I am typing this entry from a Loki Backpackers Hostal in Cuzco, Peru. I am nearing the end of our journey to Machu Picchu and have lots to write about...
I am traveling with 3 friends from my program- Clay, Becca, and Tariq. Finals ended on Monday afternoon and by Monday night we were aboard a bus headed south to the Peruvian border. We learned early-on that counterfeited money is very common in Peru, and are finding that people are trying to take advantage of us (presuming we have lots of money) left and right. I wasn't used to this in Quito and am finding it hard to know who to trust.
Over 36 hours of bus travel finally brought us to Lima. I had considered studying abroad there and after a brief visit feel that Quito was a better fit for me. We stayed a great hostal where I enjoyed having 4 pet turtles.
From Lima we took various buses and taxis to Santa Maria, the nearest town to Aguas Calientes. We were all carsick and fearing for our lives when the rides were over and decided it would be better to be broke than broken and booked the Perurail for our return trip. Incredible views as we passed through the Andes yet again.
The journey from Santa Maria to Machu Picchu was adventuresome. Part hitchiking, part walking the train tracks. All in all a great way to stretch our legs and enjoy awesome scenery. We hiked to Aguas Calientes (3 hours) and the next morning to Machu Picchu entrance (1 hour of steep climbing). We arrived before the tour buses (at 5:55am) putting us in good postition to see the ruins before they were clobered with people.
Machu Picchu was beautiful. We had perfect weather which made the day that much more enjoyable (it's now the off season as it's the rainy season). However cliche it sounds it really was a dream come true to visit. I was surprised that there weren´t more tourists visiting- though again it was the rainy season. I especially enjoyed seeing the llamas or alpacas grazing the lands. It was fun to think about what life must have been like there over 500 years ago. There is still a lot of speculation about what Machu Picchu was actually used for- fortress, retreat for nobility, city, etc. I am inspired to do a lot of research to learn more. We also hiked to the Waynapicchu peak and had a great view of our walking path from the previous night as well as a great view of the city.
Despite problems with transportation and counterfeited money the trip was well worth it!
I found myself with a lot of time to reflect on this semester. There are many things I will miss about Ecuador including:
Fruits, fruit salads, fresh juices
Cheap fresh baked bread- easily accessible on every corner
Bus transport at $1 an hour
Patient and slow Spanish speakers
Convenience of using Metro Transit
The sun (in such close proximity)
The Mariscal- day or night
Sunny mornings lounging on the campus lawn at La Catolica
A very affordable lifestyle for a college student´s budget
Having time to read
Views of the Andes from the heart of Quito
I will also miss my family, friends, professors, and directors.
It is hard to believe this semester has come and gone... time flies when you´re having fun! I feel so blessed for this experience and doubly blessed to be so excited to return home to great friends and family in the States.
Hasta luego...
1 comment:
Nice website
From Morgan
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