Polonia Ensemble in Peru

08-20-2006 Sand Dunes of Huacachina

2006-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Huacachina is a beautiful little desert oasis with a lake close to the city of Ica. It is purely a tourism town. Huacachina is surrounded by the palm trees and massive sand dunes . Huacachina is also famous for a very unusual activity, namely sand-boarding.

The trip of the Polonia Ensemble to Peru was more than just a trip, it was an amazing adventure, and a wonderful experience full of memories that will last us all a lifetime. This trip provided us with many opportunities not only to perform and teach others about the Polish culture, but also to learn about the culture of others. Through activities such as sand boarding in the sand dunes of Peru, we learned about a part of the Peruvian culture and had a great experience.
The thrilling experience began at about noon when the Polonia Ensemble left the hotstal and drove up the sand dunes in ATV’s. This by itself was quite exciting because many of us never have had the opportunity to go riding on sand dunes before with the wind blowing, motor roaring, and everyone just having an amazing time. Once we reached the top of a dune we were astonished by the beautiful landscapes. After taking pictures that will help us remember this great day of our trip in Peru, we were finally ready to start the real fun. We all got the boards out of the ATV’s and we went to the edge of the dune. Though some people were fearless and went down right away, others were a little more apprehensive, but in the end everyone found a way to enjoy themselves during this great day. While the parents mainly just watched and took photos, the dancers took advantage of the great opportunity and went down the dunes as much as possible. Even though we were not all successful going down as perfectly as we wanted to, and many times we would encounter some type of obstacle and end up falling into the sand that was everywhere, even in our mouths and eyes, we persevered and in the end our sand boarding skills improved enormously.
Now we can come back from Peru and not only have wonderful memories and knowledge about the Peruvian culture, but we can all proudly say that we even learned a new skill.
--Karolina Maslanka

08-14-2006 First Encounter with Arequipa

2006-08-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

08-13-2006 First International festival in Chivay

2006-08-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

08-12-2006 Back to the Top

2006-08-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

08-11-2006 Conquering the Colca Canyon

2006-08-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is the canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru. It is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. Colca Canyon is the deepest canyons in the world at 10,725 ft (3,269 m), it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States.
The Colca River has carved the canyon over thousands of years. Surrounding mountains tower 11,000-foot (3,400-meter) above the river on the canyon floor in places. The Colca Canyon is home of the majestic Condor. The Colca Canyon and Valley, its gorgeus landscapes and beautiful flora and fauna will surround you.
The Rio Colca canyon was first navigated by members of the Polish Canoandes '79 expedition.
Our group explored the Colca Canyon with Andrzej Pietowski, one of the member of Canoandes '79 .
Read more about the expedition Canoandes '79 .

Links:
1. Tygodnik "Wprost, (13 sierpnia 2006), Olgierd Budrewicz z Peru
Dno Ziemi 100 tysięcy turystów zeszło w 2005 r. do doliny Colca, ale do Canco na dnie najgłębszego kanionu świata - tylko kilkuset. Olgierd Budrewicz zPeru. W czasie schodzenia w głąb kanionu Colca jednemu z uczestników obsunęła się noga i z wąskiej ścieżki runął w przepaść. Grupa towarzyszących mu osób zamarła, czytaj wiecej

2. National Geographic News, Explorers Pinpoint Source of the Amazon

08-10-2006 Back to Puno - Mrs Eva's Broken Leg, Floating Island Uros, Army's Support

2006-08-27T04:13:00.000-07:00

The very next morning, very early actually, we woke up and boarded the little yachts waiting for us at the small docks. These took us on a 1 ½ hour ride to the floating Uros islands, where we were taught about the lake's history, beginnings, legends, and lives. We also ate the Totora reed which tastes sort of like celery flavored with bananas. We learned how the islands and homes are made too. The island, is made first by cutting up blocks of mud that float up during the rain season, held together with Totora roots, and interwoven with the reed. Then, after several layers of this, a thick layer of dried spongy Totora is layed on top. Altogether these layers have a thickness of 10-12 feet. This is renewed every so often, and is very soft and nice to walk on. The islands are held down by a 12-15 foot eucalyptus pole stuck in the mud, and sometimes it is pulled out to allow the island to drift. But when individual homes want to move, they simply pick them up, put them on a reed boat, and go! We even got to move a house ourselves! We had a lot of fun on Lake Titicaca, and saw a lot too, and the memory of the lake will always stay in our minds, and our hearts.
By Adrian Adamiec

