We just returned from Peru, where we were participating in an International Palm Society event. It was focused on native palms of the Peruvian Amazon and Andes. However, the orchids, bromeliads and ancient culture were fascinating as well. We were also impressed with the Peruvian open friendliness that is akin to our aloha.

What comes to mind when folks think Peru is the historic Inca Machu Picchu. It certainly is a site to behold, but now they are opening up an even older site of the Chachapoyas civilization. This predates the Incas by a long shot, so we spent several days studying the history and vegetation of the region.

It is a long way up from the sweltering Amazon to the quaint town of Chachapoyas and Kuelap Fortress. Archeologists are just scratching the surface as they uncover an

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