The world from my window

It's been non-stop on this colourful trip of a lifetime to Peru, which I won in a travel writing competition run by The Telegraph and Saga. You'd think a Saga holiday might be a bit slow for a woman approaching fifty (albeit from the wrong direction). But I don't think I've been on the go so much since a press trip to the Falkand Islands in 1987. I've seen some wonderful things. We've been here, there and everywhere, on dry land and on Lake Titicaca, by plane and by bus and on foot. The sights, sounds, smells, taste and the feel of things has been incredible. There is lots to tell but I'll just let the pictures do the talking.                      There's been sunrises... ...and sunsets. There's been altitude sickness, discovering your fellow travellers know people you know (it's a small world, after all) and a few coca leaves to chew every day. But the best is yet to com...

There's a wedding today in Arequipa, Peru. As in countries the world over, little boys still in nappies dress up as men in stiff suits. Women who should know better squeeze into outfits that should have been left on the hanger in the shop.  There's a family photo before the bride arrives.  Some glamour as one of the bridesmaids turns up.  Small children play with grass clippings while they wait for the service to begin. At last, a classic car pulls up at the church gate. Dad gives his daughter a hand with the train. And then an old lady who was just passing by steps in to help. But the veil won't stay on. Where are those bridesmaids when they're needed? Flirting with the best man and ushers inside. The bride is not impressed. They respond to the bride's call and try to secure the wayward veil. That'll do. The flower girl signals their impending approach. The procession makes its way to the church door as the runaway t...