The city of Cusco is one of Peru's most important - and most visited - travel destinations, and for good reason: this was the heart of the Inca Empire, a place where all the myth and legend of ancient Andean societies found their most visible and enduring expressions. And that legacy is everywhere; in the city's great ruins and the enormous stone walls that remain standing to this day, in the surrounding villages that have been continuously inhabited for countless centuries and in the faces of the Quechua-speaking locals - people who have seen empires come and go, while their culture and traditions remain as vibrant as ever.
But what what you won't read in most of the guides is that all is not necessarily well in this most popular of popular tourist hotspots. Cusco is a city inundated by visiting outsiders, flocking to experience the city's stunning architecture and its proximity to Peru's other major draw cards, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Cusco is struggling under the strain of its own popularity and it is hugely important that visitors are mindful of their impact on the city, environment and culture that they are visiting. This covers the obvious: try to limit your environmental impact and not worsen the city's congestion problem by zipping around in taxis or small tour buses, ask before taking anyone's photograph and don't be surprised if your subject expects a Sol or two in return.
But also try to learn a little about the culture you're visiting before you arrive. Understand that indigenous Andean communities are often more conservative than Hispanic Peruvians and Westerners, and that for them, many of the must see tourist sights are actually deeply sacred places.
Your Peru Guide: Cusco Highlights In Pictures
The Plaza de Armas is Cusco's old colonial centre, dominated by the Cathedral and several churches. The Cathedral and the Church of the Companion of Jesus are well worth a visit, especially the Cathedral's collection of art from the Cusco School, a blending of indigenous and European influences that represents the cultural assimilation that took place here following the conquest.
The ruins of Saqsaywaman sit on a hilltop looking down over the city and are constructed of enormous stone blocks and impressive fortifications, making everyone assume the place was originally a military fortress. But recent discoveries have suggested the site was at least as important as a spiritual centre. Despite this, the jagged pattern of the walls are still recognisable as the fearsome jaguar teeth they were first intended to replicate.
The neighbourhood of San Blas rises up away from the centre on a steep hillside, and his home to a warren of winding cobbled streets, small squares and original colonial architecture. San Blas gets even more atmospheric at night when the area's bars come alive. Live music and drinks offers can be found in virtually any of the bars around the popular KM 0. They're all tried, tested and recommended.
Visiting Tips
Cusco is a high altitude city. Over 3,300 meters high. And that means very thin air for us sea-level dwellers, which can take several days getting used to. In fact, it's advisable to work your way up to this altitude and visit some of Peru's slightly lower sights first - Arequipa and the Sacred Valley are ideal. If you fly straight to Cusco from Lima, expect at least a tinge of soroche (altitude sickness) which can cause lethargy, headaches and vomiting. Don't overexert yourself, don't overindulge (especially with the booze), and feel free to try a mouthful of coca leaves, or at least some coca leaf tea, which really does help.
Most visitors to Cusco feel obliged to invest in the boleto turistico (tourist ticket) which is required for most of the city's museums and other sights. The ticket is expensive though, and although it is valid for ten days, most visitors staying in Cusco for a few days don't end up getting its full value. Only buy it if you want to visit all the sights that are included, and bear in mind that some of the city's best museums and other attractions (the ruins of Qorikancha, the Cathedral, the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art and the Inca Museum) are not included.
Saying that, the nearby ruins of Saqsaywaman and most sights in the Sacred Valley are all pretty much must-see places, and they're all included in the ticket, so the choice is yours.
Way of Life:
Rhymes of the Inca
Pizarro
(Spanish conquistador ((1525))
The blind follow the blind
The dumb follow the fool
But the cleaver, like 'Pizarro,'
(who could not read or write)
Followed human-nature...
And ruled the Inca world!
Thus, Atahualpa was
Beheaded out of pride and
Indolence--: one might say,
And ignorance ruled... .
Note: don Francisco Pizarro #689 5/27/05
Cepeda the Sly
[Lima, Perú--l546 AD]
Cepeda the Sly--, judge
With two sides; one false,
One pride--both mixed with lies.
#694/5/30/2005
Antonio de Robles
[Cuzco, Perú--1547 AD]
He was a '...heartless wretch!'
A man who would not bend
No mans friend...
