The sad town of Pisco (with its amazing people).
Trip Start
Jun 01, 2008
1
9
22
Trip End
Jul 27, 2008
Pisco,
Peru
Monday, June 23, 2008
This place is really quite sad. It was virtually destroyed by a significant earthquake last year and many people are still living in very temporary housing including tents. The streets are a shambles, many rubble. However, amongst all the doom and gloom the people are rebuilding their houses, businesses and lives and they are back on the gringo trail particularly with the popular trips out to the Ballestas Islands, known as the poor man´s Galapagos.
One thing we´re starting to notice now is the number of other tourists we´re seeing. Compared to Ecuador and northern Peru it is very different. Many tourists seem put out when you try and talk to them (as if they are ´breaking new ground´here and don´t want to be seen associating with other tourists - interesting but no problem)
A seal family on the Ballestas Islands
.Pisco is also the home of the ´famous´ drink Pisco which is a type of brandy. The popular method of consumption is in a Pisco Sour (mixed with lemon, sugar syrup and egg white). Had to try the local brew of course, don´t know that we´ll bother again!
Had a 2 hour boat trip to the Islands and saw many of the species expected - birds, seals, penguins - plus lots of guano which is mined and brought back to Peru for fertiliser. Of course, we also go to see the (in) famous Blue Footed Booby - what a treat! It was a good excursion and resembled a trip down to Bruny Island in a lot of ways with the wildlife.
All´s good. Onto Nazca via Huachina Oasis tomorrow!
Cheers
nic & Pam