08-09-2006 Lake Titicaca, Amantani Island

2006-08-27T03:48:00.000-07:00

Our Lake Titicaca expedition in Peru was an amazing adventure into the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first night on the expedition, we slept in the native islander's home on one of the lakes peninsulas. They even held a celebration in the little "town hall" making us feel right at home in the farthest place from it. It is something we will always remember. Their bright (well okay, brownish) faces welcoming us in to their dance circle, which really got the party started. There were no disco balls or booming speakers, but the flute playing island boys were good enough. When we came home to our clay floored huts for dinner, our hosts welcomed us in and got us situated in one of the bedrooms. They then welcomed us by the fire, to watch (I even helped) the fire burn and crackle, lighting their smiling faces, and keeping us company on such a primitive island without plumbing or electricity. So in the little candle lit homes, we felt like true natives, braving the lake like Peruvians.
By: Adrian Adamiec

08-08-2006 Polonia Day in Cuzco

2006-08-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

08-07-2006 Pisaq by Bike

2006-08-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

08-06-2006 Machu Picchu

2006-08-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Machu Picchu is picture-perfect, like you see in the postcards and all that you have heard about it. It is nestled in the Andes, surrounded by clouds and mountains in all directions.

The Sunday of our first week in Peru, we devoted an entire day to the beautiful and greatly acclaimed Machu Picchu, while enjoying our 4-day stay in Cusco. Wake-up call was at 5 AM, followed by a quick breakfast and brisk walk to the buses that we would be traveling on for the next hour and a half. Most of us slept through the ride and by the time we boarded our train, all 48 of us were wide awake and enjoying the scenery the train passed through for the next two hours. Upon arrival all of us once again boarded the buses that would wind their way up to the top of the site. The road was bery narrow and looking out the window and downward was enough to make one's stomach hurt. After finally reaching the top, changing into more comfortable clothes, and solving a few complications, we made our way through the gate and onto the steps of Machu Picchu, over-looking the green-green grass, once whole homes now only a mass of rubble, and the vivacious mountains and atmosphere that surrounded us. All of it was simply so entrancing, it was almost impossible to take it all in. We walked on the many steps and followed the small trails into caves and crevices, massacred homes and destroyed land. We took too many group pictures, yet still not enough because a picture is, after all, worth a thousand words. Towards the end of our hike we even got to see a large slab of rock that told the seasons and supposedly gave off some sort of energy. By the end of the day, every single one of us was exhausted and ready to go back to your hostal in Cusco. However, as our bus drove back down the winding and narrow road, no one could fall asleep for even a split-second, because at every curve that we turned a little boy would appear making strange hand motions while yelling. When we finally got to the the bottom the little boy boarded the bus and yelled something none of us could understand, while proceeding to ask for money. Almost everyone managed to give a little something and when he finished going around, he ran to the front of the bus, once again yelled something none of us could understand, and them moved out of the way so all of us could get off. When we were all finally gathered together, we split up into 3 groups for lunch, each group going to a different place. The food wasn't exactly what one could call the best, but it was enough. When everyone met up, we left for the train station, which would be followed by a long bus ride, altogether a 3 to 4 hour journey back to our hostal in Cusco. Although we were all tired, the only thing anyone could honestly complain about was the horrible bug bites you got if you rolled up your jeans or wore shorts while trying to absorb all the true beauty that had surrounded us. A sight that could take ones breath away, Machu Picchu is a magic one must see for yourself because in words, it simply cannot be described.

