Machu Picchu

Dear Mom and Dad,

The pictures you have been waiting for. We woke up at 330 am to start our trek to the Sungate. I was a little disappointed because I lost my sleeping bag this morning. I didn't have it tied on properly, and 30 minutes after I had my bags packed I realized it was gone. We hadn't left the campsite yet, and I spent the morning asking around to see if anyone came across it. Of course, nobody did. Someone is probably sleeping well in my bag. At least it served it's purpose, and we still have the second one if I get too cold in a hostel. Charlie always seems to run warm. The first few pictures are of us looking over at Machu Picchu through the sungate. We were very lucky with the weather because our guide says you can never see the sun rising in the rainy season due to overcast clouds and rain.

Here we are walking on the trail towards Machu Picchu. The first picture you can see us really well, and the second picture you can see Machu Picchu really well.

Here we are before we entered Machu Picchu. If you look closely from right to left, you can see an Inca person's facial outline. The big peak is the nose and the mouth and prominent jaw follow. I can kind of make out the eye line above the big peak.

Even though I could barely walk at the point, I was so excited to make it! Charlie even joined in on the cheerleading "high V" pose.

The whole group made it.

70% of the sturctures at Machu Picchu are original. The top parts around the structures are what the National Park as restored. Pretty amazing that after all these years, it's almost all intact. It really is one of the seven wonders of the world. Unfortunately it is sinking due to natural causes, so the National Park is trying to figure out ways to preserve this beautiful place.

The Incas made a replica of the mountain profile to use as a map. Looks pretty close even after all these years.

Listening very closely to explanations given at each site.

Riding the train back towards Cusco was a fun experience. Unfortunately Charlie and I could not sit next to each other, so I was forced to people watch the entire time. I couldn't help but judge individuals on whether or not I thought they actually did the Inca Trail hike. Charlie and I giggle about which people did not make the trek and why afterwards. It's mean, but we were bored and couldn't talk to anyone sitting next to us since they only spoke Spanish. I attempted too, but the people just wanted to sit quietly and read. Fortunately, the train served salted peanuts and beans as snacks. Very delicious. I also enjoyed coca tea. It's a local tea made from cocaine leaves. It's supposed to help with the altitude sickness. I just think it tastes good. The top of the train was glass, so it was also fun to look out and see the terrain we corssed from a different viewpoint.

Our bus ride back to Cusco from the train station was anything but fun. Charlie and I always manage to find the craziest driver. We made it 15 minutes faster then anticipated. Two kids behind me were puking the entire route, and then the girl to the left of me started yaking. I couldn't have been any happier to get out of that mini-bus.

Tipping after an event like the Inca trails is something that I think is inevitiable. It caused some tension when we decided to tip the cook, porters, and waiter as a group. Of course, Charlie and I wanted to tip what the company deemed reasonable, but a few thought that was too much. As a whole we all agreed on a set number, but it was left up to the individuals to leave as much as they thought appropriate. I didn't think that was fair because if we give a lump sum from all of us, but one person puts in less then the amount, it reflects on everyone. I was just glad that we tipped the guides individuallly and hoped for the best.

Overall, the Inca Trails and Machu Picchu have been the highlight of our trip. Nothing was as difficult or rewarding as doing the hike. I now want to visit all seven wonders of the world. Words and pictures cannot describe the magnitude of Machu Picchu. GO VISIT IT.

Love always,

Matti Jo and Charles Dale