Friday, October 30, 2015
Again, I have to apologize for not posting this blog every day. The internet along the way has been less than stellar. If you are frustrated at the lack of posts, imagine how I'm feeling. Waiting for hours for a photo to download. Sure makes me appreciate our internet system in the good ole USA. I thought perhaps when I arrived in Australia, I could get caught up with posts, but alas, the system doesn't work here any better. To no avail, I've been trying to publish this entry since last evening. So sorry.
Today's travels took us to the long anticipated highlight of the NatGeo trip, Machu Picchu. We had two options. Option one was to ride the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Option two was to drive through the Sacred Valley visiting Ollantaytambo, later catching the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu. Bruce, Gail and I chose the valley drive. Pat opted for the train ride and we would meet up with Pat when the train stopped in Ollantaytambo to pick us up.
By the way, I think I should mention that the facts I write about in my blog come from guides or information that I've read about the area. So if these guides are like me, they may be making this stuff up as they go along. But they seem very convincing. Just thought I should include that disclaimer. That being said ...
Located in the scenic Urubamba Valley on the main road from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is considered by some to be even more important to the Incan Empire than Machu Picchu. But the power of marketing makes Machu Picchu more of a tourist destination with literally thousands of people flowing through every day.
The royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, Ollantaytambo is located in the Scared Valley of the Inca. Again, I'm astounded by the Incan architecture and their ability to move these huge stones. The city consists of a series of terraces rising to the top of the mountain. These terraces were used to grow crops.
Granaries are constructed literally on the side of the steep mountain to store and preserve food for years.
Legend has it that the God of Prosperity was sent to the Inca People to teach them how to grow crops. He loved the area so much, he decided to stay and remained over looking the fortress in the form of a rock.
During the day, the sun casts shadows over his stone face giving the appearance of open or closed eyes. Therefore, the Inca would work the hardest during the afternoon when the eyes appeared to be open because they knew the God of Prosperity was watching them. Tales of Gods visiting kind of makes one wonder if there was some type of extra terrestrial influence. I don't know how else to explain the progressive nature of the Inca People and their brilliant architectural skills.
However, the brilliant Incan architecture must have been their strong suit, because their civilization only lasted about 100 years before being wiped out by Spanish Conquistadors and disease.
While here, we visited a typical Peruvian home. The living area was filled with Guinea Pigs, just wandering around uncaged.
These "free range" Guinea, are a delicacy prepared for special occasions such as someone's birthday or a special holiday, No cages equipped with little wheels to run on, no water bottles, the Guinea's only source of water comes from the fresh grasses they eat, shown hanging on the wall above.
After a sensational visit to Ollantaytambo, we boarded the Hiram Bingham luxury train and set off for Machu Picchu. The train ride was spectacular.
Again, my friends, Lilliana and Jeff gave us a good tip ... for the best views, sit on the left side of the train near the back, because all of the scenery is located on the left side of the train. Further, the last car has an outdoor platform allowing for amazing photographs of the valley along the river. I'm so glad I got to speak to Lilliana and Jeff before leaving for this trip. Lilliana is from Peru and Jeff has visited many times. The insider info was very helpful. Thanks!!
Pat rode the train from Cusco and had already secured the perfect seats for us by the time we boarded. Left side overlooking the scenic valley and near the back of the train, which also, coincidentally, was right next to the bar car. How convenient!! Because we were having so much fun, the train ride seemed short.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes, we gathered our gear and set off for the twenty minute bus ride up the steep hairpin curved road to Machu Picchu. After a three hour bus tour, a two hour train ride, a 20 minute bus ride and then a fifteen minute hike up the mountain, we finally arrived in Machu Picchu.
Clouds lingered around the mountains, which added an element of mystery to the already mysterious place. The view of the ruins was spectacular. Our guide told us all about the mystical and ritualistic Inca people.