He met his prophetic fate
In defeat, on the streets
Swinging from a Cuzco tree!
#695 5/2005
General Quizquiz
[Cuzco--1533 AD]
The bravest of them all--
Was General Quizquiz
Inca General of Peru
Who harassed the Spanish
Conquistadors--
Thru and thru...
In Cuzco, He fought each day
His immortal enemies; and
With a storm, Quizquiz
In concert, butcher alive,
The conquistadors--
By and by... .
Note: #692 5/31/05
The Revenge of:
Titu-Atauchi
[1527-1533 AD]
Sancho de Cuellar
Court Clerk at Athualpa's trial
Was once, one of thirteen, now
The only one... (no heroism in his blood)
Captured by the Inca prince
Titu-Atauchi--
(no longer mocked the Inca King...)
Now the scapegoat
For Athualpa's killing...
Thus, this day he had no words
To worsen his own trail
(not like he did with the Inca King)
Thereupon, he was executed
By the prince, for testimony
In Spanish
Note: Titu-Atauchi, brother to the Inca king
Atahualpa; #693 5/2005
The Leyenda Negra
Se dice, que la Leyenda Negra, fue el tiempo de los conquistadores de Perú, principalmente aquellos de España; podrías decir que éste fue un tiempo igual a la Edad del Oscurantismo en Europa. Estos poemas son acerca de la gente que vivió a través de este tiempo; sus testimonios escritos ahora tradición. El fracaso de defender a Perú en contra de las fuerzas renovadas de Europa fue la fatalidad sobre Perú. Este período en el pasado cercano ha sido de poco interés para muchos, pero ahora es visto como historia formativa para Perú, rica y apasionante para el lector. Ricardo Palma fue en parte mi inspiración para esta parte del libro. Déjeme también añadir, éste fue el tiempo del Imperio de los Incas, que mantuvieron su supremacía hasta este final.
Pizarro I
(Conquistador español (1525))
El ciego sigue al ciego
El mudo siguen al idiota
Pero el inteligente, como "Pizarro",
(quien no podía leer o escribir)
siguió a la naturaleza-humana...
¡Y gobernó al Mundo Inca!
Así, Atahualpa fue
Decapitado fuera de orgullo e
Indolencia--: uno podría decir,
Y la ignorancia gobernó...
Nota: Don Francisco Pizarro #689 27 de mayo del 2005
Cepeda el Astuto II
[Lima, Perú-1546 Después de Cristo]
Cepeda el Astuto--, juzgó
Con dos lados; uno falso,
Otro orgullo-ambos mezclados con mentiras.
#694 30 de mayo del 2005
Antonio de Robles III
[Cuzco, Perú-1547 Después de Cristo]
¡Él era un '...despiadado desgraciado'!
Un hombre que no se doblegaría
No amigo de hombres ...
Él encontró su destino profético
En derrota, sobre las calles
¡Balanceándose de un árbol de Cuzco!
#695 Mayo 2005
General Quizquiz IV
[Cuzco - 1533 Después de Cristo]
El más valiente de todos ellos--
Fue el General Quizquiz
General Inca del Perú
Quien acosó a los conquistadores españoles--
De arriba a abajo ...
En Cuzco, él luchó cada día
A sus enemigos inmortales; y
Con una tormenta, Quizquiz
En concierto, descuartizó vivo,
Los conquistadores--
Mientras el tiempo pasaba.
Nota: #692 31 de mayo del 2005
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is famous for being the entryway to the modern world wonder Machu Picchu. Almost every traveler on his way to Machu Picchu passes through Cusco at some point, and most end up falling in love with this city full of interesting architecture and picturesque city scenes. By night, Cusco is one of the liveliest cities in Peru and travelers will find plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit every taste. However, travelers should know there is much more to Cusco after dark than hanging out at a local watering hole. Here are the top three activities to keep you busy after the sun sets.
Cusco is home to one of the most spectacular theater groups in all of South America, Kusikay. Their current show, Paukartanpu, is receiving accolades from across the globe and you don't need to speak Spanish in order to enjoy it. The performers use a combination of acrobatics, dance, theater, and circus tricks to tell the story of a motley crew who discovers their Andean roots. A joy to watch, full of laughter, and rated as the number one attraction in Cusco on tripadvisor, this is one show you won't want to miss.
