Local women take a memorable trip
By Tomi Henderson
Special to The Star-Herald
Marge Yeager and Judy Anderson, co-workers at the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, journeyed to Peru on a 10-day tour beginning in late-May and running through early-June.
There were 15 people in their group varying in age from 47 to 78. They traveled by plane, trains, buses and autos as well as taking a rafting trip to see various areas and cities in that beautiful South American country.
Lima, the capital city, is filled with buildings that showcase the Spanish architectural influence. Parks have beautiful mosaics, government buildings, museums and cathedrals are very elaborate.
They visited colorful markets that had many types of fruits and vegetables as well as blankets, clothing, wall hangings and more. There many types of potatoes for sale. They visited one special cat park and saw dozens and dozens of the animals in every color.
In 1985, a four-story pyramid was discovered under a hill that had been used for mountain biking. It is still being excavated.
The country is very mountainous although very few peaks have any snow on them. They flew over the mountains on the way to visit the city of Cusco, where they saw terrace farming, Inca ruins, pottery and herds of sheep, llamas and alpacas. The wool from these animals is used for weaving blankets, clothing and more. Some of the pottery pieces were formed to make sounds when blown into or when liquid is poured out of them.
They spent time walking and going up and down many steps to various sites, which required frequent rest stops due to the elevation of 8,000-14,000 feet.
Another city they visited was Machu Picchu, the “City in the Clouds.”
The main building material is adobe and they saw blocks of the material out drying after they were formed. Families live together — often three or four generations in one home. Very few folks have automobiles, with walking the most popular method of getting around. Schools are very far apart and most students only go through the sixth grade.
The trip was one that was on Anderson’s “bucket list” and Yeager was glad that she joined in on the adventure. In fact, Yeager’s daughter wants to be included on the next trip.
Yeager did a photo presentation and spoke at the Walter T. A. Hansen Memorial Library on Sept. 10. She had some of the souvenirs that she brought back with her for folks to see. It was a very entertaining time for those who attended.
