Auguas Calientes
Today I write from Auguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. I finished the Inca trail without a problem, though it was the most difficult hike I{ve ever done without a close second.
The group we had was amazing, and they made an outherwise grueling hike very enjoyable. There were 14 people with us from all over the world: USA, Ireland, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. One of my favorite things to do with a collection of people from different countries is to talk world politics. It is so amazing to see the perspectives of different people from other counties on the USs policies, and other issues. I enjoyed that as much as anything else. Keeping that in mind I was not in the majority of political opinions. Quite frankly, I was the only vocal conservative. But like I said, it was fun to be able to discuss different opinions in an honest conversation where everyone kept civil.
Machu Picchu itself was amazing. I took pictures, so those will be up when I return. I am still, and will be sore in my thighs for probably the next week or more.
Need to head out, will post again soon.
Peru!
Hello everyone… Looks like garons sight got taken offline a little bit due to ivan, but everything is back now. hope everyone is ok.
I´m n peru now writing from the airport in Cusco. I am waiting for my flght to Manu where I will spend the next couple of days in the Jungle / rainforrest.
So far, I´ve been to Lima which was a very dirty city. The smog is so bad that it looks overcast every day. the noise is also a huge problem with cars honkng their horns constantly. traffic is a nightmare. people are also constantly approaching you asking if you want to buy something. I know they target us because we are obviously not from here.
Enough of the bad things.. apart from the street vendors, the people here are very friendly and gracious. the culture is so different and it is wonderful. I´ve never been in a place quite like it.
A few notes… the national soft drink is called Inca Cola. It tastes like bubble gum, and looks like urine.
In cusco the altitude is 11,000 feet and if you are not careful you will get altitude sickness. we took it easy the first day here, so we were ok, but we still felt the effects some.
I´ve got to take off now, but hopefully i´ll be able to write again soon. pictures to follow when I get back.