Trains, Plains and Automobiles

             Today we left the city of Lima and headed to Agua Caliente, a small village situated just at the base of Machu Picchu.   Our first means of transportation called for an air flight scheduled at 8:30am so it was up at 5am with our taxi arriving at 6.  Check in was very smooth and   I didn’t actually see an airplane and quickly discovered why - we were all loaded onto a bus and driven around on the tarmac looking for our Star Peru airplane.   It seemed to me to be a very unorganized and chaotic drive but I guess they knew right where they were going because we arrived safely to our awaiting plane, quickly boarded and lifted off right on time.

            Flying to Cusco afforded some spectacular views of the Andeas.  Flight time was just short of an hour and a half and landing proved to be interesting as well.  Cusco sits in a ‘bowl’ surrounded by mountains, although the locals may call them hills.  Our altitude remained high as we flew past the runway and then made a sharp turn and quick descent to the small airstrip below. The altitude of Cusco is 10,750. 

           

            Once outside the Cusco terminal we were met by a private van and driver for the 2 hour drive to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley.  What a thrill ride coming out through the mountains of Cusco and into the Sacred Valley.  Our driver graciously dropped us as close as he could to the train station.  We ordered a boxed lunch from a local restaurant and proceeded down to the station with everything in tow.  Streets there aren’t paved nice and smooth like ours.  Be sure you don’t wear high heels.  Good walking shoes are the order for the day.

            Finally situated on the train we were now ready for the one and a half hour train trip to the village of Agua Caliente.  We had seats that faced with a table between so it was very nice for eating our lunch, playing cards, talking and enjoying the beautiful scenery.   Arrival into Agua Caliente was around 3pm.  We were met by one of the staff from the hotel who wanted to assist with our luggage.  Little did we know that you don’t drive anywhere in Agua Caliente.  Everything is built ‘up the hill’ so we packed all our luggage up the hill to our hotel for the evening.   

We were staying at the Hotel Taykikala Machupicchu and it was the last hotel at the top of the town.  At an elevation of about 6,700 feet we proceeded slow and steady.

            After getting settled in and walking up and down the hill a couple of more times (there are only 2 main streets to walk up and down) we had dinner at the hotel.  Afterwards we walked about 200 feet down the hill and had a 1-hour couples massage which included hot stones.  It was wonderful and a great way to end the day. 

           

Lima, Peru Day 2

            Today we opted for an open air tour bus ride into the historic downtown portion of Lima.  We walked from our condo to the Larcome Shopping Center.  This appeared to be a nerve center of the Miraflores area.  After asking several security guards where the bus stop was located – since I was pretty sure we wouldn’t be catching it underground – I finally located a nice young man who spoke some very broken English.  He escorted me to the “TouriBus” office where I finally picked up our tickets for the day.  I had purchased them the night before online at Viator but needed to obtain our ‘paper ticket’ to actually board the bus.  After several minutes and with ticket in hand we were directed to the pickup location, directly behind the taxi stand.  

            We proceeded up to ground level and managed to find the line of taxis.

We felt we were in the right place but with no posted sign one had to wonder.  After 5 minutes another couple from Hawaii joined us.  They also were looking for the bus stop.  We assumed we were in the right location and several minutes before the bus was due to arrived the young lady that had given me my ‘paper ticket’ appeared at ground level with a clipboard and walkie talkie confirming this was the stop.  The bright yellow bus came into view right on time and we boarded, opting to sit in the open air upstairs seating.  It was slightly chilly at first but warmed up nicely within a short time.  We had layered our clothing so were well prepared for the different temperatures.

            We slowly proceeded through the streets of Lima on our way to the historic downtown section.  The ride into the city center took about an hour and a half but afforded us good understanding of the culture as we took in the sight, sounds and smells of this fascinating city.  Our goal for the day was the Convento de San Francisco and the Catacombs – added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.  Our small group consisted of about 20 but half were Spanish speaking and half were English speaking only so our tour guide had to describe each thing in both English and Spanish, taking a little longer than some of the other tour groups.

            We left our bus at Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas of Lima, the birthplace of Lima and the core of the city.  In 1523, King Charles 1 of Spain mandated the “Procedures for the creation of cities in the New World”.   These pro

cedures indicated that after outlining a city's plan, growth should follow a grid centered on the square shape of the plaza.  On the day of the foundation of the city of Lima, January 18, 1535, the conquistador Francisco Pizarro conformed to the established procedure and designated the Plaza Mayor.  Within the square you will find the Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, Archbishop’s Palace, Municipal Palace and the Palace of the Union. 

