Galapagos Machi Pichu

 On this 2nd day at MP we ascended seemingly endless staircases to the top of the complex. The views were iconic.  While these are the views we see in the travel posters they were little better than what we saw yesterday.  We spent some time appreciating the mountains and the gorgeous clouds and sky.  We headed back down, appreciating again the incredible engineering and craftsmanship . The crowds this morning were large and the lines to get in long  However waits were not long and once inside we did not feel crowded.  All in all MP is well organized and set up.  While it is impressive and unique, MP in my opinion would not be worth the travel effort by itself.  Combined with Urubamba and other Andean sites the total is compelling.  The accomplishments of the Inca are truly remarkable- particularly when you consider the status of other cultures during the period of their development  (1200 to 1500).  The behavior of the Spanish is p...

 This was a transportation multi- mode day: bus to a ceremony with a Urubamba wise man, bus down the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, train through the deep and narrow river canyon to Aquas Caliente, bus to Machu Picchu, and bus back to Aquas Caliente!  Whew!  We saw a LOT of country - some of it truly spectacular; all of it unusual. The local wise man (Shaman if you will) greeted us and then assembled items representing the many aspects of life and travels - plastic figures, paper flowers, candy - he then poured "sacred" local brew over the assembly, wrapped it in paper, and burned in a fire to send the offerings to heaven.  After blessing he sent us on our way.  We understand this ceremony to be typical in the Andes for travelers.  In an interesting similitude that makes travel special, there is a high school adjacent to his property and the students were singing during our ceremony - in beautiful harmony! The river is one of the main tributaries to the A...

 This was a very busy day. Got up at 5:15, packed, breakfast at 6, met bus at 6:40, at Lima airport by 8 am, flew to Cusco arriving 10:45, got on bus at 11:15, visited an amazing weaving center at elevation 12,000 ft, drove through stunning scenery to the sacred valley, and got to our hotel around 3 pm. Quite a day! The Lima airport is modern and efficient and with Patti’s help we got to the plane without incident.  The one hr flight was crammed full, mostly with tourists but was smooth until the Cusco approach- a narrow valley, mountains on both sides, and a fast hard landing.  The Cusco airport is small but clean nice and efficient.  The  11,000 ft elevation was immediately noticeable with some shortness of breath.   Jews from the bus emphasized the mountain setting and the narrow valley filled with people. Cusco has about 1 million. The weaver center, at over 12,000 ft, was amazing  we had demonstrations of yarn dye making and yarn spinning, weaving...

 We woke considerably refreshed and ready.  Breakfast was a diverse combination of american foods combined with local fruit, cereals, and meats.  No complaints!  We met our "experience leader" at 11 am for an orientation, meet and greet, and preparation for the excitement to come!  Patti is personable, experienced, and very ready to help and please.  She made it clear that we would not be sitting around very much with some long days interspersed wtih time to rest and regroup.  We discussed how to  manage altitude sickness since we will be at up to 11,000 ft elevations and will be walking a lot.  And, of course, trip ground rules.   We are a group of 12 people - 5 couples and 2 singles.  Initial introductions made it clear all of us are experienced travelers and most have been on multiple OAT trips.  We will have lots to talk about over the days ahead.   After a late lunch of Peruvian dishes, we set out on a walki...

 We had Sandra as our guide today and spent most of the day in the city center.  Among the highlights were the Laco antiquities museum and the historical center.  The museum had an amazing collection of ceramics, textiles and precious metal objects from pre-Inca civilizations dating back to BC  We also watched the changing of the guards at the presidential palace- sort of like Buckingham palace but even more pomp and martial music from a live brass band! The center is filled with “faded glory” - colonial era buildings with ornate facades, fancy balconies and lavish courtyards   They have left in ruin or at least disrepair  apparently no one wants to live in this so there is little incentive to bring back the elegance   I am reminded of Buenos Aires without the restoration   The flight of people from the center was triggered by “Shinig Path”  atrocities and bombings which destroyed the central square and killed many  - so much for communi...

 We got up in time for last call for breakfast. Still a bit groggy and quite tired. After a diverse and excellent breakfast at the hotel we decided to take a walk down to the Malacon, which is the shoreline which defines Lima’s geography.  It was warm, humid day with sun - but not uncomfortable.  Lots of people, including families, young joggers, and older folks enjoying the day.  It was a mix not unlike we could see in SF along the bay or ocean.  I was struck by the predominance of younger adults and their relatively good physical condition.  This is in contrast to prevalence of overweight people in many parts of the US and in many developing countries.  Most people seemed relaxed and unhurried, despite it being a work day. We enjoyed the views of the bay and the city behind.  After a walk back to the hotel we consumed the lunch we brought on the plane (our typical frugal behavior) and then after a brief rest (still VERY tired) we walked to Kenne...