Sacsayhuamán or Saksaq Waman, Sacsahuaman or Saxahuaman – you call whatever you want, just not like the way we did – Sexy Women

Sacsayhuamán or Saksaq Waman, Sacsahuaman or Saxahuaman – you call whatever you want, just not like the way we did – Sexy Women We were at 3700 masl (meter above sea level)- close to the tip of Yuhshan Mountain; this stone work complex was completed during early-Inca (Killke Period). Currently this place host festival during the winter solstice (our summer solstice in north hemisphere). The stone work with abstract figure continues throughout three terrace wall around the plaza. I was still amazed with the stone work that interlocks with keyed in only even I had seen tons of photos of it.

Unfortunately the tour guide seems lack of interest in showing us the whole site so we never get the chance to go to the upper terrace. It was said the Saksaq Waman represent the 3 winkle of the puma’s head – like the picture below. What do you say?

Can you spot a fish out of this photo? Meet the Team!! View Over the city

My first sight of Cusco City

Just two days before we arrive, Cusco was “hosting” a strike started from Espinar against Majes-Siguas project - (an infrastructure project that brings water from Andes Mountain to its capital Lima). Protesters are mainly farmers from Espinar far south. The train to Machu Picchu was suspended for two days and trapped a lot of tourists. With all the negative chances we might encounter, the strike eventually stopped on the day we arrived. The road represents an aftermath of such event, covered with road block and stone debris. After we enter the city, the road is paved with cobblestone – probably limestone? The road is really bumpy but somehow I’m not car sick –just yet. Most of the cars are all relative small and a lot of them are second hand Japanese car, our Minivan seems quite luxury compare to those. Not soon after arrive hotel, the high altitude sickness kick in. My head start blowing up gradually and eventually I went all collapse two day after.

I caught a shot of Llama right outside of hotel. And…it was not until later of my trip that I realized I should pay for the right to take a photo of Llama … say one sole. So…the city’s economic is heavily rely on tourist, Cusco”er” dress up their traditional clothes with Llama posing around tourist spot. You can see now the strike probably hurt us tourist, but down the line – hurt them the most.

Landing in Cusco

It was Sep. 23, 2010.My first trip to South America is - Peru. I believe this is a trip fulfill my dream as an “archeologist”. Our overnight flight land around 7 AM in Lima and a transfer flight get us to Cusco. I’m getting all excited and looking forward my first engages with the Inca.

So here are some beautiful clouds.. it must be pretty windy? ….with my CPL filter. Huh? The result is Rainbowish!

Lets talk about Paper "Yasutomo Japanese Sketch Paper"

When I strat printing, I just want to have a cheap and easy media that can fulfill my satisfaction on print making.so...after hours of searching- "Yasutomo Japanese Sketch Paper" comes out of result. I use speedball water soluble ink(till- now) because then I don't have to clean up oil mess due to my inexperienced skill and knowledge of print making.

and it is not untill later in my block printing lessons i known the term "sized" mean. but this sketch paper serve me well --i still use it for most of my test print. its $6.48 for 48 sheets 9*12 ... less than 14cents each.

Life of circle

after comment from a friend saying "interesting part of block printing is you'r ecarving our mirror image" .. so i did this. "Blind Carving" and try to get closer of what I want...not too bad I guess

First Real Woodblock

so, I got my first wood block cut on a real chunk of wood. An scrab piece I got from the material sample. and...its "Olive" Hell, how hard it was and damage almost all my tool..... well, the result of my print is pretty much a compromise of my stength that surrender this stubborn wood block

When it all Started

I did my first linocut out of a floor sample debris and a set of tools from my old roommate...and out of my expectation... it turns out quite interesting and encourage me to continue this crafty - art working process  below is my first cut with lino on chipboard backing and printed with speedball water soluble ink.