Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Lost City

In case there was any question (and to ensure more snakes in my condo when I get home), here's proof to Markus and Mateo that I was really there. A careful check will reveal no Photoshop'ing ;-)
I'm guessing the only way to see Machu Picchu for the first time is at the crack of dawn. We arrived at 6am when the city opened to find ourselves in the clouds. For several hours the clouds and rain would come and go, teasing us with one quick glimpse after another of an amazing view from the watchtower.
When it started to look as though things would clear off a bit, we started the short, but very steep hike to Waynapicchu, the mountain overlooking the city.

We waited quite a while until little by little the sky began to completely open up and for the first time in a few weeks, a tanktop was enough in the warm sun.

We came down all sweaty to explore the city a bit more now that the sun was out and we could see it in all its glory. Plus, Wasabi wanted some pictures for his blog ;-)

There were heaps more people by afternoon. I can't even imagine what this place is like in high season. The colorful rain ponchos tend to ruin most of the pictures, but I thought this one was cool.

Even aside from the city itself, the view from up there is amazing in all directions. The individual, freestanding mountains remind me so much of Rio de Janeiro. Here is the steep unpaved road the busses traverse to bring up the tourists and at the bottom next to the river you can see the train which is the only access to the village of Aguas Calientes (the starting point).



Me, very happy to see something I've dreamed of since I was a child!

Finally, we had to say goodbye :-(

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

i´m really happy you can find your dreams, like this one go to Peru always you whant do this, look great, movie dinner

Jamie Shelden said...

Be careful there.....you're making Gry very jealous ;-)

Anonymous said...

I don't know...the unnatural light in the first foto kind of gives away the photoshop truth. How many times in your life have you been called machu picchu? Huh? Could this be a sad attempt to make those who've dreamed and dreamed eat they're poor hearts out?

Jamie Shelden said...

In all honesty - and I really mean this - I'm feeling guilty about being here. Next time I'm taking you and Meri, Markus and Myshel and Mom and Dad!! (just need to win the lottery first ;-)

GliderMike said...

really nice photos and slide show Jamie. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Massage? Maybe later? I miss you!!!

Jamie Shelden said...

Miss you too Gry....especially your sound effects ;-) Can't wait to see you in Laragne!!!!!

GliderMike said...

Did you get lost on the way back home, or is Florid so boring now after Ecuador and Peru, you can't come up with anything to post?

Jamie Shelden said...

Well, you got it right....Florida is a bit boring at the moment - nothing in particular to write about :-( But, it should be getting better in about two weeks ;-)