Guest blogger Alicia Villarosa
I met up with the Platt Wu’s in Cusco and spent 3 days exploring the city and eating delicious food including unbelievable ceviche. On Palm Sunday we set out on our own pilgrimage via mini van to Ollantaytambo where we caught an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the point of departure for the train to Macchu Picchu. I was sooooo excited to see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
I met up with the Platt Wu’s in Cusco and spent 3 days exploring the city and eating delicious food including unbelievable ceviche. On Palm Sunday we set out on our own pilgrimage via mini van to Ollantaytambo where we caught an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, the point of departure for the train to Macchu Picchu. I was sooooo excited to see one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Despite it’s touristy proximity to the famous ruins, AC is a pleasant, scenic, kinda hippyish town. After grabbing a bite we called it a night to rest up for our early morning 3 1/2 hour hike up and down the mountain. But in the middle of the night I was woken by torrential rain. Gatos y perros it poured all night! The next morning I rolled outta bed, disappointed, thinking the hike was off and we’d be stuck watching spanish language TV in our hostel. Wrong! Yo, Neil, Ruby and Oscar were eating breakfast dressed in rain gear and ready to go so blathered some random gung ho phrase, grabbed something waterproof and followed them to the train.
Luckily Pacha Mama was benevolent and by the time we started our ascent the sky was clearing and only a light mist remained. Full disclosure I AM NOT A HIKER and it was challenging clambering up rain slicked the rocks and up the side of the mountain but the flora along the way were spectacular.
Colorful orchids lined the path and we were surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. And the beauty on the way up made of for the lack of view at the top because at the summit we were enveloped in fog, visibility zero! It was strange and cool.
After a few Proof of Life shots its was time to descend. This was very bad news for my very bad knees, so I decided to go backwards. I tucked my dignity in my fanny pack, turned around and ass first and hands down, I backed, walked and crawled my way down. Oddly this put me at eye level of people going up and I’d call out a cheery greeting. Several (older) people nodded in understanding and said in numerous languages “ knee problems right?” Some else called me spider-woman. Back on level ground and face forward I swear I saw other people copying my technique. Perhaps I’ve started a trend which I will patent and with my new business partner Oscar. We’re planning a line of accessories starting with gloves. Ouch!
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