Peru .. love of Pachamama

Mentally aware of illusions of an expired NY career turned all while my soul-mate; embarking onto a new decade did come a quick fire trip to Peru with no parties Pachamama presents a desire of climbing mountains

Soul drifted toward an 89-year-old Sculptor/Painter before me stood Victor Delfin eyes bright, soul full. I was presented to royalty of a genius and his life’s work unconsciously told to “get to work”.

“Sh!T Just Got Real” “SALKANTAY TRAIL” the “savage trail” not to be undermined with its mind bending strength as “mind, body and soul” were pushed to the maximum hiking 12 hours straight. Trekking for 5 days among “the gods” with an amazing soulful guide “Gabrielle” male archangel/astronomer who discovered an Incan “8Th Star Gate”. Not by chance super connected to stars, planets & the Inca galaxy hidden deep within the “Milky Way”. 

An open air truck we climb clueless to our adventures and fellow companions who were also all “New Yorker’s.” Rapid incline to an EPIC glacier & lake grasping for every crisp air we breathe climbing 10K ft. to 13.5K ft. in less than a clock turns an hour hand. Actual age doesn’t = “fit” day packs carrying 45 lbs. of Photographers gear we trek toward glaciers, lakes, mountains, jungle and desert.

Ancestors of centuries, religion, spirituality and history flows deep in the veins of Peru. Machu Picchu is what attracts most, don’t drown in that syrup. Spirit flowed right into my own “Desert Gem” of Arequipa & Colca Valley/Cannon. Presented to a sacred spiritual spot of natural stone sculptures was a place where local farmers come to trip on psychedelics before the rainy season with the “love of Pachamama”. Yes, the Inca name for “Mother Earth” the pureness of people living off the land and my “gift” resonated of who I am, what I do and why I travel.

All images © 2017 Lisa Appel

SUN Glare of stares and cares / Thailand & Vietnam

This Trip, not like your trip nor like our past China no expectations minimal planning.  Electricity flowed through our spine we land where the bird guided us, our separation "Freestyle". Year of moving, shaking, being scolded by powers that be eager to severe ties,  let destiny guide.  We arrive quickly inner beast rhythms thumping Tiger rage. Premortal release pulsed, cumbersome to that longing. Feet hit concrete by that Owl drawn to "DJ" what just happened.  Straw drew that nectar to palette "rum buckets" connected ceribal moment of connections, drums calling. 

Destined for palm trees, white beaches and tranquility we arrive, a "Passage" we were given, Aussie connections filled with laughter, a spirit guide in form of a dog "Bommer" be his immortal name daily joy. The edge fully dissipates at sight of light and dark orange sun glares unaware of any hour passing.

Sunshine rays, we land in Vietnam into that said hour our destination relics of past "The Vietnam war" masked from vision behind new construction walls observation of grief. Masked memories of past, embrace, educate and allow thy tiresome stories to be told. My father, your father drawn to understand the silence of unnecessary war. Not mine, not yours, not ours not anyone never was that said challenge in such disregard do we walk solitude to find peace.

Backpacks stuffed, high heels kicked off, unstripped, bare we took a great walk about of unplanned, joyful trip filled with local kindness and worldly connections... 

All images © 2016 Lisa M. Inman