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(Photo credits: Lynn Stewart) From the very start of the tour I have enjoyed it all; the scenery, the people, the workshops, the buses, the trains; and the “gods” were very kind when we visited Machu Picchu in all its glory. Our guides were superb as of course, was the glorious food. The opportunity to visit the private studio, workshops and home of the wonderful Maximo Laura and then to be guided with such patience by him, Richar and Jimi in the workshops was beyond all expectations. I have learned so much and not only about weaving. Thank you for all the organisation that went into making Peru shine! Anne Alldread, UK I knew that this was going to be a life-changing experience and it has met and superseded all my expectations. I loved every minute, from the museum visits in Lima, the wonderful workshops and my “bolita” moments, the truly magnificent Colca Canyon, Cusco and of course Machu Picchu. Thanks so much for the care and attention that obviously went into the organisation of this brilliant trip. Am looking forward to going back to Peru next year and catching up with you again. Andrea Newall, UK Thank you for a busy, well organised trip - we have thoroughly enjoyed every minute,
the scenery, country, culture and even a hospital! Our deepest gratitude for giving one
of us the best medical attention available, we are forever grateful. We have never
visited a place like this and it will be a lasting memory. One recommendation: MORE
SHOPPING - we loved it, especially the BAGS! “The Sisters Three”: Esther Sanders,
Judi Radke, This has been such a wonderful opportunity for me. I have been able to indulge myself
in my passion for textiles. I learned so much from the workshops - new techniques, new
friends and I had so much fun. Peru is a beautiful country with beautiful people. For the
first time traveling on my own, it has been a great experience. I was apprehensive
before I arrived but that soon passed. Thank you! This was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and certainly it has been unlike any past holiday in the delights and insights it has brought. The only problem is, just once in a lifetime clearly isn't going to be enough! Thank you so much for bringing together for us such an inspiring and loveable group of teachers and guides, who have shown us something of “their” Peru to fall in love with. The organisation and preparation has been exemplary and your presence alongside us has been not only great fun but also enabled flexibility and change of plans when necessary. You're doing wonderful things in Peru and it was a privilege to play a small part in them. Thank you so much! Ellie Kemp, UK ( Ellie's fabulous Blog about her experience is at www.ellontour.blogspot.com. Start with “Evolution and move up from there.) Thank you for a wonderful trip! I have enjoyed myself very much, learnt many new things and met some wonderful people - the country's many contrasts delighted me! Christie Barker, Australia Thank you for such a well organized trip which ran so smoothly. I appreciated your care in taking us up slowing into the altitude. The teachers for both sets of workshops were excellent and I feel I have so many new friends. It has been a trip of a lifetime - learning about the Peruvian culture and the time of the Inca and meeting so many nice people. Machu Picchu was fantastic and it was perfect to get up early to see the mists and the site before the crowds arrived. Thank you! Barb Powell, Canada It will take some time for all of the impressions to be “processed”. The tour has been a
visual delight, especially the Colca Canyon and Urubamba/Machu Picchu. Working with
our teachers and interacting with all the guides, teachers and assistants was a real
pleasure. The whole trip proved to be challenging and expansive in many ways.
Thanks for creating the opportunity to learn so much and to experience this fabulous
culture and beautiful country. I'm not sure if the fact that my head was spinning was entirely due to the altitude - so
many wonderful new experiences, sites and people. We were very privileged that your
friendship with some of the best textile artists Peru has to offer has meant that we met,
had personal and very fun interaction with and, were taught by such talented people.
The smooth running of a tour doesn't happen by accident and your subtle and brilliant
organisational skills were very much in evidence. Your obvious love and passion for
Peru and its people and desire to share this shone through the whole time. I will go
home with a gazillion wonderful memories - thank you so much! What fun we had and a grand way to experience a country. Your planning and advice before the tour helped us prepare for and deal with potential difficulties (altitude/ medical). We have learned so much about the people, the textiles and geography. The workshops and guides were great and we loved the Cusco region! Thank you from Bev Ryan and Rick Haskell, United States Sasha, thank you for opening a door to the people and places who mean so much to you in Peru. PUCHKA Peru is much more than a three-week textile tour! You introduced us to friends: museum curators, historians, shsmans, guides and yarn mill directors, talented weavers of fabulous tapestries, teachers of ancient embroidery and knitting techniques, hand spinners and dyers, restaurant and shop owners and lovely people who smiled and wished us well. When I talked with other travelers during my extension following the PUCHKA tour, I realized again how much you had given all of us who were in your group this year. I am enriched. The colors of Peru now fill my dreams. Phyllis Valentine, United States You have arranged the MOST wonderful tour and I fully intend to write to Piecework Magazine to compliment the tour. One day was better than the previous; tour companions were wonderful and our teachers were the MOST special people ever. I loved it all and Machu Picchu was the icing on the cake. Words escape me - I am speechless about its magnificence and realize what a very fortunate person I am on all levels. The guides you work with were great, everything was great. Thank you very, very much. You are a really lovely person. Much love, Liz Cochrane, Canada The tour far surpassed any expectations I had before arriving. All of your efforts and organization have truly allowed for a smooth trip. I have met incredible people from around the world who share a passion for people and textiles. Thank you so much for sharing your love for Peru and its beautiful and very talented people with us. It is certainly a trip to remember that will influence all of my future studies and travels. Thanks so much Sasha! Emily Robertson, United States We have had a brilliant time, enjoying every day, bringing something new and exciting. We have learned so much and experienced things we would never have seen on an ordinary tour. I can't wait to return to Peru soon and see even more. Love, Eleanor Lister, United Kingdom What a wonderful time we have had. What tales to tell our friends for the rest of our lives. This will never be forgotten by the two of us. Thank you Sasha. Much love, Ann Gibson, United Kingdom You are an astonishing organizer ALL the way. I've been introduced to and exposed to so much more than I thought possible, even after all the thorough Notes you sent us. You, yourself, are inspiring and humble with all your knowledge and influences which have helped out the whole group. The group was so much fun and we all got along famously. I have taken back so much knowledge and inspirations for my own students and weaving guilds. Keep up the good work and continue to enjoy. Lots of love, Unni Lorenz, Canada This has been amazing! I am so grateful to be able to have had this opportunity and I have learned so much about Peru and its wonderful people. Everything went off perfectly but I know how much went into making all the arrangements. You are an amazing organizer. I want to do another tour with you and I look forward to knitting with you in Victoria. Love, Tanya Mintzberg, Canada I don't know how you can plan such a fantastic experience where each is better than the last. All of it has been so special and enjoyable, to be remembered and savoured in my quiet times (when I have them). Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thank you for the ear rings which replaced the one I lost. Jillian Brammer, Singapore Mum (Helen), Dad (Neil) and I have all had an unforgettable experience on your tour. Peru is such a magical place and we all wish to go back and bring others to share in it. Your guides have all been great and Lidia is a treasure. Thank you for sharing your perspectives and love of this land. We will cherish it. Hugs and Kisses, Neil and Helen Brock and Sharyn McNab, Australia What a trip! We realize your experience and spirit were behind every single day's activities. Thank you! We both appreciate your caring concern regarding general comfort and health issues too. You're more than a "business woman", you're special! Peru is such a special country too. You provided so many opportunities for which the average tourist cannot experience. Thank you again! Now we will go home and try to explain this country and its people. Such is the way cultures can learn about one another. Ann and Erik Wood, Canada Thank you for the wonderful experiences I had in Peru. Your behind the scenes organization made for a seamless and amazing experience. Also, thank so much for your warmth and conversation. It was all so appreciated. Michelle Kalina, United States Thank you so much for creating the wonderful tours of Peru. I cannot believe how much I have seen and experienced of that magical and amazing country. I feel so privileged to have met and worked with the people associated with the tour from the teachers to the guides and drivers. I will spread the word and will not be surprised to see friends and family travel with you in the future. Sincerely, Debbie Harris, Canada This was my dream come true. Your PUCHKA Tour was wonderful and very well planned. I want to thank you so much for this opportunity to see Peru. The tour guides, the accommodations, the restaurants, the workshops, the sites and everything else were all so overwhelmingly wonderful. You were a delight to be with and I am also thankful for all the wonderful people I have met. Thank you, Sasha, for it all. Alberta Antosh, Canada There really aren't enough words to describe this wonderful holiday!!! Cudos to you, Sasha, for the tremendous organization of it all. Your colleagues, the teachers and the guides were so knowledgeable and helpful to each one of us. I have had so much fun and the "files" are full in my brain. I am now going to get internet so that I can stay in touch with everyone. Thank you again, Sasha, for this trip of a lifetime. I would really love to do it again but if I can't, I will never forget Peru and its wonderful people! Love and best wishes, Nancy Goodman, Canada Querida, All I imagined and much more. Many thanks for sharing the magic. Judy Filice, United States Thanks so much for a super experience: textiles, people, food, accommodation, just everything! Also thanks for introducing us to such a beautiful country - altogether a mind and soul expanding experience for me. Cheers and hugs! The organization of the entire trip resembled the magic of the conjurer: hidden yet marvellous. The learning was equally fine but for us the best of all was the “Society of Friends” you arranged as guides. You are impressive beyond compare. Thank you for the trip of our lives. With the greatest of affection. Many thanks to Sasha for making such a diverse group come together and share interests, ideas, theories, experiences.......leaving as one unit of people with common ideas, appreciation of the Peruvian people and culture and a great group of friends. Thanks for opening the doors to this country that you love so much and sharing it with us. Special thanks for taking us on this magical textile journey. It certainly has taken me to deeper places that I look forward to exploring more in the future. Thank you Sasha - I loved the workshops and enjoyed the introduction to Peru. With thanks to PUCHKA and Peru for mending broken spirits. Special thanks too for everyone on this tour for just being yourselves. New friends made will last forever, memories will never fade. Muchas gracias dear Sasha for providing the opportunity for me to experience parts of Peru. So many highlights! This path has enriched my life's journey at this amazing time in which we are living. Blessings! Love, Peace and Joy. To Sasha and the crew from PUCHKA. This has been a most enlightening period and I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of the process. I learnt many new skills, which included how to be quiet and listen intently. I would love to do it all over again (when Thank you PUCHKA - everyone who made it happen!! An adventure of wonderful experiences and people along the way. Thanks to PUCHKA, you, our teachers and guides. I have met new friends from around the world and had a fabulous time!! Thanks for everything! This trip will always be in my heard and memory. I am taking a part of Peru with me. Thanks so much. The trip has more than met my expectations (even though I tried not to have any). I so appreciate the close encounter with our teachers and guides. Colca Canyon was very special and Machu Picchu was a life long dream fulfilled. The big plus was making new friends, including you. See you in Revelstoke. Love, What a wonderful trip and experience. Thank for the lovely time. Mary Kowal, UnitedStates Thanks so much for the lovely trip. I enjoyed it a lot, especially with you. I spent a great time with all the group, meeting special people and now I have many more friends. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see more of my country and its people. Thank you! Love, Sasha, gracias por darme momentos tan lindas en mi vida y por ello cada vez cresco y me llena de mucha energia para poder seguir adelante y brindarte cada vez mas mi What a great time, everything the trip promised beforehand and much more. A fabulous, diverse country, a very polite people and great food – Peru has won my heart, I will definitely go back. Three weeks in Peru brings you down to earth and resets your values as to what is really important in life. The tour and activities were extremely well organised. If you want a holiday where you really experience Peru, and do and see much more than see a few main sites this is for you. Dave Boucher and Margie Newman, Australia Thank you for the most spectacular adventure I have ever had in my life. This truly was a vacation of a lifetime. I will keep the Peruvian people and all associated with Puchka in my thoughts and prayers for the rest of my life. I absolutely loved Peru, if you ever need another "assistant"...................please keep me in mind. What an amazingly fantastic trip! There is only one thing to say - THANK YOU - for the inspiration of PUCHKA - the wonderful variety of activities during the tour and for the memories which will last forever. Thank you so much for all the preparatory information, wonderful organisation of such a variety of things, giving me the opportunity to do such an unusual and fantastic trip and for your company! Ros Phillips, United Kingdom There have been so many memorable moments to bring home with me to share with my children and workmakes: scrambling over rocks and dodging people to get a good vantage point to photo the condors and have one fly directly over the top of me just close enough to see the feathers and feel the power of the wings. The heights and depths and beauty of the mountains and wonderful Machu Pichu with my legs dangling over the edge of a mountain ledge, looking out at ancient mountains and a llama munching nearby for company. A rainbow making a ring around the sun and looking up at the stars at the astrological place in Cusco. Dancing with the Da Capo people who made us feel very welcome. A rainbow making a ring around the sun and looking up at the stars at the Planetarium in Cusco. Also the the opportunity to spend time with your wonderful friends has made this extra special and a wonderful learning experience. Thank you for puttting together a wonderful and brilliant holiday for me to enjoy. Thank you so much for creating the PUCHKA tour. We believe it is completely unique - everything we hoped it would be. You offered me and others the most fantastic opportunity to experience the textiles, colour and people of Peru and it was the best holiday ever. We fell in love with Maximo, Richard and Jimmy, they were so patient with us and lovely to be with - shame we couldn't bring them home with us. The planning and managing of the tour logistics were excellent and a lot of effort went into making it so. I hope that future tour participants enjoy the trip half as much as we did. We had the greatest time and really enjoyed it. Della Storr and Alex McCardle, United Kingdom. I am still on a high after the wonderful tour you organized for us - as I tell everyone it was simply amazing. Thank you so much for a FABULOUS time. Maureen Tracey, New Zealand I do want to thank you for such a wonderful holiday. It was a truly magical time and the credit goes to you for your effort and attention to detail.. I loved Peru, the Peruvians and all the experiences you provided for us. I've been on 2 textile tours since traveling with PUCHKA and what has stayed very deep in my heart is knitting with Rufina and braiding with Leon in Arequipa during my PUCHKA tour. I still use the same needles that were gifted to me in the workshop and think often about the lovely and very funny Rufina and all of the other PUCHKA folks who were so kind, organized and oh so professional. I can't get all those magnificently talented Peruvian textile artists out of my mind and heart and all of the beautiful textiles we were able to see are still vivid in my mind's eye.......not to mention the extraordinary sites, the delicious food and the great guides. I'd get up again very early to see Machu Picchu as the sun rises and hope to do so with you again soon. You are all in my heart and I thank you so much for this wonderful experience and for providing me and others with a way to contribute something positive to the lives of my new Peruvian friends. I learned so much about the world outside of my own and for that I am also thankful! You continue to put together the most fantastic trips. Thank You from the depths of my heart.
Kia Ora Sasha, It was wonderful - a dream trip! Arohanui Haere Ra.
Gourd-carving was a pure delight. Florencio is a wonderful artist and teacher who takes joy not only in teaching, but in watching the students develop their designs. What Florencio teaches is the technique of gourd-carving, but not traditional design, unless that is what a student wants to carve. He is watchful, but does not direct. He has a great sense of humor and immense patience and charm. Two of us were concerned that the carving might be difficult for our arthritic hands, but after some initial minor discomfort, we both found the carving entirely possible to do without pain-- wonderful. His own work reflects the pleasure and affection he radiates to the world. Thank you for sharing Peru with us all - it was a fascinating trip.
I cannot thank you enough for sponsoring such a beautiful and rich trip. Every day was special but weaving with Maximo and Richard was the ultimate experience for me. I wish that I had "found" Peru at a younger age as it is a special place culturally and the beauty of the land and the people is incredible. What you do for so many people in Peru is a beautiful thing.
My second trip to Peru and no less beautiful, informative, adventuresome and so much enlightened by PUCHKA's special mission. Muchas gracias y buena suerte. Norm Hanson, United States Thank you so much for showing your Peru to me - I certainly didn't realize the depth of the magical spell it casts on visitors. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of all our amazingly talented instructors, and in particular my knitting teachers Rufina and Gloria and machine embroiderer Simona, who despite our language differences, awakened my creative soul - there will be no stopping it now! I sincerely hope to come back soon to the land of the most beautiful Andes and the world of the Condor where I know my soul can fly free. All the people we met and interacted with were so wonderful and helpful and giving of themselves and their culture. None of this could have happened though without all your behind the scenes hard work so that I could enjoy this trip of a lifetime. Thank you so much. See you in Oz!!
Thanks for a brilliant trip. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I loved my knitting and embroidery classes, Machu Picchu, the food, the scenery, the alpacas and my many new friends!
A beautiful country seen with a bunch of entertaining, interesting fellow travelers. Our teachers in Arequipa were fab, especially Elena. I go home laden with yarn, hats, bags and very happy!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did to not only make the trip happen for me, but to also make it so special. I've never had a surprise birthday party celebration before! I cherish my silver mariposa and it will be a wonderful reminder of that moment of shock I felt when the musicians came into the garden where we were knitting. I met such wonderful people, saw such awesome sites, learned so much and I will carry these parts of Peru with me always. Your fabulous organizational skills, your knowledge, your contacts and most of all your love for the Peruvian people and cultures makes PUCHKA what it is. Thank you for making it possible for me in so many ways. It has been an extraordinary experience.
I really enjoyed Peru - the sights and the people! The happy-seeming children who hung onto their parent's hands. The artists in Arequipa who taught my embroidery and gourd carving classes were wonderful.