For an interesting night time excursion before enjoying an evening out on the town, head to the Cusco Planetarium. It doesn't matter whether you are interested in astronomy or not, because you will find this show interesting. You will first learn about the Incas relationship with the stars in the southern hemisphere, which will help you at Machu Picchu as many of the ruins have astronomical significance. After the 15 minute lecture you will head to the planetarium to see the constellations and learn about their importance to the ancient cultures before viewing the constellations again through telescopes under the night sky.
Or, if you are in the mood for a little exploration, head to the hills. The charming neighborhood of San Blas is home to Cusco's artists, writers, and musicians. This bohemian quarter boasts quaint cafes, spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and a fabulous and diverse nightlife. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when all the artists' galleries are open and you can browse the winding, cobblestone streets at your leisure. Make sure you grab a table at a restaurant with views to enjoy the Andean sunset with a glass of wine.
The Tintin movie to be released in 2009 and to be directed by either Peter Jackson or Steven Spielberg will prove to be a big draw at the box office. The buzz around the Tintin movie is already huge and apart form letintinmovie.com there are several websites dedicated to this film.
I have already gone into the explanation about why this Tintin movie trilogy has been so popular in some of my other posts. Tintin is an everyman whose character is something that we can all relate to. His innate sense to do well and find the truth is something that we all relate to from our childhood. Tintin is a European cartoon legend.
There have been 23 adventures written by Herge from 1929 to 1976 sadly with a 24th Tintin and the Alpha-Art incomplete when he died in 1983. Herge specified in his will that there should be no new illustrated adventures after his passing.
On May 15th on what was the week before people were to celebrate what would have been Herge 100th birthday Spielberg and Jackson announced they would be translating three existing Tintin stories to the big screen.
The big question is now which Tintin album will be the first to be turned into a Tintin movie. There has been a lot of talk and it been a closely guarded secret. The buzz has been great and the speculation huge. There are 23 Tintin adventures to choose from and so a lot of possible material to cover.
The album of choice will probably come after 1940 because this is when Herge introduced the much loved character Captain Haddock rumored to be played by Tom Hanks. It is also true that Herge was a lot less political in his stories after the second world war that ended in 1944 (He had worked under Nazi occupation in Belgium writing for a paper).
The most likely source for the Tintin movie will be from the double installment episodes from Herge middle period: the pirate/submarine yarn The Secret of the Unicorn and its sequel Red Rackham's Treasure (1943-44); the Inca Diptych The Seven Crystal Balls and The Prisoner of the Sun (1948-9); and the post-war Destination Moon/Explorers on the Moon (1953-54) where Tintin becomes the first human on the Moon 15 years before Neil Armstrong. Tintin reaches the lunar surface on what looks suspiciously like a V-2 rocket.
The other single volume adventures would at first appear a little too slender to create into a film. It is believed that Spielberg and Jackson have yet to confirm which albums they will work on all though speculation has increased as to who will playing which Tintin role. Rupert Grint (of Harry Potter fame) has been linked to the part of the pesky Walloon reporter. There may though be a few surprises and even Gwyneth Paltrow name has been mentioned more than once.
Whatever happens and we wait with baited breath any announcement will be big news in Hollywood. We at letintinmovie.com will try and keep abreast of all the latest news and gossip.
Everyone wants to live a healthy lifestyle; but you have to admit, its more fun cheat sometimes, or in my case all the time. This is what brings me to Quinoa. My mom is really big into health food, organics, and natural weight loss methods; she is one of the healthiest, older women I know of. A month ago when I was telling her about my new plan to get in shape and exercise, she started raving about Quinoa, and it's VERY HIGH source of protein. This inspired to me to "nerd out" in front of the computer for a night doing research on Quinoa and where to buy Quinoa.
