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Published: December 21st 2006
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The classic shot
This picture needs no caption. Everyone should know what this is. Well, I finally did it. I finally went to Machu Picchu. I saved the best for last I think. I can't help but jump on the bandwagon and say that it was probably the most amazing sight in Peru that I've seen. Granted, I haven't seen everything in this geographically rich country, but nonetheless, in terms of archaeology and anthropology, Machu Picchu is choice. God help me I can not remember the exact altitude, but Machu Picchu is an ancient city where about 1000 people lived. It is completely surrounded by lush, green mountains, and the Urabamba River runs down below. Taking the tour, I learned quite a bit about the people that lived there and how brilliant and resourceful they were. For instance the way they constructed their city was sheer brilliance. They used large rocks, but didn't use mortar to cement the rocks together. They also left a bit of room in between the stones so that during a tremor or earthquake, the space between the stones allows them to move. So, what happens is the stones move past one another rather than crumbling and breaking. Think about that for a second. These were people that existed far before
the time of Christ. Look what they accomplished. What is even more impressive is that archaeology students at the University of Cuzco tried to reconstruct their design, and only built 5 rocks in one month, and they failed the seismic tests. If you all don't know already, Peru is an active country. Seismically active. I have felt at least a half a dozen tremors here. Nothing crazy, but enough to startle you a bit.
Looking at the date, I ponder. In two more days, I will be home. While it will be beautiful to see my family and friends, a piece of me will stay here in Lima. I already look back on this trip with a bittersweet feeling. This country has showed and taught me things, and for that I am eternally in debt to this country. Despite its drawbacks, Peru has been my home for more than 4 months. As I said in one of my first entries, quoting John Paul II, that our home countries are our mothers. Peru has been my mother for the past 4 months, and she has given me several unique opportunities. My mind feels so cluttered right now. There are so
The maximum
I'm soaking it all in here. many things I want to write about because this is all coming to a close, but what I need to write is a thank you. Thank you to all of the people I have met here, Peruvians, Belgians, French, Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Cuban, Mexican, Norwegian, German, Swiss, Swedish, English, and American. Even if I met you one time, you still contributed to this amazing experience and taught me a little something about your country. I feel so privileged to have known all of you. Here comes the cliché: I know that we meet certain people in our lives for a reason. I know that I will probably not see many of these people ever again. That hurts man. It really fuckin' hurts. I think of the people that I didn't get to say goodbye to, and wish I could give them a hug and tell them thank you. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being a part of my life for even a short time. I think that we don't necessarily need years and years to really appreciate someone or to figure out if they are good friends or not. I have only known some of these
Typical street in Cuzco
In Cuzco, the streets narrow and not cemented. They are stones. It gives the city a very European feel. Well, I've never been to Europe, so correct me if I'm wrong...dick people a couple of months, but we all help each other out. Also, it doesn't take much to time to change as a person. I have changed so much in only 4 months. All because of these people. They have helped me, traveled with me, conversed with me, studied with me, lived with me, and taught me a thing or two. Thus, I will carry you all with me wherever I go. I just wish I could prolong this trip longer, but it must end here.
You know, I was in my hostal in Cuzco last night with my buddy Zach, and we were watching "Garden State". I was thinking about how my current situation reflects that of the protagonist, Andrew Largeman, portrayed by Zach Braff. He returned to his home town in New Jersey to attend the funeral of his mother. He randomly met Sam (Natalie Portman), and at first he didn't really think she was anything special, but as the hours passed, they got to know each other quite well. They eventually fell in love, and all was merry. The part I am focusing on is the fact they only had 4 days, and realized how much
they meant to each other. This is what I am relating to. I know this is a movie, but it is real life. That can happen, and it does happen. It happened to me. As I sit here at the kitchen table here in Peru, I am living that moment. I have come to know many new people, and in a short period of time, but they have left a significant mark on me. When I return home, I know that this experience will seem distant. It's just like high school. When it ended, after all the tears, hugs, and goodbyes, before we knew it, we were seniors in college. That's life. But, with the termination of one chapter, there begins another. I look forward unto this next chapter of my life with the wide eyes of a child, and an open mind. I am up for anything. Cheers and love to everyone. I love you all and God bless.
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