Thursday, January 31, 2013

Machu Picchu – the end of the first leg of our journey around South America, and daughter Cheryl will be going back to work – Work: a four letter word. For Maxine, once to Machu Picchu is enough. When we came here in 1999, we had magnificent sunny weather. Cheryl & I are off to Cusco and Machu Picchu for a three day trip. The first day we took it easy (11,500 foot altitude) Took in a monastery and cathedral, and wandered through the sacred valley. The indigenous Quechua people did some amazing stone work. Look at that immense fitted rock behind Cheryl and me, and look at the beautiful weather – won’t hold up! We decide to take the luxurious Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Agua Caliente, the city at the base of Machu Picchu. The train is an amazing experience by itself. The food, service and entertainment are fantastic. Hiram, by the way, was the man who “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911. From Agua Caliente, there is a spine chilling switchback bus ride up the hill. We weren’t ready for the rain, but for $2 got some inexpensive rain gear. You may notice that I was much more secure on the slippery, irregular steps with a lovely cane which I got for Christmas. Even with the dampness, Machu Picchu is one of the great wonders of the world.

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