MANCHU PICCHU AND THE INCA CIVILIZATION

FREDERICK DOUGLAS ACADEMY RE-EXPLORES HISTORY

As history serves witness, the Andes Mountains region of South America is one of the world’s most intriguing geographical locations regarding culture, knowledge, and intellectual evolution. Particularly important is the country of Peru, where the Inca Indian civilization lived and thrived centuries ago, and where they built one of the largest and wealthiest empires in the Western hemisphere, circa 1400’s. The Inca Empire still intrigues historians and archeologists alike. Although they possessed great military prowess, the Incas, intrigue centers on their art, astronomical, and architecture intelligence. Primarily located on the Western Coast, the empire covered over 2,500 square miles which included regions of present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. But the empire’s nucleus centered on modern-day Peru, towhere, during the spring recess of 2009, The Fredrick Douglass Academy, journeyed on yet, another global educational expedition; what an expedition it was! Our group consisting of approximately 25 students, teachers, parents, and other FDA affiliated travelers departed New York JFK airport in the wee-hours of April 9th, 2009. We flew into Bogota, Colombia, where the group boarded a connecting flight which took us to Lima, Peru. As soon as landed, the adventure began. The itinerary, compiled by the awesome Latin-language teacher, Ms. Danielle Nunez, and supervised by the school’s Principal Dr. Gregory Hodge, was quickly activated, and the travelers began a fun-filled, adrenaline induced, but highly educational and spiritual, odyssey. In Lima, we were escorted, via very comfortable and modern transportation I must add, to the town of Miraflores, where we settled in a beautiful and accommodating hotel; and after a brief tactical and logistical meeting by the very organized Ms. Nunez, we settled in, attempting to gain as much rest and energy for the days that followed. Early on Friday April 10th, the group traveled to the city of desert city of Nazca, internationally synonymous with paintings and drawings on the landscape by the Incas, known as the Nazca Lines. En-route, we visited the community of Guayabo, in the town of Chincha, where a vivid and rich African-Peruvian culture has evolved. In Guayabo, we were welcomed with opened arms. The local children performed a touching folkloric dance show, and although it was sweltering hot, the atmosphere was electrifying. Afterwards we were taken on a tour of their community which included homes, schools, and community-based cooperative centers which serve as an outreach support mechanism for the community as a whole. However, the highlight of this visit came when the children of our group distributed school supplies and clothing items which we had brought from the states, to the parents and children of Guayabo. The appreciation illustrated by the members of the town can not be measured in words, to say that there wasn’t a dry eye in the group is an understatement. We left Guayabo fulfilled with a sense of civic accomplishment. Our bus drove us into desert vast lands within Nazca, where we came across a true-life oasis. Within mountains of sand and dunes, there, within eye sight, was what appeared to be a large water source, complete with lush vegetation and a sustainable community. It was surreal, but we stopped and explored. Surrounding the oasis where monstrous dunes which had become the center for thriving “sand-boarding” enthusiasts, many which come from all around the globe. Sand boarding incorporates the same concept of snowboarding, but instead of snow, you glide and surf on dessert sand; how unique! If you thought snow-boarding was fun, sand-boarding is a must. The students, as well as many of the adults, had the times of their lives gliding and surfing across the mountains of sand within the Peruvian desert. On Saturday April 11 we traveled to aqueducts of Nazca which illustrated early Inca hydraulic engineering. Afterwards, we took 45 minute airplane rides, on a small, four-seater, and Scenna plane for aerial views of the infamous Nazca Lines. Like the many other adventures completed during this “expedition”, this was special. The Nazca Lines is an assortment of unexplained drawings and straight lines which crises-crossed over the Peruvian desert. Some, such as the Swiss writer, Erich Von Daniker, believe that these mysterious lines were built by ancient astronauts as landing strips for extra-terrestrial beings of past civilizations. Whatever the facts may be, it’s a true wonder of the world. Like Dr. Hodge often points out, “you have to see it with your own eyes to truly appreciate it”. That evening we departed to the