Tag: photography

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Christmas in Cusco

A few family members are in the Peruvian Andes city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire that is now designated the historical capital of Peru. They’ve been hiking the Machu Picchu range which is truly a spectacular site to behold. The altitude is 7,972 feet (2,430 meters), and as elevation can affect people in different ways my brother said they took two days to acclimate before making their way to the Aguas Calientes.

The natural setting is spectacular and most impressive. I remember a college professor stating that Machu Picchu was used as an astronomical observatory. The Inca’s positioned the buildings and grounds to observe celestial objects and phenomena which helped to identify seasonal changes. Indicating the best time to plant or harvest their crops.

Built in the 15th century, it is also believed to have been a sacred religious site or a royal estate for Inca leaders.

Regardless of what the sight was used for in the past, today it is truly a vision to behold!!!

Kathleen

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Akrotiri, Santorini- the Bronze Age City

On our recent trip to Santorini, we visited an excavation site called Akrotiri which is a foregone Bronze Age City. It was incredible to see what archaeologist have unearthed, and to learn this was a civilization that had been part of the Minoan culture. 

Our guide stated that Akrotiri was a 3,600-year-old city that had been buried in ash from an enormous volcanic eruption in 1650 BC, that decimated all life on the island and erased an entire city-state. The ruins now serve as a time capsule for contemporary scientist and art historians who learn more each day about these early inhabitants.

The island was referred to as Thira 3,600 years ago after their mythical ruler Theras. The Minoan’s who flourished here and on the nearby island of Crete were annihilated by the cataclysmic ash cloud that formed over what was left of island for two years.

According to ancient writers this eruption plunged the earth into a period of global cooling.

To walk thru this archeological wonderland is a phenomenal experience, and incredible to witness. Seeing this ancient township took me back to my early college days of art history, and studying the very small section on Minoan culture. One can see frescos on walls, various artworks and object d’art as well as experience the culture.

Stay tuned for more adventures,
Kathleen