I’m like most people, I think. I get up, I go to work, and I truly enjoy the simple things in life; cooking, gardening, reading, getting together with friends and family. But then, sometimes, some incredible opportunity comes your way and BOOM…your fantastic life just got even more fantastic!



That’s how I felt about my trip to Peru last year. Of course I did some research before I went; selecting areas I really wanted to see and activities I wanted to include. But nothing really prepares you for the intense beauty of this place.

I could write for hours about my time there…but I’m guessing most of us don’t have that kind of time right now, so instead I wanted to share some highlights of the trip.

Being in Machu Picchu was beyond my wildest dreams; beyond the beauty is the fact that everything you see was created hundreds of years ago (most historians place it at around 1450).

The other discovery that has stayed with me is how friendly and welcoming the Peruvian people are. Whether I was zip lining across a river, or bartering for local goods at the market, their warmth and kindness was so genuine and very much appreciated.

Being an artist, you can’t be in this country without taking note of the colors and textures at every turn. The bright reds, oranges, yellows and blues in their clothing, and other fabric is complete eye candy for an artist’s soul. The variegating green of the hills and mountains along with the sheer heights and depths of the landscape provide endless inspiration. I don’t know what exactly it will be yet, but I’m fairly certain, you will see Peru in Golden Hill Studio glassware designs in the near future.

It’s no stretch to say I fell in love with Peru and I am so looking forward to returning, first to the Amazon and then back to the Andes Mountains!