Newsletter July 2007

Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the most common tourist destinations in Peru, are also a magnet for celebrities. This past June, Olivia Newton-John, Cameron Diaz and Bill Gates visited the Incan cities.

Cameron at the sacred Huaca de Luna in Sacsayhuaman.

Cameron said the purpose of her visit was to participate in a television show that celebrates Peru’s culture. She is part of “4 Real,” a Canadian TV production that focuses on young community leaders around the world. Cameron was fascinated by the superb craftsmanship and extraordinary weaving techniques of the native people of Chincheros.

Women weaving at Chincheros.

Cameron and Freddy later went to Machu Picchu where they experienced both the sunrise and sunset. Cameron also visited Huayna Picchu mountain, right next to Machu Picchu. Huayna means young in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Machu means old and Picchu means mountain.

Cameron and Freddy at Machu Picchu.

Her trip ended on an uncomfortable note. She was seen carrying an olive green bag adorned with a red star and the words “Serve the People” printed in Chinese, Communist leader Mao Zedong’s most famous political slogan. The bags are marketed as fashion accessories in some world capitals, but in Peru the symbol evokes memories of the Maoist Shining Path insurgency that fought the government in the 1980s and 1990s. The bag caused a media scandal in the United States, however in Peruvian press the incident was scarcely mentioned and the positive aspects of her visit were the main focus of reports. Even so, Diaz issued the following statement, “I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it. I’m sorry for any people’s pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country’s history,” said Diaz.

Cameron and Freddy at Machu Picchu.

Microsoft Corporation Chairman Bill Gates also visited Cuzco. Gates arrived on June 22 and immediately went to Machu Picchu. He returned to his hotel in Cuzco that same night on the luxurious “Hiram Bingham” train. He also attended the Inti Raymi or Sun Festival, the most important ancient Inca ceremony to commemorate and worship the Sun God. The festival takes place every June 24th during the winter solstice, mbeginning at the Koricancha temple and ending at the Sacsayhuaman fortress.

Bill Gates at the Inti Raymi festival.

Until this month, Gates had been ranked as the richest person in the world since 1995. Recent estimates put his net worth at close to $56 billion. He is the largest shareholder of Microsoft, owning 8% of common stock. On an interesting note, Microsoft worked with several universities to develop a Windows version in Quechua which was launched in Peru last year.

Bill Gates walking the stone-paved streets of Cuzco.
The Monasterio Hotel is in the background.

Another famous visitor to Cuzco, Olivia Newton John was spotted by local media at Cuzco’s Airport right before the end of her visit. She had been cautious about not attracting attention from the press, and at the time was hiding behind dark sunglasses and wearing a black sweater and dark pants. Bystanders at the airport recognized the Aussie-Brit actress and singer and were quick to ask for autographs and pictures. “Everything here was very beautiful,” she remarked when asked about her trip.

Olivia Newton John alongside John Travolta in the 70’s musical Grease.

Source: Livinginperu.com, Msnbc.com

PAST NEWSLETTERS:

• Newsletter December 2007
• Newsletter November 2007
• Newsletter October 2007
• Newsletter September 2007
• Newsletter August 2007
• Newsletter July 2007
• Newsletter June 2007
• Newsletter May 2007
• Newsletter April 2007
• Newsletter March 2007
• Newsletter February 2007
• Newslette January 2007