Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Over the Memorial Day holiday week, I hopped on a plane and flew to Peru for a 10-day South American adventure that began in the Amazon Rainforest of Puerto Maldonado; the Andean mountain region of Cusco (where Machu Picchu "The Lost City of the Incas" was located); and lastly to the capital city of Lima. I stayed at the Reserva Amazonica, which was a beautiful eco lodge jungle resort that had thatched roof bungalows, comfortable beds with mosquito netting overlays, and rustic porches equipped with furniture made out of indigenous wood and comfy hammocks that were perfect for a late afternoon nap. I spent 3 days tromping through the rainforest with a local guide that carried a machete, and patiently explained the bizarre jungle flora and exotic animals that crossed our pathways. Some of the animals that we saw were 3-toed sloths, toucans (long beaked birds:  think Toucan Sam), pygmy marmosets (finger-size monkeys!!!), macaws (colorful parrots), brown agoutis (huge rodents), tarantulas, caimans (South American crocs), anacondas, and piranhas. The last three were seen in the swampy waters of the Amazon's tributaries and lakes on my second day's adventure that had me canoeing in these thrilling waters. Talk about an adrenaline rush! On my third day, I did a "Canopy Walk" on swinging bridges that were 100 ft high above the densely forested jungle that was about a 45 min. hike of unstable footing! It was these bridges that led me to the Canopy Treehouse that I spent the night in on my last night in the jungle.  It was so Swiss Family Robinson-like!  At night the jungle was alive with all sorts of noises--- including the growl of a  panther!!! Thankfully, it never visited me that night. However, by request I did get a visit by one of the region's tribal shaamans (medicine man).  I had elected  to participate in a spiritual ceremony called a "flowering bath".  The shaaman wore a loin cloth, colorful blanket that was wrapped around him, and a feathered headress.  He chanted in a native tongue and made graceful hand sweeping motions over my head, as I sat cross-legged on the treehouse floor. The treehouse had no electricity and the jungle at night was pitch black.  The only light came from ceremonial candles that the shaaman had lit around me. He was eerily beautiful in the candle light, as he continued with his incantations and hand motions.  The ceremony lasted about an hour, and was spirtually moving. The last thing that he did was pick up a tribal pottery bowl full of fragrant petals. Slowly and gently, he poured the contents of the bowl over me, as I remained in a sitting positon. The "flowering bath" was to cleanse my aura and awash me in peace, prosperity, and positive energy.  Ironically, I lost my camera 3 days later.  Egads. Why did I only save 2 pics of my Amazon experience on my laptop before my camera disappeared?  They are presented below.  The remaining pics were courtesy of Reserva Amazonica.

Me goofing on the "Canopy Walk."



Brown Agouti (rodent)

 

Bungalow pic courtesy of Reserva Amazonica.



Interior pic courtesy of Reserva Amazonica.



Canopy Treehouse pic courtesy of Reserva Amazonica.














Interior pic courtesy of Reserva Amazonica.



Next Destination Adventure: Peru!

Palermo



Puerto Nuova

  

The Chiesa di San Cataldo (The Church of San Cataldo)

Fontana Pretoria (Pretoria Fountain)

The Cattedrale di Palermo (Cathedral of Palermo)

Cattedrale di Palermo



Teatro Massimo (Massimo Theatre)



The Catacombe di Cappuchini (Capuchin Catacomb)

On my last day in Sicily, I drove 2 hours northwest and toured Palermo. Although it is the region's capital, Palermo is ironically known for the birthplace of the mafia. When I arrived, I drove through the archway of the Porta Nuova and parked at the Piazza del Parlamento and found myself visiting the Parliament grounds, Fontana Pretoria, La Cattedrale di Palermo, Teatro Massimo, and Chiesa di San Cataldo. However, none of these sites affected me more than the Catacombe di Cappuccini, which has been around since the 16th century. I found the catacomb bizarre and disturbing because  its walls were lined with mummified skeletons in period clothing!  As I walked down the dimly lit corridors of the catacomb, I was subjected to a thousand eyeless stares that even now leaves me shuddering at the memory. Yet this did not mar my overall impression of Palermo, but added to the experience!  I was sad to leave Sicily, but was very thankful for the respite after the tumultous months spent  in revolutionary Cairo. It was exactly what I needed. Perfecto!

Taormina

I always find it amusing that Mercedes are taxis in Europe.

Midweek of my visit, I ventured an hour up Sicily's autostrada to the popular destination spot of Taormina. The view from Taormina was phenomenal, and the shopping opportunities were ample and delightful. The Ionian Sea was a marvelous contrast of azures and aquas that sparkled beautifully in the sunlight. It was by far my favorite place on the island! An additional bonus was the discovery of the Teatro Greco  (Greek Theatre) that was located on the hilltop above the town. The theatre was built in 300 B.C. and was once the hub for live theatrical and musical performances.  Its remains were still incredibly intact, and the location had one of the most breathtaking views on the island. It was overall an exceptionally delightful visit!

Catania

Piazza Duomo

Elephant Square

A mermaid and merman were at the base of the fountain.



Anfiteatro Romano entry.



The amphitheatre was protected within a gated enclosure.

During my visit to Sicily I flew into Catania, which prominantly sits on the east coast of the island facing the Ionian Sea.  It is the second largest city on the island, and the tenth in Italy.  It is the province's capital, and was founded in 8th century B.C.  During the Renaissance period of the 14th century, Catania was the center of cultural, artistic, and political activities.  The city's architectural delights were distinctly influenced by the Roman and Greek empires  and the Catholic church. Interestingly, the elephant is the city's heraldic symbol since the 13th century.  The elephant in Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), or what the locals call "Elephant Square," was sculpted out of volcanic stone during the Roman era.  An obelisk was additionally mounted later as a finishing post for races, when the statue sat in the city's center. The Anfiteatro Romano (Roman Amphitheatre), several blocks away in the midst of a busy roundabout (traffic circle), was another interesting discovery.  It was protected within the confines of a gated enclosure, and was once the site for violent gladiator games.  Today it is the architechtural prototype for sporting arenas around the world.