Coastal View near Lima
Harsh Landscape (on the bus from Lima to Huacachina)
Barren land
Inca Kola is the most popular soft drink in Peru. Coca-Cola knew that it could not beat it, as it acquired it with its financial might. I thought the orange fruit was a pear, and took a bite and found out that it was another kind of fruit like passion fruit - it is sweet and has a layer of flesh over its numerous seeds. I was quite happy to discover new things.
It is called Passiflora ligularis.
"Passiflora ligularis, commonly known as the Sweet granadilla or Grenadia is a plant species in the Passiflora genus. The epithet ligulariscomes from the plant's ligulate corollae. It is native to the Andes Mountains between Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia. It grows as far south as northern Argentina and as far north as Mexico. Outside of its native range it grows in the tropical mountains of Africa and Australia (where they are known as passionfruit)"
I was pleasantly surprised by the service and efficiency level of the bus operator (Cruz Del Sur). The seats are comfortable and reasonably spacious, and there is an in-bus attendant serving food and drinks. =)
"Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. It is located in the Ica Province, near the city of Ica in theIca District. Huacachina has a population of 115 (1999). The oasis features on the back of the 50 Nuevo Sol note.
Huacachina is built around a small natural lake in the desert. Called the "oasis of America," it serves as a resort for local families from the nearby city of Ica, and increasingly as an attraction for tourists drawn by the sports of sandboarding and taking dune buggy rides on sand dunes that stretch several hundred feet high."
Look at the sand dunes in the background. It should be at least 20-30 storeys high.
Huacachina Oasis
Locals having fun in the Oasis
It was my first time swimming in an Oasis, and the water tasted quite muddy (as you can see). The water was warm at the surface and cold at the bottom. I had great time playing with the local kids, even though we couldn't communicate. For instance, I had a swimming competition with them as well as holding our breath in the water. And I caught them cheating. Haha... It was really fun.
Yesterday, I was swimming in the cold pacific ocean, and today, I was swimming in the warm desert lake. The world is awesome!!! :)
The dune buggy ride was fun! My first time. It was as thrilling as roller-coaster rides, but more fun. =)
Gong-fu jumping shot.
Sand dunes always have a mystical element.
Sandsliding!! Gentle Slope.
Intermediate Slope!
Humongous slope. It should be at least 20 storeys high (the black dot was a person). It was really frightening and fun experience. Adrenalin rushing.
=)
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