Fly back to Lima

September 7 Saturday • Fly to Lima • Join main adventure

Destination: Lima

Accommodation: Jose Antonio

Yesterday, when we were with the medicine man, or Shaman as he is called, Caesar told us that if a villager wants to become a medicine man, they have to be willing to drink a psychedelic infusion to open their minds, and visions would be given to them about the plants that will affect cures. The psychedelic effect can last for 7 hours and alters their thinking so the person will be open to the visions he will experience. Caesar said the ritual is taken very seriously and they feel it is bona fide even though to us, it seems crazy.

After the medicine man’s talk (which of course was translated by Caesar) he performed a healing and blessing ritual over all of us. We sat with our eyes closed and he passed over us with a special plant that he had sprinkled with a healing potion. He asked us to relax and think of someone or something that we would like a blessing or healing for. He began to chant as he walked back and forth brushing our heads with the leaves of the plant. The ritual was very meaningful for all of us.

This morning, we went on a nature a walk and Caesar pointed out many birds for us that he spotted all around.

We had our last lunch at the lodge and then it was an hour boat ride to the bus that would take us to the airport. We descended those 27 steps for the last time. Hurray!!!

The boat ride was great and then we arrived where our bus was located that would take us to the airport. OH NO!!!! We had to climb about fifty steps to get to the top. UGH!! However, I was very proud of myself that I didn’t have to stop half way up, but just kept plowing along. Machu Picchu here I come!!!

The bus was air conditioned and the ride was about 45 minutes. The roads were jammed with those little motor cars as well as motorcycles and it really was a free for all.

Caesar had arranged for our boarding passes and our baggage tags, so check in was a breeze. We bid adios to Caesar. He was a wonderful guide and naturalist. We all chipped in and gave him money to buy a new soccer ball for the school we had visited. He will deliver it personally and take pictures to send to us.

Our flight was delayed about an hour and 1/2. Latam did give us a little snack bag filled with juice, ritz crackers, and a chocolate bar, so at least we had something to eat while we waited.

The flight was filled and when we landed, it was bedlam with everyone trying to get their luggage from the overhead bins and trying to get off the plane. The man next to me literally pushed me out of my seat!! Seriously. We’re all going to get off the plane, and unless you have a flight to catch, calm down!!!

Our guide for Machu Picchu, Patty, met us after we picked up our luggage and we drove by bus to the hotel. Patty had our room keys all set to go so we went to our room and then met up with Mary and Rich at the hotel restaurant and had dinner.

Sharon and Dick, our friends that are going on the main trip with us, were delayed in Atlanta so we won’t see them until tomorrow morning.

Here are some pictures that Caesar took of the birds and animals we saw in the jungle.

Jesus bird