What a wonderful experience! I thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and the wonderful side-trips you organized for us. Both the hand embroidery and machine embroidery workshops were wonderful experiences. Although I had enjoyed doing hand embroidery in the past, watching and learning from Elena was wonderful. She was so creative in drawing designs for us, and then suggesting color combinations to enhance the designs. Working with Simona was just as enjoyable, and I learned at least the rudiments of how to embroider with a machine. Her creativity and helpfulness to me in doing something I had not tried before made the workshop a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed both weeks! The knowledge exhibited by the guides also provided an excellent overview of Peru - a land of many wonders!
Wonderful....I really enjoyed the tour and the company.
I enjoyed it all - the food, the yarn, the people, the yarn, the amazing vistas, the yarn and shopping for the yarn.
My expectations of the workshops were a series of tutorials with experienced Peruvians in somewhat primitive conditions. What I found was the most wonderful, experienced Peruvians in conditions that couldn't been more conducive to learning and producing finished projects to be proud of. The tapestry class was initially terrifying after visiting Maximo Laura's workshop and private studio. His art is beyond superb and the color combinations are exquisite. How could I possibly hope to create a tapestry using Maximo's techniques? I needn't have worried, however, because Maximo, Richard and Jimmy gave intensive attention to all of us in every aspect of the weaving process, color, design, techniques, as well as creative ideas to incorporate in the design. I have never been so proud of a creation, although Maximo, Richard and Jimmy deserve much of the credit in creating an atmosphere that enabled me to do so. What a life-affirming experience - I saw and learned so much! Thank you for Peru.
Your guides were wonderful and brought the Peruvian experience to rich and colourful life.
The PUCHKA itinerary included plenty of museum visits and guided tours as well as hands on learning. It was ideal for a textile enthusiast like me. The trip was thoughtfully organized as well, with visits to the hot springs at Colca Lodge and to Cruz del Condor coming at the perfect time to take a break and relax between workshops and experience the beauty of the landscape. My favorite parts of the tour centered on tapestry: the visit to Maximo Laura's workshop and studio were a revelation of color and texture, and the intense four-day tapestry class was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Over the weekend I hung my new Maximo tapestry - it is so incredibly beautiful and I am SO happy that I brought one home with me. What a fabulous trip we had!!
It was interesting to learn the Peruvian way of embroidery, both machine and hand. The teachers were enchanting and the lack of a common language didn't hold back the laughter and enjoyment of each session, especially when the cry went up 'bollito's'. For me it was different embroidering with such bright colours that I wouldn't use at home! The setting too was just perfect, the gardens of our guest house lent themselves to our group activities. A great trip full of amazing sights and people; fun making new friends and learning new techniques in embroidery.
All was wonderful and I am going home with a real appreciation of this country's culture, landscape, food and people. I will be back. Thank you!
When I signed up for the Puchka tour, the workshops were simply an interesting opportunity to spend some time in Peru with Peruvians. Little did I know that the tapestry workshop with Maximo Laura would become one of the top three highlights of the trip. Maximo, with Jimmy and Richard, two of the best weavers from his studio, spent four days with five students (you've got to love that ratio) helping us explore and understand an astonishing array of texture techniques. Supplementary warp, supplementary weft, wrapping techniques, lines (oh, those many types of lines that add so much vitality to the tapestries), five different ways of joining two adjacent colours, dividing a 2-shaft warp into 2 or 3 layers -- well, the list goes on. We also explored colour with one of the best colorists in the world. We were spoiled for choice with the range of alpaca weft yarns available for our use. The looms were set up ready to weave - what a bonus! We were taught some quick and easy techniques - for transferring the pattern, starting and ending wefts etc. With help from our teachers, each of the 5 of us went home with a completed tapestry approximately 16" square. We learned from watching and doing. And to my mind that's the way to reinforce something in the brain. Maximo, Richard and Jimmy rank among the best. They have left me determined to work on another tapestry very soon. We go home with some wonderful memories - thank you.
Thanks for a memorable journey,
This has indeed been a very special trip for me, not only to spend time with my wonderful friends Ricky and Mandy, but to meet you, the teachers and guides and all the new friends on the tour. But the most wonderful for me has been to leave all the stresses of life in England behind me and to discover again the passion, creativity and enthusiasm for design, knitting and textiles that I have found again!!!! A new venture, an exciting time, all inspired by this trip. I cannot thank you enough for this, I have had a truly amazing time and a huge thanks for all the contacts - much appreciated!! I feel that I will return to Peru soon. Please thank all the teachers for their love, help and sharing with us their wonderful talents. Heartfelt thanks.
What colourful Peruvian memories to have embroidered by 50th birthday celebrations with.
This has been a very exciting, creative, learning experience that won't every be forgotten. I have learned so much about textiles, the people of Peru, their way of life and as to the workshops, I truly hope that I will be coming back. Elena and Simona are the most gifted, talented, enthusiastic ladies I have been fortunate enough to spend time with. Thank you for the opportunity to experience everything.
What a rare and precious experience this has been for me. I have had a visual, creative, mental, physical and emotional feast and have learned so much. The meticulous planning and briefings, the detailed organisation and care; PUCHKA's interaction with us and our teachers was exceptional, bringing us all closer to another world. It has been a privilege to know all of you and I thank you sincerely. Susan Waddell, New Zealand What an adventure! Lovely people, wonderful hospitality and beautiful textiles. I feel that I will take a little part of Peru with me and some new friends. Thank you so much!
The trip was amazing and magical. Beyond expectations - everything I could imagine wanting to happen on the trip was fulfilled. I learned about the love of the land and the people that weave and carve its dreams and memories. I felt only delight and all my desires have been answered. My love goes with PUCHKA on its ever expanding journey.
With a very well organized and varied tour itinerary we were exposed to amazing sights, cultures and the friendly people of Peru.
