Ya, we climb mountains
14 February 2007
Cass
We finally did it!
We visited Machu Picchu yesterday, and it was better than I could have imagined. My friend Aki had seen the ruins a couple of months ago and could only describe the experience as �mysterious�.
I now understand.
The diligence and perserverance the Incans posessed demands respect. They built a city with not only a well planned layout, but with a pride that was evident in the beauty and precision of the stone work. And all this at the top of a mountain, surround by many other high peaks creating a seemingly impregnable city.
Mandy and I climbed up to the top of a neighboring mountain Wayna picchu (8,200ft) wich is more than 1000ft higher than Machu Picchu, and virtually straight up. At the top we got to enjoy lack of oxygen, the temple of the moon, satifaction of completing a hike that almost kicked our asses, and a spectacular view.
This was truly an experience that lived up to it�s build up. Unlike Valentines day, which is always overrated.
I�ve tried a few new things since coming to Peru. Alpaca-a smaller, softer, cuter version of a llama-whose wool is most desirable for sweaters, also happens to be pretty tasty medium rare. And I was quite surprised when a gentleman during casual conversation kept opening a tin, pinching a bit out, and with a vivacious snort the myserious substance dissapeared up his nose. After the third time he did this, courisoty killed the cat and I asked, �What is that your doing there?�. To which he replied with a straight face,�Cocaine, want some?�. Well, I could feel dad about to have a heart attack, when the man said he was just kidding, it�s only tobacco. And I thought...amazing, the bastards in the tobacco industry have come up with another orafice to get nicotine in your body. So, naturally, I tried some and it was fantastic. Opens your sinuses right up-a blessing in this altitude for a sea-level gal. Very similar to a vicks vapor inhaler...only bad for you. Thank goodness it�s not readily available, the last thing I need is another vice. Guinea pig, known as �cuy� is a local staple and next on my try list.
We are getting ready for some serious travel over the next coupla days. Trains, planes, and automobiles!
Cheers to climbing high
Cass
The biggin in the back ground is Wayna Picchu.
P.S. Thanks for the compliments, but I borrowed this pic from wiki pedia...will post ours upon return to Bahia de Caraquez