Most people believe the Inca worshiped the sun, moon, rivers, mountains, etc. However, our guide said rather than worshiping them, the leaders studied these wonders of nature. Surrounded by the snow packed Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu became a sacred landscape and an astronomic site.
Incan architects carefully designed the area to harmonize with the surrounding steep mountains.
I could have found a comfortable place to sit high up on the hillside and just marveled at Machu Picchu for hours. As it was, we had plenty of time to wander through and see everything we wanted to see. Bruce's quote for the day ... " Ollantaytambo is Machu Picchu foreplay."
Gail pretty much summed up today's experience with this remark, "Let's see. The Inca's built all these terraces to grow crops. So then they get covered by a rain forest. Then they get rediscovered. Is that it?" To which I responded, "That pretty much sums it up!"
Tomorrow, we're off to Easter Island.
Again, I have to apologize for not posting this blog every day. The internet along the way has been less than stellar. If you are frustrated at the lack of posts, imagine how I'm feeling. Waiting for hours for a photo to download. Sure makes me appreciate our internet system in the good ole USA. I thought perhaps when I arrived in Australia, I could get caught up with posts, but alas, the system doesn't work here any better. To no avail, I've been trying to publish this entry since last evening. So sorry.
Today's travels took us to the long anticipated highlight of the NatGeo trip, Machu Picchu. We had two options. Option one was to ride the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Option two was to drive through the Sacred Valley visiting Ollantaytambo, later catching the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu. Bruce, Gail and I chose the valley drive. Pat opted for the train ride and we would meet up with Pat when the train stopped in Ollantaytambo to pick us up.
By the way, I think I should mention that the facts I write about in my blog come from guides or information that I've read about the area. So if these guides are like me, they may be making this stuff up as they go along. But they seem very convincing. Just thought I should include that disclaimer. That being said ...
Located in the scenic Urubamba Valley on the main road from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is considered by some to be even more important to the Incan Empire than Machu Picchu. But the power of marketing makes Machu Picchu more of a tourist destination with literally thousands of people flowing through every day.
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| The terraces rise to the sky where the leaders lived.The folks on the trail can give you an idea of how big this site is. |
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| Granaries cling to the mountainside to store food for years. |
Legend has it that the God of Prosperity was sent to the Inca People to teach them how to grow crops. He loved the area so much, he decided to stay and remained over looking the fortress in the form of a rock.
 |
| The God of Prosperity watches over Ollantaytambo. |
However, the brilliant Incan architecture must have been their strong suit, because their civilization only lasted about 100 years before being wiped out by Spanish Conquistadors and disease.
While here, we visited a typical Peruvian home. The living area was filled with Guinea Pigs, just wandering around uncaged.
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| "Free Range Guinea Pigs." |
After a sensational visit to Ollantaytambo, we boarded the Hiram Bingham luxury train and set off for Machu Picchu. The train ride was spectacular.
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| Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu. Pat and Julie. |
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| Bruce and Gail |
Pat rode the train from Cusco and had already secured the perfect seats for us by the time we boarded. Left side overlooking the scenic valley and near the back of the train, which also, coincidentally, was right next to the bar car. How convenient!! Because we were having so much fun, the train ride seemed short.
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| A llama grazes on a terrace at Machu Picchu. |
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| He seems as interested in us as we are in him. |
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| View from Sun Temple. |
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| Bruce and Gail |
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| Notice how the roof lines align with the mountain backdrop. |
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| Checking out Machu Picchu |
Gail pretty much summed up today's experience with this remark, "Let's see. The Inca's built all these terraces to grow crops. So then they get covered by a rain forest. Then they get rediscovered. Is that it?" To which I responded, "That pretty much sums it up!"
Tomorrow, we're off to Easter Island.
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| Bruce checking out Machu Picchu |
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| This photo is dedicated to Scruffy. Peruvian Squirrels. The look like a cross between a rabit and a squirrel. |
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| Just a cool picture |
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| Mom and Child rest on a park bench. |
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| Peruvian boys. The type of hat and poncho they wear tells what family they are from. |
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