Sunday, November 7, 2010

OTN LAD Tour: Peru, Chile and Uruguay

Dear readers,

After an exciting trip to Peru, Chile, and Uruguay, I wanted to relay the wonderful experience that was the first ever OTN LAD Tour conference which spanned seven countries: Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica. I want to extend my thanks to our most gracious hosts in these countries who not only worked hard behind the scenes to make this conference a success but welcome all of us Oracle ACEs to their countries with their hospitality!

Side trip before the conference.

The weekend before I arrived at the first conference, I went on a side trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Here is the map of the trip.



Needless to say, the adventure to Cusco and Machu Picchu was incredible! From stellar food at the Chicha restaurant in Cusco by famed Peruvian chef, Gaston Acurio to the magic of the Inka trail, there is no words to describe it.



Ceviche is a national dish of marinated seafood in lime juice and quite tasty!
Next up, I ordered the amazing anticuchos (beef hearts grilled to perfection) with various types of corn (maize) and potatos.



To reach the famed city of the Inca, you have to fly into Cusco and take a nice scenic four hour train ride to Aguas Calientes and then a bus ride to the base of Machu Picchu.



Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, its quite a hike up to the top! It was raining a lot and slippery which required a rain coat and extra care to avoid falling to one's death over the steep ledges. The views are simply fantastic and breathtaking!







To see this magic place requires several days to explore every incredible spot in the site!

I also went on a side tour around Cusco with fellow Oracle ACE Directors Hans Forbrich and Daniel Morgan who were gracious to arrange for the tour guide to show us around the fantastic wonders of Cusco. Below is a church that was built on an Incan site.












Peru

First, I met with fellow Oracle ACE Enrique Orbegozo who showed me a wonderful tour and genuine Peruvian hospitality by giving me a tour of Lima and excellent Peruvian cuisine.



Enrique was very gracious and took me to an incredible Peruvian folklore show that night.



PEOUG OTN Conference in Peru

After the amazing trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, I flew back to Lima for the conference in Peru. Everyone was friendly, helpful and gracious.







Chile and Uruguay were wonderful experiences for me as well and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your hospitality and it was a pleasure and honor to participate in the OTN LAD Tour.

Cheers,
Ben