Nasca Lines, Nasca, Peru

Another early start today, this time to the south to fly over the famous Nasca Lines. We were picked up at 7 am and drove down the Pan-American Highway, through three valleys, by the Inca Face (a face-shaped rock that looks to the sun), and the town of Nasca. Before our flights, we were toured around a traditional ceramics studio and a traditional oro (gold) production planet. Both provided fascinating glimpses into traditional ways of life, that are still maintained today in this region. We arrived at the airport late morning, and each family took to flight over the Nasca lines in a small Cessna aircraft. The tour of the lines was about 45 minutes, which was plenty of time to see most of these amazing formations. Our pilots were great guides, and we flew amazingly low to the ground, for an even more spectacular viewing angle. Once safely back on the ground, we loaded up in the van once again and headed to a restaurant recommended by our tour guide, as the place to eat a traditional pork and corn set-lunch. This was one fabulous meal for 7 soles, not to mention my mom’s favourite meal of the trip! It was later in the day when we arrived home (our Ica hotel) from this tour, but we still managed to relax by the pool, until dinner. This was our forth day at the hotel and the staff was getting quite used to us being around, in fact, I think they even liked having us around. There were three gentlemen that ran the restaurant that took great care of us, whether we were at the tables in the restaurant, poolside or in one of the many sitting areas. So, it wasn’t that surprising that they were very happy, and I mean very happy, to see us when we arrived home after the Nasca Lines. However, at dinner, we found out why we got the overly friendly greeting. That day, only 2 hours after we left Nasca Lines, there was a terrible plane accident that claimed five tourists lives. And in the afternoon, when our friends at the hotel heard this, they immediately thought of us, as they knew we were flying that day. Finding this out, as you can imagine, was quite overwhelming. I suppose, throughout this trip Phil and I have tested our faith, from crazy bus rides to skydiving, but this was perhaps the closest call, and with our parents, in a way, under our care, it was even more of a reality check. It really reminds you how precious life is, and that it needs to appreciated everyday. And this, to me, doesn’t mean eliminating risk and staying home, but living life to the fullest, and if you are lucky enough, sharing it with those you love.