Back to the field

Well, we leave tomorrow to go back to the field, and I am sure we will have some fun adventures on our expedition to the other side of the river. We might even go check out the burned area(burned to make areas for cattlegrazing, except that it got out of control). We will return in 3 weeks or so, maybe on the 17th or 19th. Wish me luck, and less wasp stings.

Machu Picchu

We arrived at Machu Picchu on Tuesday, after a fun train ride. It uses switchbacks to go up the mountains, so at times you are riding forwards, then backwards. We arrived in Aguas Calientes, and had a fun time trying to find a cheap hotel with space and toliet paper. We finally found one, and then we went on a hike to the top of Putukusi to see the views of Machu Picchu from there. It was a nice steep climb, up some nice slipperly ladders. We saw some orchids, but none in flower. The air was nice and clean, and the view turned out to be amazing. That night, John received good news, that BRIT Peru is official, so we went out and celebrated. I wouldn't give Aguas Calientes any stars for entertainment. Some of the clubs were bought out by tourists, and the others had kids. But we had an interesting night. The next day, after making John get up, we took the bus up and saw Machu Picchu. It was amazing. Lots of tourists and guides and groups, but nothing too bad. I had sunscreen on, but I even got burnt. And a few insect bites. I was hanging out by myself on a rock in some shade, and a little Peruvian girl came and sat by me. She was making hand signals to someone, her mom I guess, and asked me if she could have a picture with me. I was a little confused, but I said yes. Then an older Peruvian lady sat by me, and also wanted a picture with me. I like to think it is because I have green eyes...but honestly, maybe they just wanted a picture with a gringa. On the way down the trail(we decided to walk instead of riding the bus), I met a girl, Clinique, who is from Israel. She just finished her stint in the army, and is on an eight month break. All in all, it was amazing, and I loved it. Anyone who has a chance to see it, should see it. The views are spectacular, the architecture is inspiring, and the air is crisp and clean.

I just love the mountains...the clean air can be so uplifting...especially when I am here, and my friends are working or studying. I feel for them. 

That would be fun to climb every day. 

Stem 

A begonia, or at least a very pretty flower. The whole plant is this color, even the stem. 

The llamas have free rein, so you have to watch your step. Llama poo is like oblong rabbit pellets. 

Made and John took pics near this llama, but when I was little, I was spit on by one at the zoo. So I just took my picture from a little farther back. He was chewing at the time, and I had no wish to be sprayed with llama spit. 

Just spectacular. 

Room with a view of tourists 

Room with a view 

They use llamas to keep the grass short...or at least that is what I overheard from one of the tour guides. 

If I had been an Inca, I would have liked to live here. 

I just loved the views. The clouds move different here than in Wayqichas, and we only saw two Epidendrums in bloom, and one was in the garden, not in the wild. Maybe the llamas ate them. 

Look...I really was there and did not "borrow" my pictures. 

The terracing work is amazing. 

Stella and Mathias climbed to the top, but I decided to rest and take in the views. Plus, I had all my stuff in my bag and did not want to carry 30 plus pounds to the top. 

It was very spectacular, it is hard to describe it. 

Dramatic view 

Those Incas were very good builders, their stuff lasts longer than ours. You can see the Inca stones in Cusco that outlasted the Spanish buildings. 

Machu Picchu 

That is Putukusi, where we hiked to the top, and I was more tired than hiking in Wayqichas. It is all the good food in Cusco, things like milk, juice, meat, veggies, fruits, cheeses. The basics of life, I know.  

The river at Aguas Calientes. It rocks, literally. 

Sorry the photo is blurry, I only brought my macro lens. I really was there, and did not do this pic in photo shop. 

Dramatic black and white, just like when Hiram Bingham found Machu Picchu. 

The mountains here are of varying shapes and sizes 

Putukusi, the top of the mountain that we had spectacular views of Machu Picchu.