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) was prized and considered to be sacred to the Inca's and is an important food in the Andean region of South America for over 6,000 years. Now this is all interesting but the part where it gets good is the darn stuff's nutritional value! Quinoa has a protein content of 12%-18% (of your recommended protein intake) making Quinoa an incredibly healthy choice. The best part is not only that Quinoa is tremendously high in protein, but the protein is a totally complete protein-meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Since Quinoa has a perfectly balanced profile of amino acids, it's one of the best choices for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone keeping their protein intake adequate. Quinoa also has a very large amount of the amino acid lysine. Lysine is necessary for tissue growth and repair (i.e., looking young). Quinoa features a large supply of other health building nutrients. Quinoa is an excellent natural method of getting manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. This is especially important for people that suffer from diabetes, atherosclerosis, and migraine headaches.
More reasons to Buy Quinoa:
* Improved Cardiovascular Health.
* Significant Cardiovascular Benefits for Postmenopausal Women.
* Great source of Antioxidants.
* Great source of Lignans, which protect against Heart Disease.
Benefits of Quinoa and other organic whole grains:
*Lower heart failure - 29% based on a 21,376 participant study in the US
*Lower breast cancer risk - 52% based on a 35,972 participant study in the UK
*Lower risk of type 2 diabetes - 31% based on a 41,186 participant trial in the US.
So, I am sold... I want to buy quinoa! But where? I remember thinking, "Do they even sell it at the grocery store?" Well I checked, and to my surprise one of the grocery stores in town had a few kinds. I grabbed them all, and to make a long story short I was not very pleased with how it tasted. This basically meant, as much as I wanted to eat healthy, I think my Taco Bell Volcano Taco's are going to make it to my stomach a lot more often. So as I was loosing all faith in Quinoa, I decided to go to a local organic store. I asked the manager about Quinoa and she pointed me to "Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa" and I decided to take the plunge despite the steep price. I got home and instantly fell in love with this. It's a night in day difference, and I was 100% happy until I realized I had to go to the expensive specialty store to get this. I decided to look online and low and behold I can get 4 times at much for only 1.5 times the cost with free shipping!
I strongly believe everyone should give this miracle "grain" a try, and if you want my advice, go straight for the good stuff. It's rare that it's this easy and sinfully tasty to eat healthy! Here is what the Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa Nutrition Facts label reads:
Quinoa Nutrition Facts
Serving size 1/4 cup (46g), Calories - 170, Calories from fat - 23, Total fat - 2.50g, Saturated fat - 0g, Tran's fat - 0g, Cholesterol - 0.00mg, Sodium - 2.00mg, Total Carbohydrate - 30.00 mg, Dietary Fiber - 3.00g, Sugars - 0.00g, Protein - 7.00g, Vitamin C - 2%, Calcium - 2%, Iron - 10%
"What's in a name? That which we call Alstroemeria, by any other name would still remain odorless yet most appealing."
Shakespeare would have definitely used this phrase had Klas von Alstroemer, the discoverer of Alstroemeria's seed, born a few centuries earlier. Alstroemerias, the unscented, delightful genus of flowering plants, are increasingly gaining popularity in the flower world owing to its exquisiteness, elegance and long container life. They are endowed with various name; Lily of the Incas, Peruvian Lily, Parrot Lily being some of them.
Typically grown in the South American region, Alstroemeria is named after Klas von Alstroemer, the Swedish botanist. It is indeed an exclusive icon of God's artistry with its variety of shades and blends of spots or strips of contrasting colors. Its distinctive characteristic is its upside down twisted leaves. The wide color palette of Alstroemeria includes white, purple, orange, red, pink, yellow amongst the others. The availability is all year round; spring and summer being the zenith of production.
Each member of Alstroemeria's family of about 50 has some distinctive attribute. Hybrid, the most popular one, dresses in orange attire and is comparatively taller and stiffer. Although from the same family, 'Sweet Laura' is scented, thus standing apart from the rest. As the name portrays, 'Spider Lily' gives an impression of a spider, but an attractive one. 'Pacific Sunset' has a wide wardrobe including hues of pinks and yellows, while 'Freedom' presents itself in red and white. 'Inca Alstroemerias' in particularly are suitable for gardens or pots owing to their short height.
Unlike various plants, the cultivation of Alstroemerias is easier and simpler. The soil need to be fertile and must be kept moist all throughout. The temperature of soil needs to be kept cool. If it rises above a certain level, 20 degrees Celsius approximately, Alstroemeria would produce lesser or no flowers at all; the energy is transferred to the roots instead of the petals. As for the climate, their growth is best suitable in partial sun shade in sunny season. They require regular fertilizing in their maturing times. Although not too vulnerable to infectivity, you need to be cautious when it comes to certain pests and bugs like and Aphids, spiders, slugs, caterpillars, white flies etc.