I feel privileged to have been able to meet and work alongside such talented and beautiful teachers. It was amazing that such a diverse group of participants could have got on so well. I will take home so many memories (and even more photos, let alone shopping!) - the countryside in the Colca and Urubamba valleys was something I will never forget - the ingenuity of the people who have populated this land, the colours, their clothing and art - truly amazing. Thank you for a great Itinerary and for sharing your knowledge.
(Our guide) Hilda's pride and passion for the Incas made them truly come alive. Machu Picchu was amazing and breathtaking and I'm still buzzing from the experience. Such fun and interesting people on the trip, who it has been a delight to share the experiences with. I hope to be as energetic and enthusiastic as Susi in 20 years time.
I felt honoured to be invited to come to Peru again as your assistant. It gave me so much energy during the cold and long winter in Holland. When the day arrived it was wonderful to meet everyone again, John Alfredo and his family and friends; Maximo, Richard, Jimmy and family; Florencio, Elena, Rufina, Leon and Simona and it was wonderful to do the workshops and be to be inspired by some of the top textile and folk artists of Peru. In every guest house I felt warmly welcomed as a returning friend and especially in Arequipa with Lidia, Karina and the whole staff. Our guides were highly knowledgable and the drivers were very experienced and skilled. Along the journey I met many lovely new (to me) Peruvians and I am going home with lots of wonderful memories.
As a non-textile-workshop participant/partner I wondered if I would be a "hanger on" but I must say that this was a wonderful experience for me. Thank you very much for organizing some great activities for us. I enjoyed Lake Titicaca immensely, the Uros were beautiful and interesting and our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. Everything else was exceptional too. Your dedication to us was impeccable and I especially valued the fact that I had nothing to do but enjoy myself. Hope to see all of you again one day.
This tour was way, way beyond my expectations. I was excited to travel on a textile tour that wasn't just another textile tour but had a deeper meaning in the context of interaction with the people, providing opportunities for us to participate with one another in such a positive, tangible, mutually respectful and helpful way. What a delight and an added bonus it was to find myself on a tour that was sincerely dedicated to improving the lives of Peruvian textile and craft workers. It was thrilling to me to learn and to see first hand how real the impact is and how delightful and generous our teachers were and how sincere PUCHKA is. PUCHKA doesn't just talk the talk, I learned so much about myself too and I feel honoured to have been a part of this amazing venture. The Itinerary was beyond excellent and all the many extras were so appreciated. So many surprises, so many doors opened and it all evolved flawlessly with great organization. All of you guys are tremendous, I can't thank you enough for your hard work and I'll never forget you!
Thank you PUCHKA Peru for the best holiday ever. When I let go and just stayed "in the moment" as you encouraged me to do, it all became a very special learning experience for me and one that has changed the way I see the world. Who knew that I would learn so much, see so much and experience so much? I'll never forget learning how to knit with recycled bicycle spokes and I'm on a mission to find gourds here in the United States! Rufina and Florencio taught me so much.......beautiful people, beautiful country, gorgeous food and the textiles are to die for.......thank you so very much!
No words to describe how beautiful and wonderful an experience with the "real people" of Peru. Florencio, Leon, Maximo and all - great textile and cultural tour - great people to tour with too! You are to be commended for putting together this wonderful experience into a world of Peru that more people should see. Gracias por todo!
Thank you for the most fantastic tour. The company was great, the sites outstanding and the workshops enlightening and fun. Good wishes,
What a spectacular experience this has been. It is hard to believe that every single day of the 22 days has been packed from morning to night with wonderful experiences, people, food and sights. Sasha, you are a miracle worker! Just when I thought we had reached the pinnacle of the trip - even something more amazing would be scheduled for us. Seeing a little bit of how you work behind the scenes just makes me more in awe of what you are able to accomplish with these tours. I am delighted to have been a part of an endeavor that is so supportive and respectful of the miraculous artisans of Peru. What treasures! Thank you with all my heart.
Just like a tapestry, PUCHKA has been a woven picture of experiences never to be forgotten…..every little thread I take with me! With much love,
Thank you for the most wonderful trip of a lifetime. It will remain a treasured experience, glowing in my heart with all its facets. I have been touched by so much richness, learned so many new skills, deepened my understanding and sensitivity, and challenged too, in meeting the demands of the unfamiliar. I am so appreciative, Sasha, for this wonderful opportunity to explore Peru and the trip has met my deepest expectations and more. Thank you for your caring attention and for watching over our well-being. My best wishes to you always. Warmly,
What a wonderful trip/experience. So carefully put together, a wonderful juxtaposition of workshops balanced against the touring experience. For me it is the people I will not forget….the gentleness of our teachers in Arequipa, the burning passion of our guides and the thoughtfulness of our hospitality folks. I just loved every moment of the trip. Thank you.
Wow! Every night I climbed into bed, my body was tired but my mind raced with all the images, ideas, inspiration and stories I collected each day. This morning I went to put on a t-shirt and noticed a small piece of paper attached to the top with two staples. I love periodically finding these reminders of laundry from Arequipa as they take me back to Peru and PUCHKA and all my wonderful memories. It really is an amazing experience to work with indigenous artesans. I will appreciate this gift you gave me always. Muchas gracias dear Sasha.
During the 3 weeks of the tour I was able to see, hear, learn and taste and expierience so much. The workshops with Maximo were fantastique and I had so much fun with the group. The tour is a wonderful combination of culture and textiles. I have seen and heard so many beautiful things. I need an extra pair of brains to store all the things I've seen, done and learned. Lovely! I realize now, how priviledged we are in Holland. Greetings and kisses,
Fabulous experiences - Peru is amazing. I will never forget having a picnic in a pre-Incan ruin with wonderful friends and two little boys as our guides. Tapestry with Maximo and his talented crew was thrilling!
Peru has stimulated all my senses. Its people have stimulated my heart - especially our teachers in Arequipa.
Photos and Globetrekker videos cannot give the sense of size and expanse of Peru. There are some things like seeing the kilometers of Inca terracing and having workshops of weaving with Panchita and embroidery with Simona that require the "hands on" experience. They are the ultimate in generosity and patience as they taught us what comes so naturally. Thank you for the opportunity!