 

 The changing of the guards takes place at 11:45am daily at the Government Palace.  We only caught a few minutes of the ceremony but our guide tells us its about an hour in length. 

            

           From Plaza Mayor we walked the short one block to the San Francisco Church. We spent a little over an hour here. Aside from the church and monastery it also contains a library and catacombs. The church and monastery were consecrated in 1673 and completed in 1774.  After surviving earthquakes in both 1687 and 1746, it suffered extensive damage in the earthquake of 1970.  The architectural style is Spanish Baroque with the head alter carved out of wood.  The corridors of the main cloister are inlaid with Sevillian glazed tiles dating from the 1620s. 

            The library is world-renowned containing over 25,000 antique texts pre dating the conquest.   I thought one of the most notable books was the Holy Bible dating 1571 printed in Antwerp. 

            As we walked through the refectory one couldn’t help notice 13 large paintings on either side of you.  They represented the biblical patriarch Jacob and his 12 sons and were done by the hand of Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran.  A painting of the last supper depicted Peruvian ingredients such as guinea pig, potatoes and chillis.  I also found interesting a picture of Judas with the Devil hovering besides him.

            Discovered in 1943, the catacombs contain thousands of skulls and bones having served as a burial-place until 1808, when the city cemetery was opened outside Lima.  Dark, mysterious and somewhat eerie, I was fascinated at the way they chose to ‘display’ the bones.  After a limestone decay process was completed the Monks would place the bones in different patterns in different areas.  It is said to conserve space. 

            A most interesting day indeed.   After being dropped off back at the Larcome Shopping Center, we dined at the La Bodega de la Trattoria, watched the sunset and then headed back to our condo.  Our departure to Agua Caliente and Machu Picchu was scheduled at 6am so we made it an early evening. 

           

Lima, Peru Day 1

After arriving to our condo at 1:30AM, we rose at 8am ready for our first day of adventure.

Our condo is located about 2 blocks to the Pacific Ocean.  As we walked the short distance, we came across our first landmark, the IHS Church.   Peru is 99% catholic and today is Sunday but service had not begun so we entered the church and were able to take some photos of the beautiful architectural design.   

We then proceeded down to the elevated walkway for some spectacular views 100 feet or more above the ocean.  I’m not sure how far the walkway extends but we did 5km and did not reach the end.  It’s a beautiful area to walk, bike, roller blade, skateboard or do any other activity of your choice.  Lots of people walking dogs and beautiful weather. 

 We spend about 5 hours walking and exploring along the elevated walkway and ended up at Larcome Underground Shopping Center.  Built into the face of the cliffs, reaching several hundred feet above the Pacific Ocean, this mall was very large which included a underground bowling alley, 4 levels of brand name clothing stores and numerous food options.  We opted to eat a late lunch at TGIFridays and were seated next to a glass enclosure for wind protection.  Still had a beautiful view of the Pacific and were able to watch hang gliders fly by below us.  

A late dinner was only 1 block from the condo at La Bodega de la Trattoria. We all ordered a pisco sour – the national drink of Peru.  Tamie and Steve didn’t seem to enjoy theirs much and as a result Mike and I drank 2 each.  I opted for a seafood soup which reminded me of  clam chowder but was a little thinner consistency and made with shrimp.  It was fabulous.  Tamie and Steve both ordered salads and Mike had a bagel sandwich made with bruschetta and cream cheese.   Everyone seemed to really enjoy the light meal.   Then it was back to the condo to partake of some Lindt chocolate and a glass of wine to finish off the evening.   

Arriving into Lima, Peru

Boarded our flight from Medford, Oregon at 6:30am for the non-stop service to Los Angeles.  We walked from terminal 6 down to the Bradley International Terminal where we had a 4 hour wait.   This is where we met up with Steve Saffer for our flight to Lima. 

We flew non-stop Los Angeles to Lima, Peru via LAN airlines, departing at 1:45pm and arriving into Lima, Peru at 12:10a.  The owner of our condo had arranged for transportation with Taxi Green who met us outside of customs and immigration.  We had a van at our disposal for the 4 of us, costing $30US and taking approximately 1 hour for the drive to Miraflores and our home for the next 3 nights.  Our arrival at our 2-bedroom condo was approximately 1:30am so we immediately crashed for the evening.  It had been a very long day.  Looking forward to tomorrow.

