

 

  

Machu Picchu

Huayna Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level in the Cusco Region. Embedded within a dramatic landscape at the meeting point between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, Machu Picchu is among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere in the world and certainly the greatest legacy of the Inca civilization.

It was discovered by accident by explorer Hiram Bingham who was looking for a different city, known as Vilcabamba. (The real Vilcabamba is now believed to have been built in the jungle about 50 miles west of Machu Picchu.)

This architectural gem is constructed from stones cut so precisely, and wedged so closely together, that a credit card cannot be inserted between them.  

VANUATU - Pacific Paradise

If you love pristine beaches, snorking, diving in clear water and exploring shipwrecked liner, like Titanic; if you love to see primitive villages with extraordinary cultural ceremonies and dances as well as cool and colonial towns with buzzing life, gourmet food and, mostly, if you like to travel where you will feel safe, where people are not after ‘tourist dollar’ and hospitality knows no boundaries then aim towards Vanuatu!

This South Pacific country (formerly called New Hebrides) is perfect destination for all travellers who want a particular mix of adventure and leisure in tropical climate. Vanuatu is an archipelago, made of 80 islands of volcanic origin located halfway between Australia and Fiji. 

Once you are intrigued by this country you can find almost everything about it on Internet but actually to get to know the country you need to know somebody who was born there or – best – to pay a visit and then you would understand why Vanuatu is on my – ‘Must to visit country’ list!!

Vanuatu Location

SWITZERLAND

When you hear word – Switzerland – what is the first image you have? I am sure for most people it would be chocolate ( I agree, one of the best), Alps and famous ski centers, watches, Swiss Army knife, numbered account in one of famous Swiss banks!

Most people would describe Switzerland as a very clean country, well organized, a bit boring. “There is no excitement”! At 6 pm everything is closed, everybody is already at home after work, streets are empty and silence is falling rapidly down.

True.

However, Switzerland is so much more. 

Tall Ships

Sørlandet Tall Ship is here!!!

After sailing up the Gulf of St. Lawrence and through the St. Lawrence Seaway, the oldest full rigged ship in the world - Sørlandet of Norway arrived in Toronto port on June 19, 2013 and stayed until June 21, 2013. Just watching Sørlandet from the Harbourfront, while sun slowly passed its daily voyage towards west - was breathtaking experience. 

Toronto’s unique urban waterfront looked magnificent while hosting the full fleet of tall ships and was the best place to get on board and tour, enjoy the music, food, dance and other great activities all being part of Redpath Waterfront Festival.

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NORWAY

What do we know about Norway?

Close your eyes and think – what comes to your mind? Fjords, cold north, long blonde hair, northern lights, fresh fish…

When I was a child Norway was a country where gnomes, fairies and Vikings lived - a magical country for a child with enormous imagination. That is how my “love affair” with North started. 

While traveling I like to explore how people live their everyday life; what they do to entertain themselves, which kind of food they eat, their customs, their point of views…

To learn that I like to sit in restaurants, cafés, or simply on a bench in a  park and – watch. I also like to meet people and talk. Sometimes it is enough to stand in line for meat at a local butcher shop and start a conversation – so much can be learnt that way about people and their living. 

Yoga - JAZZY - Pal

“ Yoga takes you into the present Moment, the only place where life exists!”

“Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.” ~ Krishnamacharya  

Vida and me enjoy Yoga for many years now.
Whenever we have opportunity we meet and practice Yoga. She is amazing Yoga Instructor and I learnt so much from her. Last time we met it was in great city of Belgrade, Serbia and I enjoyed every minute with my Yoga-Jazzy-Pal Vida! 

TRAVEL TOGETHER

Don’t we all like to leave ordinary life,  same home, same streets, even people for a week or two  (if not longer) and just – travel?

I always loved to travel. So, last year I chose to go to Miami Beach Florida. I love that Art Deco town, beautiful beaches, nice restaurants and so tempting shops. 

 I never liked organized, well planned trips with tour guide but since I wanted to have a deal and lower my expenses as much as I could I decided to find my travel companion. 

Now, where to find somebody who is like me and who would travel at the same time and same destination as me? My circle of friends is not good place to start since they are all with families and travel together. 

My first travel-pal came from Switzerland. Before our trip we had long chats about what we like and what we don’t like and we realized that we are very similar when it comes to itinerary, pace and travel style. So, naturally our first trip together was great and it was really perfect vacation.

I am looking forward our next vacation spot – Croatian sea side! Soon, but never soon enough!

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