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Published: December 11th 2007
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The train to Aguas Calientes We got up early and waited patiently for our pickup to arrive, but it never materialised! So we quickly grabbed a cab, which flew down the narrow cobbles of Cusco and got us to the train just in time! Only Backpacker class today, but it was comfortable enough thanks to the distraction of the stunning views of the valley. It was a curious train journey because the train had to repeatedly zig-zag backwards and forwards up the hill. As we got closer to Machu Picchu we caught glimpses of the trail and people trekking, which made us a little envious, as it was such a beautiful, sunny day. After 4 hours we arrived in Aguas Calientes and were directed to our 1 star hotel - living it up today! Actually it was fine, so after checking in, we mooched around the large handicraft market. We were still both suffering with the flu, so relaxed before dinner at one of many pizzerias lining the street. Jase was fascinated by how close the train track ran next to the shops and restaurants. As we sat munching a Hawaiian, a huge train hooted and chugged past us, mere inches
away! We had an early night as it was up early for Machu Picchu in the morning.
Machu Picchu We had purchased our bus tickets the previous afternoon, so jumped on the 6.30am bus to Machu Picchu. The coach wound its way up the mountainside, offering superb views of the valley below. Soon we arrived at the gate, where we waited for Frank and the rest of the gang due at 7.30am. The group arrived, Margarita looking healthy and happy, as she really enjoyed the trek. She was accompanied by a Turkish lady and a couple of Malaysian women, so after they refreshed themselves, we started the tour of Machu Picchu. We walked through the gate and surveyed the huge site: steep terraces running above and below us, the Watchman Tower looming from the dizzy heights above us. We sat down, much to the relief of our fellow trekkers, and Frank explained the history of Machu Picchu, so we could appreciate its significance. Most of the site is original, although a small percentage of restoration work has been conducted, so you can imagine the site in its former glory. We walked across to the Sun Temple and the Priest´s
Jase happy by the Peru Rail Train
You can take the boy out the anorak! But he´s still a trainspotter at heart House. Then we climbed more steps to look through the famous Three Windows across the valley. As we descended to empower ourselves on the huge magic monolith that is supposed to energise you, where we were mobbed by lots of local teenagers who wanted their photos taken with us. They were very persistent and all seemed to want a snap, much to our amusement, we felt like celebrities! The tour ended and we mooched around the site by ourselves, exploring the little rooms at our own pace. We decided to trek up to the top to enjoy the magnificent views of Machu Picchu below us and say hello to the cute alpacas grazing on the upper terraces. From above, the view was even more impressive, with the site and the mountain, Huayna Picchu, that looks like a man´s face. Margarita, still energetic after the trail, braved a climb up Huayna Picchu, which sounded a bit scary with very narrow steps and footholds. Margarita amazingly made it up in 45 minutes and down again in half an hour (well done!) but it sounded a real scramble! We lazed in the grass on one of the terraces, enjoying the view, while vicious
Inka King
In the Plaza in Aguas Calientes little flies enjoyed a nibble on us (ineffective DEET again!). Soon it was time to depart, so we caught the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and had lunch with the group. Jase took lots more train photos - think he was more impressed by the train´s close proximity to the village, than Machu Picchu itself! ( no i wasnt!)
After spending too much time and money in the handicraft market, we caught the afternoon train back to Cusco. It took a painful 4 hours to get back and there were no interesting views at night to distract us. Jase had a banging headache and his eyes were streaming as much as our noses. Margarita was tired but anxious to get back so she could go out and celebrate, and meet all the guys who were pursing her along the trail! Poor Margarita, always attracting the unwanted attention of men and even women on the trip! Hee hee! We collapsed back at the hotel, Jase feeling terrible with his flu.
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Debra
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Run Shaun!!
Jase, guinea pig devourer and possible sun god sacrifices poor shaun to secure a safe journey home. Run sheepy! Poor shaun.