nazca
We returned to the desert and among the massive, rolling sand dunes is found the Huacachina oasis. I have never seen a real life oasis before and it is an unusual sight. To look down on the town from one of the high sand dunes is quite amazing. All the trees, vegetation and lush greenery look so out of place. The oasis itself is on the tourist trail as they cater to those looking to do a spot of sand boarding or ride a sand buggy. I was crap at snow boarding some years ago and the same applies to my sand boarding. It was fun though. The sand buggy was also quite a thrill but with each vertical drop or climb, it just created a desire for more daring theatrics. In the end I was caked in sand. Everywhere.
Another few hours up the coast is the town of Nazca. It was a pleasure to pitch my tent this time as I knew it would be the last time. I had wanted to 'upgrade' to a room but none were available. I suppose that saved me some dough. The only thing in Nazca is the lines. All tourism is geared for that purpose. As we arrived in the late afternoon, the fly over would take place next day.
As usual the party animals that make up my tour group where safely tucked away in bed by 9pm. The campsite was close to the airport and some distance from the main town but I decided to see it anyway. Nazca is a typical south american town of the type I have described before. There were plenty of people milling about and curiously a large congregation of men sitting in one corner of the square. I couldn't figure out what they were doing. Probably escaping their wives. And shock horror, there wasn´t an Irish pub.
The flights over the lines last about 30 minutes. They are light aircraft with seating for six. I have not travelled in such a small airplane before and truthfully I was a little concerned as to its stability and safety. Oh, there was a concern that I might puke up or even worse, someone pukes on me. These were groundless worries. The take off and landing were better than manyI have had on commercial airlines. Mind you, it was noisey. That said there is no other way to truly see the lines than from high above.
The flight path covers the main gigantic geoglyphs. They were created by the Nazca peoples between 200 BC and 600 AD. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards. No one is quite sure of their significance or indeed how they were made. After all there were no airplanes back then for them to assess their work. Naturally there are many competing theories.
It is incredible to see them. So many of them. After a short time I realised photography was a bit pointless so I just sat back and enjoyed the view. I got a good picture of the monkey though. I won´t pretend than the Nazca lines capture my imagination to the same degree as say, Machu Picchu but it was a thoroughly worthwhile and inspiring experience.
Another few hours up the coast is the town of Nazca. It was a pleasure to pitch my tent this time as I knew it would be the last time. I had wanted to 'upgrade' to a room but none were available. I suppose that saved me some dough. The only thing in Nazca is the lines. All tourism is geared for that purpose. As we arrived in the late afternoon, the fly over would take place next day.
As usual the party animals that make up my tour group where safely tucked away in bed by 9pm. The campsite was close to the airport and some distance from the main town but I decided to see it anyway. Nazca is a typical south american town of the type I have described before. There were plenty of people milling about and curiously a large congregation of men sitting in one corner of the square. I couldn't figure out what they were doing. Probably escaping their wives. And shock horror, there wasn´t an Irish pub.
The flights over the lines last about 30 minutes. They are light aircraft with seating for six. I have not travelled in such a small airplane before and truthfully I was a little concerned as to its stability and safety. Oh, there was a concern that I might puke up or even worse, someone pukes on me. These were groundless worries. The take off and landing were better than manyI have had on commercial airlines. Mind you, it was noisey. That said there is no other way to truly see the lines than from high above.
The flight path covers the main gigantic geoglyphs. They were created by the Nazca peoples between 200 BC and 600 AD. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards. No one is quite sure of their significance or indeed how they were made. After all there were no airplanes back then for them to assess their work. Naturally there are many competing theories.
It is incredible to see them. So many of them. After a short time I realised photography was a bit pointless so I just sat back and enjoyed the view. I got a good picture of the monkey though. I won´t pretend than the Nazca lines capture my imagination to the same degree as say, Machu Picchu but it was a thoroughly worthwhile and inspiring experience.
posted by Ciarán at 8:20 p.m.
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