Alstroemeria twin features, beauty and long urn life (upto 3-4 weeks) has made it stand amongst the most loved flowers of the world. Especially, they are being widely used as wedding, birthday and Valentine gifts. As soon as you receive Alstroemerias, bed them in a vase, container or pot. You need to be watchful while arranging them, keeping in view the sensitivity of the baby lilies. Although rare, Alstroemerias may cause allergic effects; try not to hold them for too long or use gloves as a safety measure.
Once a part of your herd, the baby lilies require constant care. They are always dehydrated and seeking water and that too, lukewarm. You need to refill your pot with lukewarm water at least twice a day or they would wilt. Removing dried or damaged petals or flowers also gives a boost to their life. Like other flowers, it is recommended to remove the Alstroemerias from the pot once or twice a week, change the water and cut the bottom of the stem an inch or half at least, in an angular shape. This process perks up the water ingestion of botanical life.
For Alstroemeria lovers, who wish to grow it at their homes, they will have to use large containers or pots owing to its rhizomatous roots. Nevertheless, they can plant them in their lawns too but with care, as the vulnerable roots can easily blemish all your effort. Give them sunlight and quench them well with water and they will remain ever smiling. As for fragrance, believe it or not, its enchanting loveliness and splendor will not let your mind swerve that way!
2012- a date that has frightened some, enlightened others, and left the rest in a very confused state of disbelief about the true nature of the universe. This date is known to many as either a doomsday, ascension, the end of the world, or the awakening of the inner conscious mind. There have been many stories told, stories that were sold, and lies that were spread to inflict fear within peoples minds.
Over the last year this subject has been on my mind too many times to simply let go and hold just someone accountable for the truth. So my duty was to uncover many sources of information that stayed within the fields of metaphysics and spirituality.
Some of the sources I found to be quite truthful to my inner self were Kim Michaels, The Ra Material, Gerardus with his self written information. Other information was coming from David Wilcock's perspective, as well as Jon Peniel's. There were a few documentaries I've seen of the past year on this subject as well, which will be listed below.
The Bright Side
The most important thing I can stress about this whole topic is to look at it from an open mind, put fear aside, and start looking at it from the bright side. If you try to understand anything through fear, all it will do is create more fear. This will be reflected within the cosmic mirror and cause you to make very selfish actions. These actions can be seen in people who panic about a cataclysm and react with their egos only being concerned about themselves. Those certain individuals usually end up paying the consequences with their reactions that never tend to be positive.
If you really tune into your Higher Self and begin to feel the presence of your intuitive side, you can act and react in a very calm mind state and make the right decisions whenever reading or doing tasks.
Furthermore, it's important to take in the probability factors and the Free Will law that governs this universe when trying to conclude of what will happen during the 'events' and when it will happen. Nothing can be certain at any stage, that's well known to everyone, this is exactly why you should keep your knowledge of this coming event in a very wide range of possibilities and take away your fear state of mind.
Another factor that comes into play about this certain event is the level of conscious of the 'society complex' as Ra puts it. The free will of people to increase their consciousness and vibrations can significantly increase the chances of this transition (birth) of a New Age to be smooth, or if not we will have to 'buckle our seatbelts.'
On the side not an interesting link that Jon Peniel pointed out was the song done by Neil Young called "After the Gold Rush", which relates quite a lot to the upcoming events and the way it might actually happen. In general most of his songs I noticed have a spiritual theme and key concepts of what we might have in store for us in the future.
The Basics!
To get to know the idea of what is about to occur, we have to understand the basic concepts behind it. Without a foundation of understanding the end cycle, you aren't going to be able to view this event from your own perspective, and make up your own mind to how you will deal with it.
So to start we have to understand that one major life cycle of the density that we currently live on is 25,000 years in span. The Earths span between the current dimension she is in is 75,000 years. We are currently on the edge of both of these timelines. We are coming to a closing of the 75,000 year long cycle of the Earth and our 3rd harvest of this dimension.
