Wednesday, December 20, 2006
20/12 Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Really early start this morning. 5.30am pickup to join the train to Machu Pichu. Didn't have a window which was disappointing, so no pictures, but still an amazing journey through towering mountain cliffs. The steep sides rise above the train (there were windows in the roof - take note Kurandalander) with broms and lichens clinging to them, defying gravity. White clouds cover the snowy tops like merangue on a pie. The train line climbs in a series of switch backs. Forward then reverse. Then we join the path of the river and we wind along together. Frothy brown and white water belting along as fast as the train. I can't help it, the clickerty clack sends me off to sleep and I have to force myself awake to watch the scenery.
I arrive in Agua Calliente in time for breakfast. A town geared totally to the tourist trade and priced accordingly. Still another 1/2 hour bus ride from Machu Pichu. LOTS of market stalls, restaurants and hotels and not much else. It is too wet and cold to be bothered stripping off in the hot springs that give the town it's name.
The main square is fascinating; surrounded on three sides by towering mountains that seem to grow out of the square. The 4th side is where the Rio Vilcanota swings through town on its way to join the Amazon. The town itself clings to the mountainside, the hotchpotch of building styles and qualities adhering til the next earthquake or mudslide. Like so many developing countries the outside of buildings bely the interiors, but how they manage to remain standing is a mystery.
Met my guide for tomorrow - Anna Cecillia. She is obviously an Indian Peruvian but with very fine features and an aqualine nose. I am really looking forward to having a female guide. Lotso f questions....
Really early start this morning. 5.30am pickup to join the train to Machu Pichu. Didn't have a window which was disappointing, so no pictures, but still an amazing journey through towering mountain cliffs. The steep sides rise above the train (there were windows in the roof - take note Kurandalander) with broms and lichens clinging to them, defying gravity. White clouds cover the snowy tops like merangue on a pie. The train line climbs in a series of switch backs. Forward then reverse. Then we join the path of the river and we wind along together. Frothy brown and white water belting along as fast as the train. I can't help it, the clickerty clack sends me off to sleep and I have to force myself awake to watch the scenery.
I arrive in Agua Calliente in time for breakfast. A town geared totally to the tourist trade and priced accordingly. Still another 1/2 hour bus ride from Machu Pichu. LOTS of market stalls, restaurants and hotels and not much else. It is too wet and cold to be bothered stripping off in the hot springs that give the town it's name.
The main square is fascinating; surrounded on three sides by towering mountains that seem to grow out of the square. The 4th side is where the Rio Vilcanota swings through town on its way to join the Amazon. The town itself clings to the mountainside, the hotchpotch of building styles and qualities adhering til the next earthquake or mudslide. Like so many developing countries the outside of buildings bely the interiors, but how they manage to remain standing is a mystery.
Met my guide for tomorrow - Anna Cecillia. She is obviously an Indian Peruvian but with very fine features and an aqualine nose. I am really looking forward to having a female guide. Lotso f questions....
# posted by The Essence of Good Taste @ 6:23 PM 