I just wanted to write to thank you for such an incredible trip. It was an absolutely amazing, life changing journey. I appreciate everything that you did to open so many doors for me, help me with Maximo and getting me back to Peru. It is an opportunity that most of my friends would die for and I am eternally grateful to you for making it happen - I will carry it with me forever.
What a wonderful trip! Katie and I have had the most inspiring time. The workshops in Arequipa, however, stand out as the best time - being taught by Maximo and the lovely Rufina, Leon and Nancy will stay in our memory forever!! Finding ourselves in the cloud forest for the last part of the trip was icing on the cake.
So glad for the opportunity to see such an amazing country and especially to meet the artists and people helping others. And, yet another delight from Puchka Peru - on my return home and after a long sleep and hot bath, I donned my new t-shirt - looked in the mirror - and there I was wearing a most stunning piece of art! Sonio is incredible! How amazing I thought our trip was and how very much I appreciated the extra, beyond the call of duty attention and help I received because of my illness. It enabled me to enjoy as much as I possibly could. Thanks so very, very much. Jacqui Sanders, United States A huge thank you for all the organisation of the trip. It was totally wonderful, all the way. Everything was such a feast for the eyes. I have taken many photos, which I will treasure for ever. I have all the Peruvian hangings etc displayed around the house - they look great. Thank you again, so much, for the Puchka holiday.
Not a day goes by when I don't think of and savour some of the many memories of our trip. I thank you again very much for providing such a fabulous opportunity to explore and learn about the people, the history and the textiles of the wonderful country that is Peru.
We are back in London, suffering only jetlag, and want to thank you for organising such a superb tour for us. We could never have seen/learned/met/eaten so much and so many without your help. Still haven't unpacked our purchases [which arrived intact] but look forward to reliving the experience of finding them. Again, more thanks and very best wishes to you.
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We cannot believe all the wonderful things we have seen & done. The train journey to Puno was very special. So was the lake! We cannot think which part of the trip was a highlight as there were so many. We thought that all the guides on our tour were exceptional. Yesterday I had to prepare a meal!! Today I have to vacuum....shock, horror.
Thank you for providing such a wonderful tour. I am sure that we saw the best Peruhas to offer, especially textile wise. I thoroughly enjoyed every day of the tour and especially the classes and the teachers. Thank you for everything.
Thank you for providing the opportunity to work with master artisans within such a rich cultural setting. I am taking home new skills and inspiration and with fabulous memories.
The PUCHKA tour was such a special opportunity to see and learn and appreciate a new country and people. Thank you!
What a totally marvelous and enriching experience! And thank you, Sasha, for planning and giving me the wonderful trip down the coast and the day tours. All of it was overwhelming and exciting.
Thanks so much for the great planning. All of it has filled my memory bank to overflowing.
I/we could not have asked for a more conscientious person as you are, Sasha, for our leader, dedicated to introducing us to so many places and experiences not available to most. I recognise that this was only possible because of your long association with Peru and your personal connections. I enjoyed being taken to the places that we would never have been able to visit had we not been with PUCHKA. The calibre of the workshops and teachers was nothing short of excellent. I really appreciated the opportunity and thank you so much.
The whole trip was a huge and exciting adventure. Now that I have some time to digest and reflect upon it, I am even more amazed at what we did. The calibre, friendliness and patience of the teachers, the guides, the accommodation and staff, and the transport operators was outstanding. All of these threads were woven together by Sasha, who has exceptional organisational skills; the Peruvian background that enables her knowledge of people and places; the textile interest and education that enables her desire to allow others to see and participate in the unique fibre history of Peru; the compassion to create a way for others to help in some way in the recovery of Peru from past political and natural disasters; and the courage and perserverance of a Lioness to undertake group tours. I begin to see how you weave your tapestry.....Peru the warp.....us travellers the wefts. I love it! Jenny Jackett, Australia The tour was FABULOUS! The textile arts instructors were very knowledgeable and in addition, were delightful people. The opportunity to interact at this level with persons of another country comes seldom in a lifetime. The multicultural backgrounds of the participants was an additional bonus. I feel very lucky to have been a participant and would (and may) do it again.
My trip with PUCHKA was a perfect blend of exploring the cultural aspects of Peru and learning about the history of the people and their textiles, and the wonderful tuition provided for our workshops Our teachers went out of their way to give me as much information as possible about their craft. I loved the people, the guides, Arequipa, the Colca, Cusco and Machu Picchu was a joy. Thank you again for a wonderful trip, and for making my first overseas trip such a wonderful experience. Joy Cook, Australia The Trip Notes/Travel Tips and Itinerary Notes included an amazing amount of information and were very thorough and very thoughtful. The workshops were fantastic - good instructors and very well paced. I thoroughly enjoyed weaving and not only hope to do more, but see applications for adding what I learned to my knitting. I would like to come again and do different ones. Thanks for the experience of a lifetime.
PUCHKA is marvellous, incredible and very special and I am very glad that I was on the tour with you. Without your organisational skills this trip would not have been anything like the fantastic experience it was. I didn't have to worry about a single thing - everything happened as it should. The guides, teachers and food were incredible and everything else was too.
I'm depressed ... the tour is over and I don't want it to be! Thank you so so much for putting together such a great itinerary with its wonderful teachers, terrific guides ... everyone of them, including yourself and Beatrice, and of course for making the place Peru. I keep getting asked what the highlight was and I still can't decide. Thanks again for the adventure, I loved it... As I look back, the tour was really super. I feel like I learned and experienced so many new things and found Peru, particularly the Andes incredibly beautiful . Look forward to when I will have the time and energy to interpret some of my photos into a quilt. The workshop with Maximo was really a high point for me and I will be able to use his color mixing techniques in many of my fiber projects. You really did a terrific job of organizing and planning our tour and being able to do side tours between workshops was perfect. Your concern for our comfort and wellness is most appreciated.
