Huaca Pucclana and More of Lima, Peru

I have been meaning to update this blog for the longest time.

(In part due to seeing Alex update his - just go to his photo blog to see where we have been more recently!)

This set of photos show the day back in November 2022 when we went to Huaca Pucllana, one of the oldest ruins of Peru! It’s older than Machu Picchu, and was constructed in 200AD. It’s conveniently located in Lima, and seeing how the city developed around it was cool.

It was also used as a site for the ritual of human sacrifice, and seeing the figures was kind of :|.

An interesting thing was how after the tour, you are greeted with a group of Peru’s well known animals! Llamas, alpacas, and the cuys! There were some coca plants, too.

We also walked around Lima and admired the local art around the city.

Chantal

Extreme Desert Experience in Huacachina, Peru

After exploring the seaside Paracas, we headed off to the desert oasis of Huacachina in Ica, Peru!

It’s my first desert experience. It was nothing short of amazing to see the tallest sand dunes in South America towering over the little oasis town of Huacachina.

Part of the tour was riding on an extreme dune buggy with a group of people, and zipping through the tall sand dunes!

I just wanted to share that our driver was also texting while driving… I am so glad we are still alive.6

Such an amazing experience though, really love that Peru has different kinds of terrains we were able to explore.

At the end of the day, we were treated with our first desert sunset.

At the end of the day, we were treated with our first desert sunset.

Exploring Puerto Vallarta & Almost Drowning in Sayulita, Mexico!

Took some time off work recently, and we were able to explore more of Puerto Vallarta with Alex’s sister, Olivia and her husband Jaron! The Laniers are in town and we couldn’t be more happy to have them with us!

We took them to all the good spots we found in PV, and basked in the sun! Alex also rented a car and we drove up to Sayulita, a smaller surf town that’s less than an hour away.

Unfortunately, I did almost drown but I am so thankful for Alex for saving me! Without him and the surfers around us that day, I would have definitely panicked and wouldn’t know what to do.

Sharing some photos from our sunny getaway!

Olivia and Alex

Olivia and Alex

We have a photo together not taken by us! Thank you Olivia!

We have a photo together not taken by us! Thank you Olivia!

Olivia and Jaron - The Laniers!

Olivia and Jaron - The Laniers!

Exploring Cartagena, Colombia

I can’t believe it’s been over a year since we were in Cartagena, Colombia and I haven’t posted photos yet!

It’s our first time being on the Caribbean, and exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site was just an experience I feel thankful for that Alex and I share!

 Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the Spanish, so that's 12 years AFTER they were in the Philippines! Look at this awesome view of sea and city.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the Spanish, so that's 12 years AFTER they were in the Philippines! Look at this awesome view of sea and city.

Life in Lima, Peru and Seeing the Paracas Candelabra

It’s been a while since my last update! 110 days to be exact.

We were in an amazing apartment overlooking the city and mountain view of San Jose, Costa Rica. Since then, Alex and I have been to Los Angeles, Cancun, and now we are currently in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

It’s been great seeing my dad after 4 years! And of course I spent time with my 91 year old grandma who’s still winning over everyone in tongits. Being in LA really is a treat for me, I get to see amazing things, eat great food, and get to know my relatives a bit more! I haven’t posted about anything LA, so I’ll make it a point to gather my favorite photos soon.

I had my birthday recently, and it was amazing. Alex surprised me with a dinner at Elizabeth Taylor’s former residence here in PV.

April 9, 2023 - My birthday in The Iguana, PV

April 9, 2023 - My birthday in The Iguana, PV

Life has been amazing and I hope you are good, too.

I don’t update my Instagram as much as before, but here’s a link just in case you were wondering where we really are!

And now to the real post!