Pete

Hi, this is Pete. Today, the fifth day of our journey, we took a hike to the ancient Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The hike was much harder than most because of the lack of oxygen in the air. But the hike was worth it when we reached the top and saw the breathtaking structure. It was a myriad of boulders upon boulders. The largest ones were at the bottom to create a stronger support. The largest of the boulders were around 18 tall. It was a wonder that men could transport such mammoth rocks.

Even more impressive was the way in which these boulders were carved.
Each boulder was carved expertly to fit perfectly with adjacent
boulders. Every wall looked like a jigsaw puzzle, without any spaces
between pieces. It is amazing that such perfection could be created
over 600 years ago. We later learned that the area of Sacsayhuaman was
called Puma City and was made to look like a Puma. Every structure was
made to look like a specific part of the Puma.

The Incan civilization was so powerful and advanced that their history is almost addicting. I cannot wait to go to the Citadel of Machu Picchu to see more wonders of the Incan Empire.

Comments

amyonlpr
May 29, 2009, 2:58 pm

Hi Pete! This is Dewey’s Mom. What a breath-taking site! The books do not do this justice! What a feat of mankind! You captured a very nice picture that allows us, your audience, to almost feel like we are there with you all! Well done!

Amy S
mama de pedro
May 29, 2009, 6:19 pm

HI Pete and the NG Kids Team!

Mom here! WOW! You know I would not have made that climb easily! Very cool picture, “looking up” as you do with all things. I miss you and Dad, Bud, but I know you are having a blast! Stay safe, and avoid all those bugs… God bless you.

NG Kids Team: Every one of your blogs has been fantastic! Moving, inspiring, gorgeous photos and fun, you are all doing a great job, and you make us, your families proud.

NG team and the lovely people of Peru–thanks again for giving the kids a magnificent adventure!

Mom/Michaelann
jmk
May 29, 2009, 9:58 pm

What a wonderful way to describe the Incan civilization, and what an amazing photo! The reader can feel what it must be like to be with you on this amazing journey. Keep blogging and photographing! (And tell your fellow explorers that we miss them, but all is well.) On to the Amazon! — Nellie’s mom
Jabbr
May 30, 2009, 11:20 pm

Dear Pete,

It sounds like a fantastic trip. Glad you and your team are enjoying everything about this fabulous journey. I’ll bet it’s really opened your eyes to a different culture and way of life. We can’t wait to hear every word and see your pictures when you and your dad get back home. And just imagine your “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” homework! Take care.

love,
Aunt Bridget and Uncle Rick
Maryland BEAR
May 31, 2009, 8:10 am

Hi Pete!

Good morning from Rockville! We know that you’re having a blast and will have tons of photos and stories to share with us when you get home. Keep that big SMILE in your heart and enjoy your trip! Say “Hola” to your dad for us. Love, B.E.A.R (The Alexander Cousins)
luckstomper
May 31, 2009, 9:18 am

Hi guys!

Sounds like you guys are having the trip of a lifetime! I really wish I was there with you! And I though that on the 27th that you guys were supposed to visit Machu Picchu?! But you didn’t post about it Pete. How come? And for those of you who are familiar with last years blogs and videos, you know how they helped save the Tasmanian Devil? Well when they went the devils were on the vulnerable list but now they are on the endangered list! If you want to learn more about it go to the “News Bites” blog. Well you guys are currently in the Amazon! Have fun! Discover, Learn, Inspire!<———that’s my new motto for this contest!

~~~~JON~~~~
(luckstomper)
P.S. I haven’t posted in a long time! But I have been reading everything that comes out. And a looooong sigh because no videos, maybe next year!
loupons
May 31, 2009, 12:59 pm

Pete! We are all so proud of you back here at NHMS! We miss your wit. You have missed the last vocab quiz, but I guess I will let it go since you are on the adventure of a lifetime! Your picture is amazing. You described it beautifully in your log. You seem to be in the company of very talented young people who share your interests in capturing the beauty that surrounds us. We have been following your exploits and are glad you are feeling better…what an itinerary! I can’t believe you ate guinea pig…Mrs. Cronauer would be horrified~she has an affinity for the little rodents:)

Can’t wait to see you!

All the best! Ms. Pons and your friends at school!
slear
May 31, 2009, 7:45 pm

Hi Big Pete – Willem, Peter, and Grace here…We miss you. We love reading your adventures and can’t wait for you to come home to show us pictures and tell us stories. Aunt Col here – so proud of you, Peter. Your writing is fantastic as are your pictures. Be safe and tell your dad we said hi.
ryan cousins
June 1, 2009, 2:39 pm

Hey Pete!
Wow! What an adventure you are having! We wish we could be there with you! Can’t wait to hear more when we see you in person. Bet you’ll have lots of stories to share with Mommy’s class! Have a safe trip home!
mummum
June 1, 2009, 8:45 pm

Pete-Pop and I have enjoyed following you through Peru. We have told all our friends about you. It sounds like a trip of a life time. The pictures are great. I know how proud you Mom and Dad are of you and so is the whole Ryan clan. I’m sure the people from National Geographics are enjoying the trip and also love having you with them. Hug you Dad for us and will see you when you get home. Hugs and kisses. MUMMUM and PopPop
mummum
June 1, 2009, 8:56 pm

Pete-I thought I had written a note but you know how the computer fools me, so I’ll write again, with pleasure. Pop and I are following your trip and it seems like great fun. Your e-mails are beautifully written. We are very proud of you and have told all of our friends. We missed you at the golf tournment and you Dad too. It was very successful. Kevin would have been proud of you and I know his watching over you. Be safe and look forward to seein you at home. Love Mummum
shastasteph
June 1, 2009, 9:04 pm

Wow. I haven’t blogged in a long time. I’ve been busy since this is my last week of school. Yipee! Luckstomper, it’s so sad the the Tasmanian devil is now on the endangered list! That’s not good. Also, today in class, we watched a little movie about the cane toad being introduced to Australia and becoming a major invasive species. It’s terrible that whoever thought of introducing them to Australia didn’t test how they would affect the ecosystem there fist. The cane toad didn’t even do what it was supposed to do! Now the toad is spreading all over Queensland. The terrible part is that the cane toad keeps increasing in numbers and taking over all the wildlife. Native Australian species that have cane toads living in the same area are decreasing in numbers. Many native species may soon be wiped out. It’s so sad. Look what happens when people don’t do their homework!
Bluebird Lady
June 4, 2009, 11:52 am

Hi Pete, it’s Kenny’s Aunt Karen! Yes, I know that I am a bit late and you are now on your way home (if not already here), but I thought I’d send you a message anyway! It sounds like you have had the time of your life in Peru. Certainly, you have accumulated many special memories!

I’m sure you’ll have to take a few days to readjust to life at home, but I hope you’ll be recharged and itching to find out what has been happening in your nest boxes at Eden Mill while you’ve been away. We are anxious to have you back, especially to see how your new camera and photography skills can be put to use at the park. I’ve really enjoyed learning about your trip. Hope to hear more the next time I see you.

Miss Karen