TAYLOR’S SAUSAGE IN CAVE JUNCTION, OREGON

            One might easily drive past the unpretentious entrance to Taylor’s Sausage County Store as you motor your way to or from the Oregon coast, but as any local will quickly tell you - to do so would be a hugh mistake.

History

            The Taylor family fine sausage business dates back to 1924 when Great Grandpa Taylor brought the family recipe from Europe, settling in Calgary, Canada.  In 1932 Grandpa Taylor moved the business to Southern California to the world-famous Hollywood Farmer’s Market, serving his famous Taylor sausages to Hollywood stars for over 19 years.

Charles Taylor

            It was post WWII that third-generation, and Korean War veteran, Charles Taylor left the hustle and bustle of the big city and headed north in search of a quiet country place he could call his own.  In 1970 he purchased a small meat shop in Cave Junction and moved his family to the Illinois Valley in Josephine County, Southern Oregon. 

            To ship products across state lines it became necessary to build a new and modern USDA-inspected sausage kitchen where he could process meats under, indubitably, the strictest meat inspection system in the world.  The current Processing Plant, located a very short distance from the Country Store, houses an

on-site USDA inspector.  Rest assured, Taylor’s Sausage only uses the finest meats with natural spices from around the world.  True to their vision, natural smoking hardwoods, natural casings and an absolute minimum of preservatives are used during the production process.  It is this demand for perfection that makes Taylor’s Sausage best in its field.

COUNTRY STORE AND RESTAURANT

            Located in the heart of the small community of Cave Junction, population 1950, the Country Outlet Store and Restaurant opened for business in 2005 with Scott Taylor at the helm. You will find large portion home-style cooking prepared fresh daily at below average prices.  Today it remains open 7 days a week offering over 100 specialty items, all handled at their Processing Plant.

            Taylor’s is especially proud of their employees, some starting as early as 4am baking the daily biscuits.  Scott shows great satisfaction in being able to offer employment opportunities to High School Seniors and Rogue Community College students. 

            I felt compelled to try the $3.50 full order house specialty “biscuits and gravy” but after consuming only half of the order decided their half order would have been a wiser choice.   Luckily they have ‘to go’ boxes.  Breakfast almost always sells out so arrive early. Busiest time is lunch traffic about 1pm. 

            Each Friday 5:30p-8:30p Taylor’s make available live music from different genres with reservation based dinner seating.  Off-the-menu ordering features prime rib and other house specialties. 

PROCESSING PLANT

            Stepping through the doors to the Processing Plant I instantly felt the sudden drop in temperature.  Each room in the building is temperature controlled for production requirements.  The Plant Manager is Terry Taylor but he was out of town the day of our visit.  We were introduced to Jason Kohler, Assistant Plant Manager.  Jason was born in Medford and has been 11 years in Cave Junction.  After being introduced to Charles Taylor, we dawned our fashionable white mesh hairnets and lab coats for our plant tour.  Beginning at the un-loading docks, we proceeded through each phase of the processing, concluding in the shipping department.

            At the un-loading dock hangs a clipboard used to track each truck arrival.  All meats arrive fresh, not frozen, and each item is temperature checked before it will be accepted.   Once accepted, identification numbers are assigned, allowing tracking through each step of the process. 

            With an average of approximately 130 employees at any given time, at first glance one would think it very chaotic with large carts of meats in various stages of production rushing to and fro.  Without traffic lights, each employee was cognizant of their surroundings and knew where to go, when to pass and when to wait.  It was like watching a dance recital. 

            By use of a color coded system cross-contamination remains in check. Blue bins and staff with blue aprons, red bins and red aprons and green bins and green aprons.  As we would move from one processing room to another a white foam mysteriously appeared on the floor, sterilizing our shoes.  

            It was after touring the Processing Plant with Chuck Taylor, now 83, that I came away with a deep sense of the pride and commitment that the Taylor family holds for each item produced – now numbering over 100.

            Don’t think the Taylor heritage will come to an end anytime soon – with fourth-generation son Terry heading up the Processing Plant and son Scott at the Country Store, the business is growing faster than ever with expansion projects in the works for both locations.

