"Mystical Peru:The feeling of being on top of the world with vistas that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the world is the highlight of a life lived on this planet Earth. Traveling with Ricardo and Kathy was really a privilege and I always felt I was in loving hands. Machu Picchu was breath taking and the many Inka ceremonies that we participated in were full of miracles. As an example was the 360 degree rainbow around the sun at high noon during the despacho ceremony. The mountain Apus joined us many times in the form of animals like a baby goat (a kid) who jumped onto Evaristo’s lap until we were done with the ceremony. At Machu Picchu, I was almost kissed by a llama. Peru is a destination of a lifetime and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Personal Challenge: Trying to overcome our limitations is challenging while living from day to day in our normal existence. When I was a teenager, I worked for three years in a factory, and was exposed to asbestos, formaldehyde, fiberglass and massive amounts of second hand smoke. At eighteen, I almost died. Since then, I have struggled to breathe, but have always tried to challenge myself to push my physical limits. The thought of visiting Cusco at over 14,000 feet above sea level was very frightening. And then climbing all over the countryside would be a challenge. In addition to this limitation, I was also allergic to sulfa drugs, so the high altitude medications were out of the question. Coca leaf tea was recommended to acclimate to the altitude, and again, this relief was not an option.
With all these limitations, I still endeavored to go and explore. The first two days were a challenge with a headache, but part of it could have been the result of getting caffeine out of my system. Once I acclimated to the altitude, I pushed forward. Though I couldn’t participate in all the climbing the first two days, I was always able to be at the site and see everything that the group was doing. Once acclimated, I was able to experience the exercise of climbing and the expansion of my lungs. By willing myself to climb to the highest goals, I succeeded in increasing my breathing capability so when I returned to the states; I was able to do a lot more than I could do before. If you feel that you are physically challenged, know that you can accomplish more than you think that you can. A trip to Peru is a wonderful memory you will never forget.
Thank-you Ricardo and Kathy for giving me the opportunity to experience the magic of Peru."
Linda Soby,
September, 2006
"We were there as spiritual pilgrims instead of tourists. The trip went far beyond anything I expected or imagined. "
Helen Walter,
September, 2006
"The trip that Ricardo and Kathy Sanchez lead to the Sacred Valley near Cuzco and Machu Picchu Peru was totally unique and special. They provided a fantastic introduction to the spiritual practices of the Andean Inca's at their most sacred places. I was totally transported from my normal world to this spiritual domain and gained a deeper understanding of ancient
spiritual practices and beliefs.
For me the trip provided a special opportunity to feel the pure energy of the natural world and to experience this with other spiritual travelers. This is truly a once in a lifetime unique spiritual journey. I highly recommend it. I give many thanks to Ricardo and Kathy for providing me with this wonderful experience."
Tom Miller
September, 2006