| For 30 days we lived
aboard the MV Discovery |
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We were
invited to take
pictures from the cockpit
of the small, propeller-
driven plane. We were
treated to amazing views
of the Peruvian Alps.
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Cusco
was tough on all
of us. The 11,000 foot
altitude forced several
people to ask for oxygen.
We rested for a couple of
hours in our huge room.
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Our
window looked over
an unusual pass-through
between buildings. The
adjacent building was
shored up with timbers.
Notice the goat.
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Crafts
of all kinds are an
important part of Peru's
tourist trade. We were
constantly accosted by
locals selling things they
had made.
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This lady was
especially
persistent. She was along
side the bus trying to sell
through the windows. We watched one sale completed this way.
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Joan
couldn't resist this
fellows sweaters. Scarves
were popular. Portfolios
of paintings were shown
as we walked.
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High
on the hill above
Cusco we discovered this
lady tending her herd of
llama. These folks love
bright colours!
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Sacsayhuaman
(sexy
woman) was the first Inca
ruin we toured. The stone
work was amazing but all
the buildings had been
destroyed.
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A
single lentel left erect
by the Spanish invaders
acted as a gate to the top
of the hill. We roamed
the ruin for about an
hour.
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As the bus began to
wind
down the hill, this woman strode by with her child in a blanket.
The top of the hill was local park as well as a ruin.
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Everywhere we went
there were people in colourful traditional costumes looking to sell a
craft or collect payment for posing.
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This central square
in downtown Cusco has survived a millenium or so. Other Inca
foundations could be found here.
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Narrow streets and
bustling traffic is the norm in Cusco.
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Our train to Machu
Picchu left Cusco at 5:30.
The beginning of the 4 hour trip was a series of switchbacks
requiring the train to back up.
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On board there were
a few things to amuse us. Staff dressed in this amusing costume
and posed for pictures. |
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The famous Inca
Trail with some hikers climbing toward the mountain, was an exciting
thing to see.
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The final stage of
the journey was a 40 minute bus ride. About 3000 people ride each
day.
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We
weren't disappointed by our first glimpse of the ruin. It was
spectacular. |
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The ruin is all
about detailed rock work. Joints are amazing.
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A few buildings had
had the roof reconstructed. Note the rocks for lashing on the
thatch. Checl out the "down, down, down"! |
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The boy ran a shortcut down the mountain and met the bus at each
switchback where he yelled a wild greeting before setting off again.
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A single rock was
used to carve this stair.
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The steepness of
paths and stairs was always noticeable both in appearance and in our
lungs.
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Perhaps our best
picture of the ruins is this view of the llamas and the terraces with
the river far below.
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Our "runner" was a
highlight of the ride down. Each departing but adopted a small
boy aboout 8 years old.
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At the bottom he
came aboard and accepted "donations".
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