To find out more about Taylor Sausage, call 541-592-4185.  You can check out their website and place online orders at www.taylorsausage.com

KC and the Sunshine Band at Seven Feathers

                  Called the "Founder of the Dance Revolution”, he is Harry Wayne Casey, better known as the founder and leader of KC and The Sunshine Band.  Four number one records in a row, Grammy awards for album of the year, Peoples Choice Awards, American Music Awards, and Producer of the Year in 1978 for his work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack,  Harry Wayne Casey "Wanted to do something that would make people forget about their problems and be happy.”

                  Hit "rewind" to 1973. The average home price was $32,500. The average automobile was $2,900.  A gallon of gasoline was 40 cents.  The United States was still involved in the Vietnam conflict, Richard Nixon was the target of the Watergate investigation, University Students were protesting and rioting, and there was discontent all over the world with rising unemployment and inflation.  People were looking for something that would divert their attention from the negative aspects of everyday life surrounding them.  It was during this time that a young Harry Casey did anything and everything that he could to further his passion for music. He worked at a local record store, opened boxes at Tone Record Distributors and hung around a local recording studio just hoping that somebody would give him a chance to fulfill his biggest dream...to record a record.

                  Now “fast forward” to 2015.  Last night at Seven Feather Casino in Canyonville, Oregon, the house rocked to the upbeat high energy of KC and the Sunshine Band.  Having graduated in the late 60’s, this was a stroll down memory lane for me.  Driving the short 40 minutes North to Canyonville, we arrived at Seven Feather Casino about 7pm.  Just enough time to grab a quick drink from the Sports Bar and to play a few penny slots before the start of the concert at 8pm. 

                  As we entered the back of the line for the concert I had the feeling like it would take us forever to get into the venue but once the doors were open, seating was extremely fast and efficient.  No glass containers are allowed inside the venue but they do provide a station just prior to entering where you can pour your drinks into plastic containers.  They also offer beer and wine options once inside. 

                  The venue at Seven Feathers is certainly not ideal for watching a concert in my opinion.  The floor is totally flat.  We were 27 rows from stage front but because the floor is not elevated from front to back, it makes it difficult to see the stage.  I would suggest your tickets be in the first 15 rows to really enjoy any event at this venue.   The music was terrific however so it more than made up for the seating inadequacy. 

                  KC and the Sunshine Band music has been featured at every major sporting event in the world including the Super Bowl, World Series, Conference Championships, The NBA, Collegiate Bowl Games National Championship Games, the NASCAR racing Circuit and Championships, The World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Kentucky Derby, every Holiday Parade including the famous Macys Thanksgiving Day parade, and the Tournament of Roses Parade, Political Party Conventions and Presidential Campaigns.  Their music has also been featured on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks?   Topping 60 years of age and a little over weight, KC still managed to ‘get his groove on’ and provided a wonderful evening of music.   

                  “Get Down Tonight”, “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, “Boogie Shoes”, “Rock Your Baby”, “I’m Your Boogie Man”, “Keep It Comin’ Love” and “Please Don’t Go” are just a sampling of the music emanating from the stage last night. 

                 

                  A great little stroll down memory lane last night at Seven Feathers.  For more information on KC and the Sunshine Bank and to check out the remainder of their 2015 tour schedule head over to www.heykcsb.com/shows.html

Oregon Cabaret Theatre: a unique theatre in historic downtown Ashland, Oregon

Not only does Oregon Cabaret Theatre offer an intimate theatre experience - with seating for 140 - with award winning casts but it also provides an opportunity to enjoy a gourmet dining experience, offering a wide variety of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts, all uniquely adapted to each production.

Ashland is located along Interstate 5, just 15 miles north of the California border at the south end of the Bear Creek Valley.  Air service would be into Medford, Oregon, a short 16 miles away. 

Opening August 1, 1986 Oregon Cabaret Theatre represents a marvelously quaint theatre now celebrating it’s 30^th season.  It has upped the ante on cultural events in the already culturally savvy city of Ashland by offering both diverse and big-name shows, while also offering an optional gourmet dining experience.  Adding a 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award to its list of accolades, the Cabaret enjoys 4.5 of 5 stars on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. 

The Theatre

To enjoy the full experience of the Cabaret arrive at 6:30pm.  

