Another early morning for the tres cuyes, but oh was it worth it. We learned why Machu picchu was named a wonder of the world. Our day started with a short car ride to the train station, but don’t think it was to get on a train. Due to the strong rains in February, the train tracks to Machu were destroyed, which meant a 2 hour bus ride to catch the working train. We quickly bonded with our 9 other passengers due to multiple near-death experiences on the bus ride. Imagine driving 90 miles an hour on a one lane road, but with 2 way traffic with pedestrians and dogs and llamas walking on the roads on the edge of the Andes mountain side…..it was usually worse than this. Luckily none of us had to use our barf bags, but we came very close. Peg has lost a few years of life, but has improved her jaw muscle strength due to the permanent sustained clench. We were so relieved when we actually made to the “real” train station,”…..until we saw the train. It was a 1.5 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (yes, still not to Machu yet) at a maximum speed of 15 mph. Lisa wanted to get off the train and run along side it to get there faster. The train finally arrives and it was time to take ANOTHER bus to the Machu Picchu entrance (we are now at 5 hours of travel time). We almost lost Peg at this point. Again, imagine all of the above but add wet roads and hairpin turns up the mountain; and we almost hit head on with another bus. But… as soon as we walked through the entrance of Machu, it was all worth it!
We had a 2 hour guided tour, followed by 2 hours of free time to explore. Our tour guide was great with the exception of his overwhelming saliva production. We almost prescribed him Robinol but found out it was just as safe to stand 3 feet back. After the tour, we decided to sit and eat a snack on one of the terraces of Machu, surrounded by llamas. Lisa busted out her Doritos while Peg and Bea shared sweet potato chips. It was an indescribable, out of this world experience. It was like sitting on top of the world. While we were snacking, Chuy ran off and found love in the most unexpected place. We never knew he was a fan of grass and llamas! After all our hiking through Machu piccu, we needed a snack. Bea and Lisa bought the best ever $6 Snickers, money well spent. Now just repeat the past 5 hours for our trip home. Needless to say we were exhausted. Chuy, however was still high on love.
Peruvian facts:
1.Do you know who discovered Machu Piccu? Well, turns out it was Racheal’s long lost relatives, Hiram Bingham; in 1911. Sure could have used the family discount; thanks for holding out on us Racheal.
2. Did you know all of the window openings are in trapezoidal shape to withstand earthquakes?
3. Did you know the Incas built the temples more precisely than the homes, and the rocks to fit like bricks?
Points to date…
Bea earned a point in the van with a Jersey boy, but only because Peg and Lisa were too nauseated to talk to anyone. She tried to claim a point from an infant that was randomly waving. We explained to her that it was a reflex and it doesn’t count (we almost deducted 0.5 points for this).
Peg again tried to claim unwitnessed points. Just because a train porter says hello (and winks, per Peg), unwitnessed points do not count. Neither does random politeness from the locals.
Lisa stayed with her current points, but is claiming if the damn Chi would work she would be scoring more (freaking curly hair).
So we are at Peg 4, Lisa 4, Bea 2.5
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