I think the PUCHKA trip was probably the best holiday I have ever had and I am very grateful to you for making it possible. I enjoyed being with a group of like minded people, seeing some of the country and especially the workshops.
I can't believe what I got to see and do! Thank you for making it all happen. I'm starting to work on my photo album/scrapbook and getting excited all over again. Jean Carey, Canada The quality of the tour was very high, from the hotels and transportation to the well informed and friendly guides. The Trip Notes/Travel Tips and Itinerary Notes were brilliant, informative and thorough and given that this was my first trip traveling on my own, I felt reassured and supported - everything was well organised and there was no reason at all for concern. The workshops were fantastic, all the teachers and their assistants were great. PUCHKA has created something really beautiful to bring joy and indeed practical benefits to many people. Overall, I found the trip amazing - life changing even!
I really enjoyed the crew in Peru and I am wondering when I will next get a chance to enjoy South America. I just loved the place. Thanks for the fantastic experience of visiting Peru.
To have such lovely and dedicated people teaching us and hosting us - how can I explain that that is as incomparable as the gorgeous scenery? Now I'm spoiled. I think if I ever take another trip I'll need a high level of involvement like this one. Thank you for the trip of trips!
My trip with PUCHKA has been beyond all my expectations. My eyes have been opened, my senses have been stimulated and my heart has been touched. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime.
This trip has been the best experience of my life and I hope to go again.
The PUCHKA tour will remain with me for the rest of my life as a cherished memory of a great experience. Everything was very well organized, the teachers were unique and wonderful individuals, the sightseeing tours were always a delight with unforseen activities thrown in.
What a fantastic tour! I loved every minute of it - the tour, the food, the teachers and mostly the wonderful people and their history. I had the most memorable time. Elona McCubbin, Canada It's been a fabulous tour - PUCHKA has allowed me to meet some really wonderful and talented people and has been a beautiful way to gain some insight into the lives and culture of this beautiful country. Thank you for a wonderful experience and all the hard work you put into making it magical.
I like everything about PUCHKA. Thank you for caring and sharing. With this trip I gave myself the gift of my life.
It's great that you provide excursion opportunities for the non-textile companions. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity.
Thank you for all you did to expose us to Peru and some wonderful artists and teachers and for getting us around comfortably and safely. Your efforts were very much appreciated.
The tour gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to fulfill a 50 year dream to experience Peruvian culture, the Andes, Machu Picchu - PLUS - the excellent workshops. Wonderful! I return home fulfilled, taking with me the patience and calm of the wonderful teachers.
I came for the lessons and have got so much more! There was so much to see and do we won't appreciate it all until after we get home and go through our notes and pictures a time or two.
My first view of the Andes will remain as the most breath-taking sight of my life. The Peruvians I have met have been among the most delightful people I have ever met. Thank you!
Muchas gracias and more for organizing a tour that is not only Fair Trade but totally amazing. I have nothing but superlatives to use to describe my experience: FABULOUS and BRILLIANT in every way. I feel renewed and grateful.
Thanks for all the hard work you put into organising everything - it was all a tremendous experience.
The most impressive workshop for me was with Maximo Laura. I learned a new approach in the mixing of color and found it exhilarating.
I have had a wonderful trip, visiting places and people that most tourists don't visit. I will never be able to describe such amazing experiences to do them justice! Patricia Warman, United Kingdom I had a ball. From the beginning to the end; the textiles and the people who made them, the workshops and all the effort you had put in to make them run so smoothly; your enthusiasm and sensible advice; beautiful Arequipa and the breathtaking experience of Machu Picchu and the sacred Inca stones in Cusco; and the warmth and dignity of our teachers. PUCHKA made the experience it was for me! Vivien Gosden, United Kingdom I loved it all, every day was as amazing as the previous. I can't believe all the fantastic experiences that we have had. I can't imagine that any other trip could have had the wide range of activities that we had offered to us. This has been a trip of a lifetime.
The trip was as adventure on many levels and I will relive the memories for the rest of my life. Thank you for the experience.
I'm out of superlatives to describe this tour. Each new turn revealed astonishment upon astonishment.
If you want to learn new techniques and visit Peru, travel with PUCHKA. You are in for a wonderful ride!
I loved experiencing the way each instructor expressed information and ideas, the methods of communication without a shared language and general attitude towards materials and techniques. I was amazed at the comfort level of all the places we stayed in, given what we were paying and I didn't expect to master new techniques in such a short time.
Excellent trip! I can't say enough about all the guides and teachers. Thank you so much for making one of my dreams come true. What made it even more special was experiencing Peru through the eyes of someone who loves the country and the people with such great passion. I have wonderful memories that I will treasure. Christine Shipley, Canada Thank you for a totally amazing time. PUCHKA and our teachers will always have a very special place in my heart and the influence on the way I approach my own work will be significant – extraordinary textiles, folk art and country.
The Trip Notes were wonderful as was the pre-trip help. Thank you for a VERY special and truly awesome experience. I loved every minute of it and the food was glorious!
Sasha, you stayed in the background, always there if we needed you but allowing us the space and privilege of making our own way with new artist friends, teachers and other very special people – what an incredibly beautiful country. I'll travel with PUCHKA again and with great anticipation.
Great food! Great accommodations! Great teachers and guides and what a civilized meal schedule – I hope to keep it!
I never felt like a "hanger on" – thank you for organizing such interesting activities for me. It was an experience of a lifetime.
Uppermost still is the congenial, tolerant group that you helped create. All of us had to modify and accept – without your humour and respect "in the moment" this wouldn't have happened – the group experience was enhanced by your tact and understanding of each individual….. I was so absorbed in all the activities that all my post cards are unwritten! A superb trip in every way.
