I thought the ruins yesterday were spectacular so I suppose I can only describe Machu Picchu as sublime--above anything I've seen. When we arrived this morning there were just enough clouds to add to the mystery. No one is quite sure of the purpose of Machu Picchu, but it is likely that it was a place for the Inca King to get away for some recreation. It has over two hundred structures including terraces, homes, store houses, and a temple to the sun god. Another thing it has is location--it is set in the jungle on the edge of the Peruvian Andes. They say that if this world UNESCO site isn't maintained that it would be covered with juggle growth again within three years. Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 1500's. It is not clear whether the Spanish invaders influenced its demise, a small pox epidemic wiped out the inhabitants, or the king just moved on a whim. However, it is clear that what we have been left with is an absolute treasure. Of course, the really cute llamas a nice touch too! You Are Always in My Prayers. Love Mom.
17 Comments
Nano
5/17/2017 06:24:23 am
I was giddy when we arrived there. It is beyond anything I've ever seen! Your trip seems amazing. More importantly, I am with dad on the cuy!
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Diane
5/17/2017 10:15:23 am
We are having a great time...obviously we could spend more time at each spot but overall incredible. Love you and am looking forward to hearing your stories.
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Mr. N
5/17/2017 10:56:26 am
We caught up with your posts today. The teacher has been away with soccer a lot. Here are some questions: How did you get to Manchu Picchu? Am I spelling it correctly? Eat anything else interesting? Do people ride llamas? If so, will you?
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Ray
5/17/2017 04:06:39 pm
We were staying in the sacred valley so started very early (wake up call at 4:45. A 45 minute bus ride took us to Ollantaytambo. There we got on the Vista train for a ride up through the valley along the Patakancha with wonderful views. This took us to a small village at the bottom of the mountain often called Macau Picchu town. From there a public bus up to closer to Machu Picchu. There were however many younger folk (our kids included) who hike to Machu Picchu.
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Diane
5/19/2017 07:04:09 pm
I originally spelled it wrong in my entire post because autocorrect changed it to Manchu...it is actually Machu Picchu....I think I've fixed it now😄
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Ray
5/17/2017 04:15:20 pm
Not in the meat or insect category. A very popular drink here sold on the street in chicha morada. A dark purple drink made from purple corn, fruit juices, and spices. It has a history that goes back at least to inca times and probably further back than that. I was able to finish mine but would not rank it as a big hit with me. People do not ride llamas though they are used as pack animals but even that is rare now a days.
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Berendina
5/17/2017 08:55:59 pm
Wow .. what beautiful, breath-taking sights you are seeing. Hard to believe that you are seeing them "for real"!!! Beyond Blessed!!!!
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Diane
5/19/2017 07:07:23 pm
I really do appreciate how blessed we are. We have seen so many incredible sights this trip that I don't think it is even going to fully sink in until we get home. Will be home this Monday. Miss you. D
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Mrs.B
5/19/2017 07:08:20 am
I always thought it was spelled Machu Picchu...but I see you're calling it Manchu Picchu. Why the discrepancy?
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Ray
5/19/2017 06:12:04 pm
You are correct it is Machu Picchu. I have noticed that if I am not careful my auto spell checker on my I pad will change it on me.
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Diane
5/19/2017 07:05:29 pm
Thanks...I think I've fixed it now...darn that autocorrect😜
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TRINITY 5/6 :)
5/19/2017 07:08:53 am
Why was Manchu Picchu abandoned?
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Ray
5/19/2017 06:25:44 pm
Great question. Machu Picchu was a royal estate visited by the royal family and the king for a place away from the capital city of Cuseco. Before the Spanish arrived in Peru the plagues and diseases from Europe came, followed by a civil war and then conquest by the Spanish. All these events led to this temporary kings residence not being used.
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Harmony
5/19/2017 07:12:34 am
How bog was the town? Was it fun? Din you get to ride the Llamas? Was Diane scardeor was Ray scard
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Ray
5/19/2017 06:43:19 pm
Machu Picchu covers an area about twice the size of Listowel, but that includes some terraces for agriculture. Only 600 to 1000 people likely lived there.
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Katie 5/6
5/19/2017 07:16:09 am
How was walking with Llamas? I would love to walk with Llamas.
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Ray
5/19/2017 06:44:42 pm
Diane loved being near the llamas and taking pictures of them.
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Ray & Diane Homewood
Sharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
August 2017
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