Realm of the gods

After being somewhat disconnected from the world of technology for the past 2 weeks, it is difficult to get back into it. Now back in Lima we have many stories.....

Our adventure begins somewhat abruptly in Cusco on the morning of the 3rd when both set alarms failed to go off and our Machu Picchu tour guide was forced to wake us up. Needless to say we got off to a rocky start, though alls well that ends well. The trek was incredible. The first day was rather mild as we adjusted to the trail, the alititude, got more acquainted with our group of 6 others, and took in the stunning views of cloud draped mountains. Day 2 was described as the most challenging and held up its reputation. Not only was it 3 and a half hours up slick stone steps but it began to pour and we quickly became a soggy wet mess, despite our brightly colored ponchos that in theory covered both us and our packs, making us look like turtles, but in practice left something to be desired. Though seemingly a disappointment, the rain added to the magical ambiance of the mountains, while enhancing the surrounding greenery. Trekking the Inca Trail is definitely a privileged experience. Though we carried our own packs, we had 12 porters accompanying our group who jettisoned ahead and set up camp, complete with coca tea and snacks awaiting our arrival. That being said, the food was awesome. Dare we say, gourmet considering we were on a camping trip. Each meal included several courses, for instance we usually started with a hearty soup, followed by a plate full of meat, rice and vegetables, finishing with dessert and tea. Exactly what we needed to maintain energy for 7 hours of hiking. Day 3 finished early at a campsite complete with showers, a restaurant and remarkable ruins, Wiñawayna, which set the stage for what was to come the next day. Day 4 we awoke at 3:45 am in order to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu. Though grueling, it was more than worth it. Upon arrival at the Sun Gate, thick clouds engulfed both us and the ancient city. We waited patiently fearful that our postcard worthy view would not reveal itself. But, Pachamama was smiling down on us and the clouds parted. The view is more spectacular than we imagined. And though a picture is worth a thousand words, the postcards hardly do it justice. Our guide Jime (sounds like Jimmy) gave us a very informative tour of the entire city before giving us free time to roam.

In retrospect, Machu Picchu is certainly the main highlight thus far. However, our whirlwind tour of southern Peru provided other eye-opening experiences. Stay tuned....

Highlights reel:

1. It turns out, we seemed to be on a couples retreat to Machu Picchu. Thus, we were forced to establish our own status as a couple for a few days. We´ll stop the joke here. The dirty version of our blog can be found at www.trekkingonpenniesxxx.blogspot.com

2. Digestive issues still reigned prominant in our lives. While Anjali couldnt find enough bathrooms, Devon never went. Though initially, the cloud cover surrounding Machu Picchu was distressing, it did allow Devon to relieve herself not 10 feet from where the group sat.

3. Our appetites wetted after seeing baked bananas on a menu in Cusco, our trek chef seemingly read our minds and prepared indivually fried bananas that came flaming to our plates.

4. After 4 days of constantly seeing alpacas along the trail, we were a little jaded. We were too cavalier in our beliefs. One alpaca took it upon itself to keep us in check and charged Devon in the middle of the ancient city. Luckily, no injuries sustained (except pride given the girlish shriek that escaped Devon´s lips).


5. We survived the Inca Trail, as the t-shirts say, and lived to tell the tale...