Day 13 – Jun
26
Today after
breakfast, at the Full Moon Lodge, we all had free time until 10:15. All the
girls decided to go shopping. Each time something caught my eye in the market,
I had to resist the temptation to purchasing it. Last year I felt that I needed to bring Peru
back to my family, but now I am trying to be more reasonable with my purchases.
At 10:15 we walked together to the train station in Ollantaytambo , and after a
two hour train ride we arrived to “Aguas Calientes”, where we ate lunch at the
station and took a 20 minutes bus ride to Machu Picchu. Our exploration of this
magnificent place began with a guided tour. The guide explained to us the rich
history of ‘the lost city od the Incas.’ Afterwards, we explored the ruins in
small groups. Machu Picchu is a place that is extremely hard to describe. I do
not think that my words or pictures give it justice. At first the heat and
multitude of stairs made it trying to walk; however, the cooler it got, and the
more we walked, the beauty of Machu Picchu began to emerge. As we walked
around, we stopped so many times to take pictures because it seemed that we
always found a better view of the ruins. From the top of the site, the cool air
was refreshing and the wind pushed me to keep exploring. The breathtaking views
made me feel light on my feet and all the walking we did was worth it. I feel
that Machu Picchu truly is a wonder of the world.
I send lots
of love to my parents who will soon have to deal with two children once again.
Love, Melissa Calderon -
PS: Dear
Mom, Please tell Emily that I got her llama and it is the most expensive thing
I purchased on this trip.
Our
Reflections about Machu Picchu:
“Machu Picchu was incredible was again and the
history behind it is fascinating. The best part was the view. (Dad, I drank a lotJ)” – Julian
“Machu
Picchu was even more spectacular than expected” – Alex
“I made it
to Machu Picchu and didn’t break myself. It is beautiful and I hope to go back
again with my family” – Ava
“Machu
Picchu was truly one of the most breathtaking scenes I have ever seen” – Miah
“Machu
Picchu was more beautiful than I expected. The views were breathtaking and it
was a good way to end the trip” – James
“Peaceful,
magnificent, enlighten, and an intriguing place” – Sra. Reyes
In December
1911 The New York Times wrote the
following about Bingham’s rediscovery of Machu Picchu for the western world of:
“Just now, when we thought there was
practically no portion of the Earth’s surface still unknown, when the discovery
of a single lake or mountain, or the charting of a remote strip of coast line
was enough to give a man fame as an explorer, one member of the daredevil
explorers craft has struck it rich, struck it so dazzlingly rich indeed, that
all his confrères may be pardoned if they gnash their teeth in changing and
turn green with envy” – Sra. Faus
