As promised, here’s more about the Colca Canyon. The story is that Francisco Pizarro’s brother, Gonzalo, was given the region in 1530s as his own private encomienda (Spanish landholding) to exploit. In the seventeenth century, the area was split into village districts which concentrated the previously dispersed population in the newly established villages. Many of the terraces which you saw yesterday fell into disuse because the locals chose to farm nearer their new homes.
Silver was mined until the nineteenth century and the relatively grand churches still stand – just about. For example, the tiny village of Maca – scarecly more than a market square – houses this rickety example with its highly ornate interior:
The locals continue to wear the area’s traditional hat, even with modern clothing:
There are some wonderfully weird statues in the little villages but this one is entirely incomprehensible – and comprehensible at the same time:
And now for something completely different. We promised you alpacas – and here’s the story. We went for a walk to our hotel’s ‘Rancho Alpaca’ across the river and a rather nice dog came with us to visit.
However, he caused quite a stir amongst the alpacas when he got into the field and one chased him off:
Once on our side of the fence, the interactions between the dog and the alpacas were terribly funny: with the alpacas hanging out together to make sure the dog stayed in its place:
In the end, the dog lay down and played submissive, so I think the score is Alpacas 1, Dog 0.
Here are a couple of portraits of the cutest ones: – not because it fits in the story but simply because I couldn’t leave them out:
Who cuts the alapacas’ fringes?
Ah, one of life’s mysteries! I guess since alpacas are kept for wool and ( sorry) meat, when whoever owns them sees them stumbling into things, they maybe go and cut the fringes?
The statue is fantastic – probably an allegory on the uselessness of men and the eternal burden women have to bear.
I couldn’t possibly comment! We were told by our driver it was a carnival thing …
Really enjoyed the alpaca v dog match. They are v beautiful.
They are V beautiful and also fierce I think. The dog was V friendly but clearly a disturbing presence to alpaca!
Bought a jumper yet?
Not yet though have seen some V stylish zip up cardies..also haven’t yet bought the poncho ( still time)
That face on the virgin looks strangely plastic. Those alpacas are great though they seem to have lost the elegance of their forebears (Vicuna).
Yes, no idea if the statues are plastic or some kind of painted wood. I agree that vicuna are much more elegant though would never say that in an alpaca’s presence – suspect they’re easily hurt emotionally
I love alpacas particularly as socks made of alpaca wool are essential for me in Winter!
Alpaca wool a wonderful thing! Today I bought a jumper made of baby alpaca ( not the wool of baby alpacas apparently but the first shear of the alpaca)