JHL: THE RUINS OF INCALLAJTA

A couple of weeks ago we went with several of the temple missionaries and the Dyers to the Incallajta Ruins. They are about three hours out of Cochabamba. We traveled east through Punata.

The ruins are from the Inca Era the same time as Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
We were impressed with the size of the ruins,but like many things in Bolivia very under developed for the tourists.

The following is a small piece of plagiarism
The ruins of Incallajta at 123 Km. from the city of Cochabamba is home to what once was the fort of the Inca Empire, the biggest in Bolivia. Incallajta was the last point of Inca military expansion towards the east. It was constructed by Tupac Yupanqui and reconstructed by Huayna Capac after its destruction by the Chiriguanos.

John & Chris Norman have been in the Temple presidency the past two years. They are leaving for home next week. We have been to their apartment several times for dinner, and they have accompanied us to our branch in Bella Vista. It has been a pleasure to get to know them. They devote their lives to serving other people. Their family is also full of social workers and non- practicing attorneys so we have things in common. They have been a great example to us on serving other people. They are always reaching out to help the people here. We will really miss them,

This is the sacrificial alter where the Incas sacrificed virgins twice a year, on the summer and winter solstice. Lorna thought it was a good time to get rid of me even if I'm not a virgin. The natives still do sacrifices here twice a year but use llamas instead.

Protruding rocks show where the roof beams were attached for the thatched roof

Left to Right Dan & Christie Dyer, Lorna and Jack, Chris & John Norman, Dawn and Eldon Hurst

This Cholita was on the road back to town, she was spinning yarn on her stick the way its been done for hundreds of years. Below are shocks of oats

Before we reached Cochabamba, we saw this family making chuno

too much stompin

YUM!

When we got back we went to "Tuesdays" a knock off "Fridays" to eat.

Bolivia celebrated 188 years of Independencia on the 6th. Which was a parade that lasted from 10 am on into the night. Mainly 80 year old Cholitas, well 40 year olds that looked 80, carrying banners. Every school and every organization. Well about everyone marched in the parade. Anyway it had been a week or so since they had a parade so it was time.