The Mysteries of Nazca Lines
After a 16 hour bus ride from Trujillo, we finally arrived at Nazca, home of the famous Nazca lines. There are many theories attempting to explain the existence of those mysterious figures cast in the desert, and why they were created in such a way that the figures are only identifiable when viewed from air. Some believe that the lines were created by Alien spacecraft which were following a certain route and its proximity to the ground blew away the sand (or rocks) below. A more likely theory was that the Nazca people created those shapes to appease God and pray for the rain they needed to survive in the harsh enviroment. Yet others believe that the animal shapes were representitive of the mental images that occur to the people when they were on a high ( part of an Ancient cultural ritual).
Whatever the explanation, it was interesting for me to see those lines in person, from high above air on a tiny aircraft. I have read from Lonely Planet that people prone to motion sickness may suffer on the flight, so was relieved when I found an empty bag behind each seat. As soon as I got settled in the seat I opened the bag and prepare it so it's ready if needed. Then I looked up and saw the pilot looking at me and smiling, shaking his head. Well, just in case anyway. The aircraft followed a fixed path and the pilot point out each figure in the sand as we come close. It´s not hard to see why people would get sick, because the aircraft literally circle each figure for people on one side, and then the other. And it is amazing the the figures were found in the first place, because they are pretty small compared to the vast desert on which they are drawn on. My friend were more impressed by the geometric lines on the sand, which were also made by the same people, but pretty big in scale.
We will be catching a 14 hour bus ride to Cuzco tonight. And from what I´ve heard on the internet, I am fearing for my life.. just kidding.. but I am worried that I will feel as sick as the many others who went before me, either from the treacherous mountain road or from the high altitude. Definitely not looking forward to it! Let's just hope that Cuzco lives up to the hype and that Machu Picchu is worth 4 days of hiking without shower. :)
One more thing, I lost my bank card today :( Will attempt to live off my travel companions for as long as they will let me. Fingers crossed I will survive till my replacement card arrives...
posted by Susan @ 10:52 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home