mountainous town of Arequipa, at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, it was part of our acclimation process, as we prepared for the thin Andean air. This bus ride was out of a cliffhanger movie. We rode for seven hours along narrow pieces of road at altitudes beyond common imagination. A quiet and reflective ride I assure you. On Sunday April 12, we toured the town of Arequipa, as well as its adjoining country side. Beautiful people, beautiful places. We visited many landmarks which illustrated Spanish influence on Peruvian culture including La Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Compania de Jesus, and La Monasteria de Santa Catalina (Peru’s most important religious monument). That night, we departed for Puno. During our bus ride, we encountered altitudes of over 14,000 feet above sea level, that’s more than half the distance of Mount Everest, making many a bit discomforting to say the least; but somehow, we overcame the symptoms, and continue on our ever amazing trek. On Monday April 13 we visited the Floating Islands of the Uros Indians, within the city of Chucuito. To appreciate this phenomenon, you have to see it in person. Imagine a compilation of small islands built on water by a combination of local straw, bamboo, and undergrowth. Sounds unbelievable? Well it’s real, and we witnessed it. We arrived on one of these floating islands and were entertained by the local indigenous people which populated the land. Then the headed out, by boat, to Taquile Island, a picturesque patch of land on Lake Titicaca, bordering the country of Bolivia. After a delicious lunch overlooking the water, many, including my family, explored the town plaza, climbing high altitudes into the Peruvian thin air, before reaching it at the top of the island’s peak. On Tuesday April 14, we visited “La Ruta Del Sol”, a beautiful path within the Andes region. We also visited the ruins at Sillustani, Incan City of Rachi, and the Iglesia de Andahuaylillas, all beautiful and history rich sites within reach of the city of Cuzco, epicenter of Inca civilization. As we prepared for the trip’s highlight, the ruins of Manchu Picchu, we traveled, via local train, along the Andes Mountains, to the town of Aguas Calientes. We arrived in the middle of the night, and rapidly settled in one of the many hotels at the foot of the towering wonder of the world. Early next morning, we woke up early, at 4:30 in the morning, boarded a bus, and headed up to what seems was the top of the world. Arriving at Manchu Picchu is a once-in-a lifetime event! The stroke of a pen can not describe the exhilaration and overwhelming spiritual sense of being in such a magical, but yet mysterious place. I personally felt as if I was in another world, better yet, it seemed like a dream, only seen in media mediums such as the National Geographic or Discovery channels. The wonder of it all overpowered every single cell of my body. May sound a bit crazy, but I felt an outer body experience standing in a place where Incan great warriors had once walked on. Truly, truly special, wow! This reminded me when I, along with the FDA family, visited the Great Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt and I thought of the Egyptian Pharaohs. I also reflected our trip to China and on the warriors who defended the Great Wall of China near Beijing. It was truly a spiritual undertaking which no book or documentary can describe. We visited the entire complex of Manchu Picchu, wondering how in the world such an ancient civilization was able to accomplish so much. Many claim extra-terrestrial involvement, no one really knows, but it sure is a special place. I will never forget it. By Saturday, the FDA Globe Trekkers, a moniker put together by the worldly travelers, undoubtedly realized that we had the opportunity to peek into the past and see a Peru that few rarely are able to experience. Ms. Nunez, as special as she is………, put together a feast at one of her relative’s beautiful home in Lima, along with a live band, traditional cooking of Incan foods consisting of sweet potatoes, lima beans, pork, and guinea pig. The meal was delicious, and her hosting family generosity, unforgettable. I would like to thank all the travelers, from students, teachers, parents, and friends for allowing our family to share yet, another unforgettable adventure. But a sincere and heartfelt “THANK YOU” to Ms. Nunez, Dr. Hodge, Mr. Ma, and Günter the Peruvian Logistical Guide whom without their effort, vision, and hard work, the adventure would have never become a reality. Thanks for the memories……………… Adventurous-At-Heart, Robert, Tracey and Kyle Mirabal

All Trip Photos click here

MANCHU PICCHU

Cuzco

Ruta Del Sol

Puno Lake

Arequipa

Chincha