Two Worlds

Laboured breaths with each strenuous uphill step, taking in the ancient spirits from an ancient world when the earth was venerated. Every stride taken prompts visions of the Chaquis who journied this rigorous passage. In an empire of siwi, corn and orchids, rock etched with lichen, sweltering heat and winds that bite; a worn path of rugged stone and steps rises then falls through the damp cloud forest on Pachamama's curves leading to primordial sacred sites. Tasting the victory of reaching that final destination evokes emotions of gratitude, while honouring a vanished civilization and those who perished defending their ancesteral province. Amid the ghostly essence of the terraced terrain a lone condor circles above-