Arequipa (a.m.) / Atico (p.m.), Peru

  • Date
  • 13 September 2001
  • Lodging
  • Don Oscar
  • Distance
  • 770 KM
  • Total
  • 211170 KM

Flew over Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this morning and witnessed people living in the massive depths of a gorge, which can be reached only via animal or foot. Melted snow from the jagged Andean peaks supplies water to these villagers, who worship the mountain god, Apu, supplier of life-giving water. The valley dwellers live a simple – many would say backwards – life as compared to those who died while working in New York’s Twin Towers. Flying over, though, I couldn’t help but think that the people in the valley never have to worry about a terrorist attack.