The workshops were brilliant and everything I had hoped for. The teachers (and their families) were great and so generous with their knowledge – and their smiles! My memories are all of a wonderful time, a beautiful country, good company, fantastic textiles and a great wish to return.
This was a deeply enriching experience for me and enthralling and exciting. The activities you organized while my companion was in workshops were tremendous fun – we'll be back with PUCHKA again someday. In the meantime, my teaching will be better for the experience.
This was a trip of a lifetime for me! Your tour is unique – it met my expectations and much, much more.
Thank you for an amazing trip!
I will definitely recommend PUCHKA to my friends. The instructors were, without exception, truly dedicated to their task of teaching me – they were patient and encouraging and their generosity in sharing their skill was awesome.
I appreciated your assertiveness in resolving difficult problems while maintaining the personal dignity of each tour member. Thank you for all the lessons and marvelous workshops!
I really do not want to leave this magical country with its beautiful energy, people, textiles and folk art. Muchas gracias!
Wonderful!!! Everything I was promised and so much more.
I immediately felt welcomed. Everywhere we visited and worked I felt a part of a community of wonderful, talented, intelligent people. Thank you, Sasha, from my heart to yours.
A fabulous experience. I wanted to stay forever.
Like a professional musician, you made everything appear so easy, yet I know from having traveled before in South America, all the hard work you did and were doing "behind the scenes" to make our time in Peru so special.
My journey with you and this group was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
PUCHKA is a class act in every way and Peru was for me a great challenge, a learning experience and a gift. Muchas gracias!
PUCHKA has a very unique itinerary and great style of doing things. The tour was a personally empowering experience for me and one for which I will be forever grateful. Jennifer Smythe, United Kingdom The weavers blew me away with their skill and it was an honour to work with them. Thank you so much for everything – sharing your knowledge of Peru and its textiles, organizing a wonderful adventure for Doug and me – being there for us – so many times – way beyond anything we could have imagined.
An as non-weaver, the visit to the Chanchamayo Valley, Satipo and Oxapampa was the highlight of the tour for me. I really enjoyed visiting the high jungle and seeing pineapples, bananas, avocados, oranges, papayas and coffee actually growing and Memo was an excellent guide.
How can I ever thank you enough for this once in a lifetime trip to Peru? I have difficulty expressing in words how wonderful it was to not be "just another tourist" but to have more of an inside look, meet people, especially your friends, more on their terms. I came home laden down with many stories as well as a suitcase full of textiles. Thank you a thousand times over for going out of your way to make it so special.
I had a wonderful time traveling with PUCHKA and I'm glad that such a textile tour exists that lets one glimpse into the real people and diverseness of Peru rather than just the main tourist attractions. The teachers were great, the food was fabulous as were the accommodations leaving me with a great impression of Peru and many amazing memories.
This is a perfect way to travel and to learn all about Peruvian traditions, folk art and textiles. It is a grand adventure and you learn from the best. I felt a very intense connection with all the people I met and was deeply honoured to learn from them. Thank you very much for sharing your vision with me. I had the most fantastic time. Beatrice Messerli, Holland The caliber of the artists was top notch and the planning and logistics were superb. Barbara Trengove and Nancy Ballentine, United States Go with PUCHKA and see the REAL Peru.
Design of the tour was just excellent. Good balance between study and sightseeing. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Andean craftspeople and a unique opportunity to share their company long enough to develop mutual appreciation and affection, as well as learn from them.
We arrived well at home, but our thoughts are always in Peru. We feel at home like guests - that shows how far from home we have been with our soul and feeling. We have traveled for 40 years but this was one of the three most impressive tours we participated in! This travel was so intense, that it took 4 - 5 weeks to be back here at home! And with every photo we feel like returned to Peru!
Wow! I'm still reeling from all the wonderful activities, people, workshops, archaeological sites, great fun knitting and so much to take in I will spend years remembering it all with such great pleasure.
My "off the tourist trail" adventure with PUCHKA was the best tour in which I've participated. I can't believe how much I learned in such a short time. I'm going back with you and soon!
My feet are not yet back on the ground. What a splendid time I had and I will never be able to thank you enough or put into words how much it all has meant to me. Elaine Sumka, Australia Peru is more beautiful and Peruvians more hospitable than anything I imagined before arriving. Thank you for helping me meet my goals for learning to braid and for being so flexible and helpful before I arrived with respect to my needs. I had a fabulous time and was particularly taken with Tarma and our workshops there. Donna Gordon, United States I came to realize, with great humility, that my country is definitely not the center of the universe and that the lessons I learned from my new Peruvian friends are more profound than anything I've learned in my long life. Muchas gracias for everything! Susan Moore, United States I thought I knew how to knit before traveling to Peru! I loved every minute of it and was surprised by how delicious the meals were, how delightful the people and how truly safe and comfortable I felt everywhere. What an utterly fascinating country and a fabulous adventure I had all around.
As a non-textile participant, as I had hoped for and was rewarded, the introduction to Peru and the land of the Incas by PUCHKA and your travel partners was an unforgettable experience and exceeded my expectations. I have snapshot vignettes of parts of the tour that are indelible portraits in my head. In many ways, certain areas of Peru are reminiscent of Honolulu years ago as I recollect as a child growing up and perhaps I was trying to identify with this feeling. Whatever it was, Peru has cast a spell on me forever thanks to you and PUCHKA tours and I wish you the very best for the future.
A huge thank you for all the organisation of the trip. It was totally wonderful, all the way. Everything was such a feast for the eyes. I have taken many photos, which I will treasure for ever. I have all the Peruvian hangings etc displayed around the house - they look great. Thank you again, so much, for the Puchka holiday.
It really was a wonderful experience - a trip of a lifetime - certainly for me. People are still e-mailing each other and exchanging photos and memories and some of us are going to give talks and slide shows to our local Guilds. But how does one reduce 500+ photographs to a manageable and enjoyable number when I really want to show them all? I wish I was back in Arequipa - what a lovely place!!
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