Our planet is currently in the 4th density, progressing towards the 5th density of life support, which means that the inhabitants after the New Age will be living in a 4th density state, rather than the current 3rd density. The Earth although is in a very confused state according to Ra, this is due to the social memory complex that currently inhabits this plane (Humans). This is why the level of consciousness must increase before the next harvest or the transition of the birth to the new state will be quite dramatic.
The current motto of the headlines in our days is "will 2012 happen?", but that's the wrong question to be asking at this stage. Ra specifically states that in the early 1900's the changes for the transition of the Earth began, so it's not a if it will happen, because it already has. The changes though are quite different then those of the past of when it began because it is happening faster and faster as we reach the ending of this cycle.
A very informative and detailed examination of this transition of consciousness can be found in Ian Lungolds videos on the Mayan Calendar. He works out how consciousness changes since the universe first collected itself together, and what we should be expecting by the end. We currently according to the Mayans are on the Galactic consciousness, which started in 1999, and records each day and night to be exactly 360 days long. This is until we reach Universal Consciousness (co-creation) in the year 2011, at that point each day and night will only last 20 days in length. When that comes to an end, the cycle is to shift to a New Age.
Ra also ensures us that there will be a great change occurring in the future, from when the channeling was done in 1981. He stated that the changes will continue for another 30 years, so if we do the math this points toward the year 2011-12. If we want to take a closer look at the other ancient cultures, we can quickly scan through those of.
Cultures and 2012
Hopi: An ancient civilization that currently live in Arizona, who predicted the coming of the "White Man", several of the world wars, and the nuclear dispute in the super powers of the world. They go on to say that there will be the New Age, where all of this will come to an end and humanity will enter into the '5th world'.
Mayans: As we know the Mayans have the long count calendar that is coming to an end, and re-entering a New Age, they also pinpoint 2012, in fact they are the most talked about who predicted this date, although not the only ones. According to them we are entering the completion of creation.
Zulu: Give information saying that the "whole world will be turned upside down", which makes sense because the world as we know it is currently in space/time, but will be entering a time/space according to lot's of sources.
Hindus: Following the Lunar calendar the Hindu prophecy of Lord Krishna is supposed to occur as well. The prophecy is almost precisely the same as the Mayans have predicted, yet both these cultures never met. They say this is the end of the Kali Yuga (end time of man) and the rebirth of the enlightened ones on this plane.
Incas: The Inca calendar also ends on the year of 2012, they also mention the turning over of life, the renewal of life. They mention several times of an aligning of the planets which will bring forth the New Age, which relates to the science community of the aligning of the Earth, Sun, and our galaxy.
Aztec: Also similar prophecies as to the Mayans and the rest of the ancient cultures. They too point to the date of 2012, in December at 11: 11 to be exact. They follow the long count calendar which is do to end on that date. For them it is a time of the 6th sun, a New Age of creation.
Dogon: Have a bit of a different take on it, they talk about a returning of a spaceship to form a new blue star, which seems to be relating to us and the Earth, and the new times ahead.
Cherokee: Another very ancient culture points to the date of 2012 as well.
Tibetan: The Tibetan teachings also prophesize of the New Age that is coming up ahead in our time, left by the Buddha himself.
Egyptians: Also have the same perspective, on their stone calendar, and it ending in 2012 A.D.
Those are just the main cultures that point towards this date/time of the coming age. This is backed up with lot's of theories and metaphysical science, not all provable, and probably never will be for it will inflict the Law of Free Will on many levels.
Christ Consciousness
Another source that would fit very well with ascension is that of Kim Michaels, and his channeling to Christ. Everyone is capable of attaining this mindset to be guided by the Ascended masters, but because most simply choose not to attain that level/believe in it, doesn't make it a false way of attaining truth like I hear from most.
Jesus' words were of this "There is indeed a spiritual cycle that will come to an end in the year 2012. However, one cycle coming to an end simply means that a new cycle begins. The end of the old cycle sets the foundation for a new cycle."
He points out that the world as a whole will not be raised into a new vibrational field allowing all to enter this state because not all people are on the same level of consciousness in this current space/time.
Most people that believe in this date, keep the mindset of something external is going to be happening that will 'save' them, so it gives them the right to do what they want now and not have to pay consequences. According to Jesus' this is the very opposite of the path of being 'saved' or in other terms raising your level of consciousness to be harvested to the new 4th density plane that is about to occur.
