The famous Machu Picchu
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2008
1
3
10
Trip End
Jan 15, 2009
Machu Picchu,
Sacred Valley,
Peru
Monday, December 29, 2008
So I suppose I wills start with today. It was expensive to get to Machu Picchu. Very expensive. Surprisingly expensive. I probably have spent more here then I will spend on my entire trip because of the monopoly the train company has on the trip to Aguas Calientes (the city below Machu Picchu... with the only route to the city being the train), and the monopoly of the bus company that takes you to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. Plus the fact that everything thing there was super expensive (i spent $8 on a meal.. thatīs just not latin america style is it?) because itīs an island, so they can do that sort of thing.
But in reality I should not be complaining. There was not one bit of poverty here. I had dinner with a local named Manuel. He is one of the security guards at the train station in Aguas Calientes (i got to know him because i lost my camera, which iīm not going to get into, but just fyi). We talked about the fact that there are no beggars here in this city, which is so rare in Latin America in general, because of the fact that everyone here has plata.. money.. from the tourist industry. 90% of the income of Aguas Calientes comes from tourism.
Not only is it good that the people here have enough to live on, but you can tell that they really care for their city. There are recycling bins everywhere. I donīt think I saw even one scrap of trash on the ground. Even better, the christmas tree in the plaza was made out of recycled 2 liter bottles of Sprite. I didnīt even realize it was made out of bottles till I got close with it. No worries, I took a picture of it with my high class disposable camera. But really, we as Americans could learn from this. These people donīt seem to waste. I know that I myself often forget that what we do or donīt do with our environment will effect the world in the future tremendously. Not only because of the fact that each person does make a difference, but because how you live your life is contagious. If you treat the earth and life well, others will see this and want to do the same.
the same goes for the mountain itself Machu Picchu. It sees about 2500 visitors a day. 2500!!! according to some researchers this is already causing major effects of the ruins such as land slides. in order to protect this place, the park would have to let no more than 500 in a day. But this too has problems. if there are limits on the people who can come then it will cut down on the economy flowing into the town and possibly cause a wealthy island in the mountains to become poor. Itīs quit a controversial epidemic.
But, the mountains. Machu Picchu. Why do so many flock here? To be honest before I came I thought this was where Pizarro counquered the Incas. But apparently this place was hidden from the Europeans. It wasnīt even discovered till the early 1910īs by some englishman who had local guides.
Itīs become so attractive to visitors because of itīs beauty and mystery alone. No one knows the true history behind this place, and this mystery is felt in the air.
This is where the clouds come to rest. They pass through the hidden Inca Ruins, catch their breath, and then continue on their way. A friend I met on the trail, Sneha, described it perfectly "you are literally in the clouds."
On my journey into Machu Picchu I met a brother and sister traveling together (which made me really want my brother here!). they are from Virginia, one is a dentist and the other just finished residency. We decided to climb Wayna Picchu together, the highest peak in the area. It wasnīt terribly difficult, but it was so steep so we were all definitly huffing and puffing on our way up. They try to preserve this area by only allowing 400 in a day. so you have to get up really early if you want to go, becaue thereīs a long line to get in. They allow 200 at 7 and 200 at 10. (btw I woke up at 5am to go, craziness huh?). But what I was trying to get at is that the view was well worth it, you could see all the ruins of Machu Picchu from the top, and visit some smaller ruins including a house that had the best view ever. I would not have minded living here during this time period. I was also super lucky because they took pictures for me and promised theyīd facebook them to me. I didnīt even ask, they just offered.
Anyway, my feet really hurt right now from the climb. But i did have a chance to relax in the hot springs after. It was such a relaxing place. Amidst the mountains and the mist and the rain my muscles had a chance to relax in the earth heated water.
Now I am in ollyanta. The town right below Aguas Calientes. Iīm staying at a hostal owned my a charming woman named Roxanne. Sheīs going to take me on a hike tomorrow overlooking the town.. gratis. Then I will be off and returning to Cusco for el nuevo ano. Itīs tradition here to by yellow underwear for good luck in the new year, so in keeping with tradition i bought some. I tried to figure out the story behind it but noone could tell me. So if anyone knows.. escribame!
I hope everyone has a fun but safe new year. Donīt forget to reflect on the accomplishments you made, the things you are thankful for, and your dreams for the new year.
con el amor de Dios
un beso y un abrazo
michelle E
ps there was so much more i wanted to write to you about, like my angel ricardo that helped me find my way around cusco, the amazing place that i am privilegd to stay at, the markets, the people at my hostal in aguas calientes.. pero no hay suficiente tiempo.. if you want to know more.. write me... or wait till i get back and i can give you fuller details ;) or not.. either way. lol