The architecture style and design of the building have remained relatively the same since it’s construction in 1911 as First Baptist Church.  In 1982 Craig Hudson purchased the then boarded-up building and began the meticulous renovation to restore the building to its 1911 splendor, including replication of the stained glass windows.  A major focal point is the iconic chandelier salvaged from a 1927 movie palace in Pennsylvania.  Table features include low light antique period red shade lamps.  A main level seating on four tiered levels, along with side boxes and balcony, can accommodate most seating preferences. 

The Menu

The Cabaret does not carry the label of a ‘dinner theatre’ because it is offered as an option  with advance reservations.  Chef Frankenberger creates menus specific to each show and features gourmet favorites, which include Grilled Balsamic Ribeye Steak, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Pan-seared Halibut, Mediterranean Six Cheese Ravioli and a special of the day. Pair your dinner with a selection from their extensive list of local and regional fine wines and beers.  Reservations are required for dinner or brunch but not for appetizers, desserts, or drinks.  Food and drink orders are optional and are not included in the price of the ticket but are paid for separately at the end of the evening.   

Your dessert order will also be taken before the performance begins and will be served during intermission.  You will find it hard to pass up the house dessert ‘Dick Hay Pie’.   This infamous dessert was originally the brainchild of co-founder Craig Hudson to impress his friend Richard Hay at a dessert bake-off.  Resembling an ice cream pie, it consisted of an Oreo blend base, followed by several alternating layers of vanilla ice cream and peanut butter, drizzled with hot fudge.  The portions are large so you may want to consider splitting one. 

The Performance

As part of their 30^th anniversary season, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre presented the award winning “The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!)”. 

You will laugh your way through five shows in this comical satire of musical theatre.  With a cast of 4 playing out 5 mini musicals, each tells the story of a young damsel in distress who cannot pay the rent and is threatened by the evil landlord.  Will the handsome young leading man come to her rescue?  Each musical represents a very distinctive style from a different master.  First - Corn! only as Rogers and Hammerstein might have imagined it.  Next - A Little Complex in the style of Sondheim.  Then enjoy the Jerry Herman inspired Dear Abby followed by the Andrew Lloyd Webber take on Aspects of Junita.  Finally the story will move to Chicago for one last take in a cabaret style of Kander and Ebb.

The Production

“The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!)” is the creative musical genius of Erick Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart.  This was the longest running show in the York Theatre Company’s 35-year history before moving Off-Broadway.  Some language earned it a PG-13 rating but it contains no violence or nudity.

Artistic Director Valerie Rochelle spent 18 years as a freelance director and choreographer in Southern California and was a guest Director at the Cabaret during the 2006 and 2012 seasons.  Valerie holds an MFA in Directing and a BFA in Acting from Southern California but her true roots are Oregon.  Born and raised in Eugene, Valerie’s parents live in Portland and her husband’s family resides in the State of Washington.   With the sudden and unexpected death of Jim Giancarlo in 2014, the door was opened for Valerie Rachelle to step into the Cabaret shoes of Artistic Director, only the 2^nd in the Cabaret’s history.

Evening performances start promptly at 8:00pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:00pm. “The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!)” runs April 9–May 17 with “Cabaret” running May 28–August 30.

Any visit to Southern Oregon should include a visit to Oregon Cabaret Theatre.  You will find the Cabaret located in historic downtown Ashland on the corner of S. 1^st Street and Hargadine Street.  Contact the box office at 541-488-2902 and check out their website at www.oregoncabaret.com

 

Million Dollar Quartet - The Musical

The date was December 4, 1956.  The place was Sun Records Recording Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.  Four music legends came together in a rudimentary, one-room studio for a one time impromptu jam session.  This was the backdrop to the Tony award-winning Broadway musical we watched last week in Medford at the Craterian Theatre at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts.

The “Million Dollar Quartet”, as it was later dubbed, is a new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.  It would end up being one of the greatest jam recording sessions of all times.  “Million Dollar Quartet”, the musical, brought the epic recording session to life as they presented a score of rock hits which included "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," “My Babe”,  “Peace In The Valley”, “I Walk The Line”, “See You Later Alligator”, "Hound Dog" and more.  The performance started promptly at 7:30p and ran to completion without an intermission. 

If you get a chance be sure you catch this entertaining, high energy and uplifting performance. You can catch them at the Apollo Theatre in Chicago, Harrah’s Showroom in Las Vegas, or one of there many stops on their US Tour schedule. Check them out at www.MillionDollarQuartetLive.com