Peru Video

O.K. back to our semi-regular feature of videos from South America. After much gasping and praying to God we reach the top of the highest part of the Inca trail called "Dead woman's Pass" How high? oh, just about 13,500 feet. Not unlike the first time you fall in love or 2000 presidential election: it took my breath away.


All of the porters on the Inca trail chewed Coca leaves. The history of coca chewing dates back at least to the sixth century. Coca leaves have been used in ceremonies, as offerings to the Gods and has practical applications as well. What are those? First they are full of vitamins and protein, they alleviate hunger, and give a boost to energy, not unlike a cup of coffee would. Coca can also help relive altitude sickness, it was used as an anaesthetic for operations during Inca times and when chewed long enough starts to numb the mouth exactly like Novocaine. Everyone knows about the history of Coca-Cola and Cocaine BUT did you know that Coke still imports tons of coca leaves to use as "a taste enhancer" in their peppy little soda.
Cocaine is NOT coca, the process to make cocaine is long and involved. Cocaine has only been around since 1860 when Albert Niemann made some in his lab. After discovering cocaine, later that night he painted his house, did some push-ups, and bought a Lamborghini. Cocaine is, crystalline tropane alkaloid. Cocaine sulfate is produced by macerating coca leaves along with water that has been acidulated with sulfuric acid, or an aromatic-based solvent, like kerosene or benzene. This is often accomplished by placing the ingredients into a vat and stomping on it, in a manner similar to the traditional method for crushing grapes.
I only point all of this out to make the distinction between how the natives use coca leaves and how coca is perceived in the U.S. The er ratification policy forced on Bolivia is seen as a personal attack by the natives by people who do not understand/care about their culture. I do not this destroying the coca crops is the answer, I think the question we must answer is why does the U.S.A. use so much cocaine in the first place and how can we cut down on demand. The U.S. accounts for 50% of ALL cocaine consumption worldwide.
WOW, I really started to rant about that coca leaf thing, must have had too much coffee. Anyhoo, the real question is how do the coca leaves taste? I think my wife can answer that question.


So, after the Inca trail we took a train down to Puno. On the train as we slept a group of Peruvians snuck in. Very quietly they moved through the train and came to a stop next to where we were seated and then.........



And then they wanted a tip, instead I gave them a demand "Give me back my hearing!"
Now a view from the train of a typical Peruvian town

And I will end up with a parade that was going on out side, kids parading around town very cute.


Tune in next time for a trip around Omaha