--Kasia Lemanek

08-05-2006 First Day in Cusco

2006-08-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

Early in the morning, our group headed to the airport to take a StarPeru flight to Cusco. Taking a little more than an hour, the flight took us over the Andes mountains, which was too short a visit to get enough of them. Our adventures in Cusco started with a walking tour of the town square, which was wonderfully close to our hotels. A large cathedral, second church, shops, cafes and restaurants all centered around the square, making for a great place to spend mealtimes and for shopping with friends. Later we hopped on a tour bus to visit a few of the fun points interest that made the landscape around Cusco.
Our first stop was at the Temple of Water. There we got our first real taste of just how high up we were, because it took only about half a dozen good steps to feel short of breath. We were greeted by large ancient stones intically placed together to form fountains that still flow today. We wasted no time in getting together to take pictures of odd poses and wash our faces in the lucky stream. Along the way we also met our first lamas and got started in bargaining for hand-woven wares that would keep us warm in the already chilly climate.
Our next stop was at a place called Saksai Waman. It was a great terraced fortress-like structure built into a hill. Its giant stones were placed fantastically by the skilled ancient Incas and were fun to climb onto and look out from at the surrounding landscape. One of the biggest stones was believed to be a source of vital energy from nature. We all took turns to stand near it with our hands out, meditating and absorbing its ancient power. Some of us said that they felt the Incas might.
--Matthew Pd.

08-04-2006 First Impressions

2006-08-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was quite jam packed with activities and impressions. After everyone arose from some very needed slumber, we got our costumes together and headed to the Polish Embassy in Lima. Before arriving there to perform, we stopped at a place called Park Milosci. There was a gorgeous sight and adorable statue of two lovers kissing. One of Peru's most romantic spots, I'm sure. Then we visited Barrango for some high quality shopping! Afterwards, we danced at the embassy. The people were extremely warm and welcoming. They hadn't had any performers dance there in almost 25 years! I felt proud to be the first to make an equally profound impression on the people there as they had for me. The Polish Ambassador, Przemyslaw Marzec, was overwhelmingly hospitable and made us feel as if we were performing on our own soil. We were thankful to have an opportunity to share dinner with him and visit his beautiful residence. After dancing, we were connected with Radio 1030 AM in Chicago. The Ambassador, Pani Ania Krysinski, Pan Andrzej Pietowski, Ania Majka and myself were able to speak about our first impressions of Peru including this first performance here. The interviewing will be broadcasted on Monday, 08-07-06 at 6 PM so feel free to tune in and hear some more stories about our arrival and first day! --Monika Ch.

08-03-2006 Welcome to Peru

2006-08-04T20:28:00.001-07:00

After much anticipation and a delayed plane ride, we finally made it to our final destination- Lima, Peru. Everything at the airport went well, other than the four hour delay, of course.
Mrs. Anna Sokolowski, Vice President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, came to wish us a safe and enjoyable vacation. That was a nice surprise. Upon our arrival, Pan Andrzej Pietowski greeted us with a warm smile and three buses ready to take us to Buena Vista Hostel in Miraflores. The journey has been long and we are all tired but more importantly excited about what adventures the next few weeks will bring. Until next time! --Monika Ch.

07/30/06 - Only three days left

2006-07-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Only three days left. We fly out on Aeromexico this Thursday at 8:40 am from O'Hare airport, Chicago. The flight is to Lima with one stop in Mexico City (Chicago-Mexico City -4h, Mexico City - Lima - 6h).

Today, the whole Polonia group and parents attended the Sunday Mass in Saint Fer dinand Church. The mass was celebrated in intention for our group and our trip to Peru. We have felt very special. Father Roman Rataj said the nice words about our group and encouraged us to promote our faith and Polish culture.
After the mass, we had the meeting to overview the action items for this week.

will be continued...

Our trip to Peru

2006-07-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Summer 2006
Polonia Ensemble is participating in the XXVI International Festival of Folkloric Dances Festidanza 2006, Arequipa in Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Our concert tour will begin in Lima, followed by Cusco, Arequipa and Chivay. We will visit the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, spend night on Taquile Island, trek to Tapay at “the end of the world”. We plan on exploring the world's deepest canyon, Colca Canyon, with Andrzej Pietowski, the Polish explorer who first came to Peru with Polish kayakers from Krakow in 1981 to go down the Colca River.