The way to really show this by being unselfishly loving, compassionate, and humble as a person towards others. It might sound very general but this is a really simply concept to keep in mind to be in a positive world. If you can imagine this new world with the same people as you see today in ours, how would it be so different? So always keep in mind your inner self creates the image of your outer world, by becoming an unselfishly loving and compassionate person, this is what you will experience now and in the New Age.
As we said before, there won't be any external harvest and change, unless you are talking about the Earth. The way you are placed in your proper density is by looking at your own level of consciousness, refer to this map. Ra also points this out the same way when the social complex say that when people are harvested it is based on vibrations. The harvest is to occur using thought form, rather then what we know as space/time when the New Age is to come.
Significance Of The Final Years
There are many ways you can interpret the final years before 2012, from the information I've been gathering the years seem to each have major significance. Each individual can highly benefit from knowing the current stages of mass consciousness to awake and synchronize with it.
According to Mother Mary from Kim Michaels, the year 2009 represents the Father aspect, or the Father Cycle, 2010 represents the Son, the Christ, 2011 represents the Mother, and finally 2012 represents the Holy Spirit.
To go to another source and to compare in relation, Geradus signifies these years as 2008 will be the year of awakening, 2009 as the year you will be transformed (I believe in your own choosing to Love), 2010 is the ear you will be transcended, 2011 you will become enlightened, and 2012 it will be all over, and the birth of the New Age will begin.
Here is another very useful link to be used time to time to see the level of mass consciousness, and the rates it has been growing. The numbers have been jumping in the past years a lot, and will continue until the end of the birth.
Another interesting tool to use for you to understand the levels of consciousness and how they are spread out right now.
"Some calibrated 'facts':
Percentage of "Star kids/Seeds/Wanderers" on the Planet: 40 - 45% of population (measured 04/10/08).
All are in different stages of Awakening. Some are "dormant", some have begun their process of Awakening and some are more or less fully "Awakened". Many are probably still children. All come from 4th density or higher.
Average "incarnation LoC" for all living Wanderers on the planet: around 360.
Average "incarnation LoC" for all Terrestrials on the planet: around 150. "
So What Now?
Well to end this article I'd like to include that it's important not to be afraid of this time that is about to occur. Imagine if you will a patient who has a very serious disease and unless cured will die, and the cure exists and the appointment for the operation is set. Well the Ascension/Ending of the Cycle/New Age/2012 or any other name you want to twist on it works in the same concept.
We humans are the virus, according to Ra the original state of this planet was supporting first and second dimensional beings. Until races from Mars and Maldek had to be transferred here to continue/finish their 3rd density cycle, after completely destroying their home planet.
The Earth is in a very confused state because of the 'society complex' that inhabits it at the current time/space, so the healing has to occur now that her 75,000 year cycle is coming to an end, and there is no canceling that. So the changes will be shown through nature, one of which is the heating up of the planet, as David Wilcock spoke of in his podcasts/books, and it can be seen clearly as the years go by.
So do not panic, do not try to run because there is no point, the best thing to do is accept it, and remember you are going to return home, and the New Age will be born for all to live in.
If you were hoping of booking a summer Peru vacation with the experience of walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; I'm sorry to have to tell you that it is fully booked until September 2010.
Inca trail availability is limited by the Peruvian government to help preserve the magic of the trail for the thousands of trekkers that visit each year.
Permits are sold months in before and a visit in the high season requires booking at least three to five months in advance. Take up has been particularly quick this year due the closure and then re-opening of the trail earlier in the year.
Help is at hand though; there are Inca trail alternatives along other roads of the Inca, equally as beautiful if not better preserved, and that can easily include a trip to Machu Picchu via the town of Aguas Calientes if wanted.
Each of the routes has their own unique character, sites, challenges and rewards and they can vary from one day to up to ten.
It all depends on what type of trekking experience that you.
So what are the alternatives?
The Lares Valley is a remote and rarely visited area of the Cusco region. The trek lasts for 3 days and 2 nights, along with the spectacular mountain scenery, you will pass by thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. It gives trekkers an insight into the lives of the Andean farmer, who can often be seen dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos.
The best part about this trail is that at the start you are able to spend time in the medicinal waters of the Lares hot springs - sadly not at the end. The trek itself is rated at moderate difficulty- which is similar to the Inca Trail. The trek finishes at the town of Ollantaytambo, one of the only continually lived in villages in Peru.
The Salkantay trail lasts over 5 days. Centered around the Salkantay sacred mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range, it is just south of the Machu Picchu citadel itself, being worshiped in equally the same way. The views are jaw-dropping, best of all the views over Machu Picchu at the end. The trek then finishes at Machui Picchu itself, gaining entrance on a route not requiring an entrance permit.
The Full Day Trek to the Ruins of Chacan would be a good alternative to one day Inca Trail Trekkers. Leaving from Cusco you hike for the day visiting Inca ruins along the way. You visit the Temple of the Rainbow, the subterranean passageways under Cusiyuchayoc, and the Temple of the Moon.
Another full day trek would be the trail up to Huchuy Qosqo. The settlement is perched within the folds of the Peruvian Andes, making its location rather unorthodox. The views over the Sacred Valley again are spectacular and inspirationally awe inspiring. The journey gives trekkers an insight into the life of the Inca's removed from the world and appreciating the nature that surrounds them.
These are only a few of the many alternative options that are available for the Inca trail. Just being in the region of Cusco connects you with the Inca civilization, but a trek to their citadels in the sky is an immensely rewarding experience.
Spend time researching your options and ensure you have the best Peru vacation you can. If possible, book in advance!
Any packet of seed labeled "Zinnia" will produce a reasonable facsimile of the flower we know by that name.
But what fantastic flower might bloom from a packet of seed marked "Golden Flower of the Incas" or "South African Veldt Flower" or "Star of Argentine"? Anything can happen in such a planting adventure and sometimes does. Here is the spice of gardening!
In our West Virginia garden we tried out as many new plants as space and time allow. Come what may, we are ever ready to try again, for we have found the surest way to avoid gardening doldrums is to grow something new and different each year.
Our most recent adventure had all cur neighbors exclaiming, "What on earth are those gorgeous flowers?" "Cockscomb," we replied. Wait a moment before you shrug your shoulders and turn up your noses; you probably remember only grandmother's dull, dreary dried stuff. But even Chanticleer himself cannot boast such plumage as these flowers have. Even the foliage is happy and bright. Our proud beauties were the new hybrids - Maple Gold, Rose Beauty and others - grown alongside the feathered Celosia plumosa - Fire Feather, Golden Feather and others.
Such an array of colors and shapes all summer long! Slender miniature combs, like those of some Spanish senorita, waved on slim stems. Thick plumy spikes of brightest scarlet spired and curved above scarlet-flushed foliage. Graceful plumes of startling cerise bloomed beside cattail sprays of dark maroon. The "Golden Cock's" plumage was indeed rivaled by the brilliance of these orange, gold, chartreuse and lemon "feathers."
All our cockscombs were magnificent as cut flowers. We preferred to enjoy them as fresh flowers rather than save them to dry for winter bouquets. We cut them as fast as they appeared, saying only enough for a spectacular display outdoors. Pleasing combinations of celosia alone or with other flowers seemed almost endless. One unique arrangement in shades of red and rose combined varied forms - fans, plumes, combs and velvety beads - in an off-white urn. Another striking arrangement was of scarlet celosia plumes and white cactus dahlias with dark green foliage. One of our earlier adventuresówith Star of Argentine (Oxypetalum coeruleum)óproved such a happy one that this plant has been a favorite ever since. No special care was given the seedlings, which appeared soon after sowing in early May and began to bloom only a few weeks later. Frosty gray green foliage, attractive even without bloom, forms a tidy, bushy plant only a foot or so in height. The brilliant blue flowers, like bits of summer sky, face upward and outward. The starry inch-wide blossoms on graceful sprays are borne on arching stems from late June until fall.
You may know Star of Argentine by another common name - tweedia, Star of the South or Southern Star. We found it resented interference and was best planted where it was to flower. The plants may be thinned to produce more symmetrical growth. Star of Argentine is especially suitable for edgings and rock gardens and may also be grown as a pot plant.